Faith -vs- Works

There is a theological debate over the question of whether salvation is by faith or by works that has caused the denominations of the churches to disagree for centuries. Differences of opinion are still among many believers today. Some even say the Bible contradicts itself on the matter of faith and works.

Here are some questions about faith and works:

Is justification for salvation accomplished by faith or by works, or both?

Does a person need faith in Jesus and also a holy lifestyle and good deeds in order to enter the kingdom of God!

If only faith matters for salvation how does works fit in?

Justified By Faith Alone

The Apostle Paul stated clearly that man is justified not by keeping the law, or works, but solely by faith in Christ. Here are just two of many Bible Verses that solidly back up the belief.

Romans 3:20, “For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight.“

Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.’

Faith Plus Works?

Interestingly, the book of June’s seems to say something different. James asserts that a person is justified by works, and not by faith alone.

James 2:24-26,

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified you works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also Faith apart from works is dead.

Reconciling Faith And Works

The key to reconciling the doctrines of faith and works is understanding the full context of these verses in James. Let’s look at the entire passage, which covers the relationship between faith and works:

James 2:14-26

What good is it, my brothers if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to the, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith and I have works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe - and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you a foolish person, have faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the alter?
You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness - and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by a another way! For as the body apart from the Spirit is dead, so also Faith apart from works in dead.

In this passage, James is comparing two different types of faith; genuine faith which leads to good works, and empty faith which is not really faith at all. True faith is alive and backed up by works. False faith that has nothing to show for itself is dead.

Abraham’s faith was not merely an empty confession but a principle of action. He showed his faith through willingness to offer Isaac. The same is true of Rahab who demonstrated her faith by helping the spies. Faith and works cannot exist separately or alone. They must go together. As one commentator put it, “ Faith and works are as inseparable as the sun and sunlight. Faith is the sun; good works are the rays.”

Both faith and works are important in salvation. However, believers are justified, or declared righteous before God, solely by faith. Christ is the only One who deserves credit for doing the work of salvation. Christians are saved by grace by God’s grace through faith alone.

Works, on the other hand, are the evidence of genuine salvation. They are proof in the pudding,” so to speak. Good works demonstrate the truth of one’s faith. They are the obvious, visible result of being justified by faith. Authentic “saving faith” reveals itself through works.

Encourage Yourself In The Lord

In first Samual 30:6 it says, And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him; because the soul of all people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the Lord His God.

It’s natural and normal to go from high to low in life, based on what comes our way, what we’re experiencing, and so forth. Many Believers move from mountain top to mountain top, so to speak, to the valley, as we all it, and then hope to make their way back up to the mountain top.

The first part of my Christian life was like a roller coaster, up down, down up, and often I was stuck in the valley. People who are born again often go through what is called the honeymoon stage of Christianity. I personally had an amazing born-again experience in 2008. I felt wonderful to be part of a church and I was excited to be a follower of God. But, I mistakenly thought my life would begin to turn around suddenly. That was not the case.

It begs a new life for me and i had stumbled into a world that I didn’t know existed before. No everyone has the same born again experience. Yet, I was still excited to be saved.

When the church got together for camp outs and other events, I wanted to talk about God and sing song’s around the campfire and do stuff like that. While we did some of that. Their were church members who didn’t want that.

They would look at my enthusiasm and say. Oh ‘Your just a baby Christian. Give it awhile you’ll calm down. I always thought what a shame they are saying that. Like their was something wrong with me being excited about God. While I calmed down a bit, I knew I needed spiritual food if I was going to say encouraged in the Lord.

I was hungry for something I didn’t have. But, I the same time I knew I had to be healed from my past life. I would read my Bible as much as I could even though I didn’t have much Biblical foundation to work with. I would call my pastor to get the answers I need if I had a question.

It took me four-years to break the chain of my past and start living in Christ. I went to every church meeting, Bible study I could. I have to admit I wasn’t much of a joy to people that knew me before. But it was the only way I knew to change my life. And it worked, I learned more about God in those four-years Thani ever have.

I realized that there was more to the Bible that just the message of salvation, though that’s a great message, a message that’s needed to get us into His Kingdom. But if that’s the only message you ever get, you don’t grow very far beyond that place.

Back in those days, the first couple of years of my Christian walk I heard a couple of teachings that helped me overcome that roller coaster experience of being on the Mount top and then in the valley, and back again.

It was about how David encouraged himself in the Lord. And the other was about learning who we are in Christ. Those two messages coupled together made it a lot easier for me to stay on the mountain top. You see, it’s in Christ that we’re saved. We have redemption, we are made new creatures.

2 Corinthians 5:27, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.

They verse alone is enough to stir you up. Who am I ? I’m a new creature in Christ Jesus. Old things have passed away. All things have become new in my life. Glory to God!

It’s in Him that we are made righteous. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:21…

2 Corinthians 5:21, For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

In Him I an the righteousness of God, and so are you. Am I saying that you’ve arrived, that you’re perfect? No, I’m not saying that. I’ve been in this thing for 14 years, and I haven’t arrived at perfection yet. And I haven’t met anyone who has. Have you? I don’t think so.

I am merely agreeing with what the Bible says about anyone who is in Christ Jesus. He is a new creature and He is on the righteousness of God. I’ve tried so hard to be righteous and several years and failed miserably. I worked at it so hard. I read my Bible , I pray on a regular basis, I go to my church every time the doors are open. I want to feel like I’m righteous, but the devil was always there to remind me of my issues and problems, no matter how hard I try.

But once I discovered that the Bible says I’m the righteousness of God in Christ, thin I had some ammunition to use against the devil. When that feeling of unrighteousness and unworthiness would come over me, I could just close my eyes and say…

Father, I thank you that I am a new creature in Christ. That this old life passed away, and all thing have become new for me. Thank you Father, that You made Jesus to be sin for me, so that I could be made the righteousness of God in Him. And Father, according to Colossians 1:23 I have been made fit and worthy to be a partaken of the inheritance of the Saints in light. I am in Christ and I am righteous in Him. Amen

When we do that we may start off feeling down in the dumps, so to speak, but then the good feelings come, as we speak these things. This is a form of prayer. Some people would call that confessing the word. I’m ok with that, but I call it a prayer of encouragement. This is how we encourage ourselves in the Lord. And it’s something we ought to do every single day of our life,

David was greatly distressed. He wasn’t feeling very good about things. He was no-where near the mountain top. This was one of the lowest points of his life. The people blamed him for their wives and church being taken. Fear was trying to close in on him. But what did he do?

It says that he encouraged himself in the Lord his God. He stirred himself up in God’s faithfulness. Sometimes we’re the only ones available to encourage us. And after he did that he was able to make some good decisions that turned the situation around.

We have to get ourselves out of the place sometimes, the place where we can’t think straight, and into a place of peace. How do we do that? We have to encourage ourselves in the Lord our God. In His word, in His promises. This is also the method by which we walk and live by faith. Are you in a low place right now?

Are you in the valley? Find out who you are in Christ, and use that to get back up to the mountain top.

If we stay are this path and follow Gods way, we will not allow the devil to speak into our lives.

The Lord Directs His Love

Do you ever struggle in the quiet of the night? Maybe we have thoughts like: “Nobody else has troubles. “Other people are just enjoying their lives.” Why is my life so hard? The battles we face are real, and rob us of sleep and joy.

If you find yourself in a season like this, you can take comfort in ache from David’s words in Psalms 42:1-8. During the day he allowed the Lords love to direct him. Knowing he was loved gave him the strength to make the hard choices that were the best choices that were the best choices for him and his people.

At night David put away all the words and hard thinking and just praised God. David turned from a panicked worrier, into a prayerful worshipper. Maybe we should all give David’s ways a try and do the same? When the lights are turned out, we can chose a praise God arming ourselves with truth and worship for the only One who can carry and fix our troubles.

Try it when your stewing over many worries. It will remind you that you are to give all of your troubles to Jesus, before you sleep and rest and even when you are unable to sleep. I’ve always had a difficult time sleeping. In my waking hours at night. I talk to God, when I talk to God about what’s going on in my life. I am usually able to return to sleep. Knowing God is in control and sovereign.

Prayers That God Will Always Answer

There are some prayers that will always get answered, every time we pray them. So if we want 100% success rate in prayer then we need to pray these prayers. But let me say before we start that with these prayers there is a part that we play and a part God plays. If we will do our part God will do His part.

After all a covenant is a two-sided relationship. What kind of covenant is one-sided? You do this and I’ll do nothing. That’s not a covenant. That’s a free ride. But it seems like that’s what people expect with God. Give me everything Lord, but don’t expect anything from me. So we have to do our part and God has to do His part.

The good news is that He does the heavy lifting. We do what we can do and He does what we cannot do.

The first prayer has to do with anxiety over provision.

Luke 12:22. And He said unto his disciples, Therefore I sat unto you, Take no thought (no anxious thought) for your life, what you shall eat; neither for your body, what you should put on.

So we’re talking about food and clothing and provision.

Luke 12:25. And which of you can add one moment to his life-span by worrying?

Luke 12:26. If then you’re not able to do even a little thing, why worry about the rest?

Luke 12:30. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your father knows that we have need for these things.

Luke 12:31. But rather seek the Kingdom of God; and all these things will be added to you.

These scriptures tells us how to have faith for and lay hold of provision, the things we have need of, the things that the whole world is running after.

But to pray a prayer based on this scripture we have to do two things. First of all we have to let go of our anxiety. Jesus said, “Take no anxious thought for your life or for clothing or for the things we need. Which of you by worrying add one-moment to your life. You can’t do this small thing, this small thing, this easy thing, by worrying then why worry about the other things?

The truth is that worry is ineffective in getting anything accomplished. Si why do we do so much of it? Because we’re afraid not to worry. But worry and anxiety must be dealt with before Faith can work. That’s why Jesus Himself taught on it. If it was worthy of the Master’s attention it is certainly worth ours.

What are we to do if we can’t worry? Jesus answers that in Luke 12:31.

Luke 12:31 But rather seek the Kingdom of God; and all these things will be added to you.

Our part is to stop taking anxious thought and seek the Kingdom of God. It’s very simple. He’s telling us to change our focus. Take your focus off of anxious thought. And put it on the Kingdom.

Hoe do we do that? We do that by setting our focus on the word of God, and mediating in it. If we do our part then God will do His part and provide the things we need. We can base our prayer for provision on this scripture, but our prayer for provision on this scripture, but we first have to do our part. Our part is to turn away from anxious thought, worrying and fretting, and set our focus on the word of God. And God will answer that prayer every time. We know that God cannot lie.

Righteousness

Matthew 5:6. Blesses are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

The word translated “blessed” in the passages of scripture is the Greek word “Makarios, which according to the Greek concordance means “happy.”

It’s not difficult to see that the number one universal desire in people is to be happy. The Declaration of Independence speaks of the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, declaring that men/women have a God-given right to be happy and to pursue happiness.

Matthew verse 5 refers to as the Beatitudes, presents the teachings of Jesus on how to be happy. Jesus is answering in His first sermon the number one question of mankind, how to find happiness.

In Matthew 5:6 Jesus is saying that those who hunger and thirst after righteousness are blessed by God. So if we desire to be happy then it stands to reason that we should take time to understand what He is saying in this Scripture. But what is righteousness? To understand this Scripture we must first fully understand what Jesus means by the word righteousness. Man’s defeat may be different than God’s definition.

It goes without argument that believers should have high moral standards, live clean lives, and do good things. But does the presence of these things indicate the presence of righteousness? After all, there are numerous people in the world who have high morals, live clean lives do good things and try not to wrong others, but have not yet come to know the Lord Jesus as their Savior. Have these people as the result of their high morals and good deeds received God’s free gift of righteousness through Christ? The answer, oh course is no.

Righteousness, at least the righteousness that true believers receive by believing the gospel and making Jesus the Lord of their life. It is not the result of doing good things.

Ephesians 2:8-9. By grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man boast.

The righteousness we receive in Christ is not the results of the good deeds we do, but the result of God’s graciousness. He grace. It is a free gift we receive through believing. What are we saved from? We are saved from unrighteousness. Righteousness is imparted, to us. The Bible says that righteousness was counted unto Abraham because he believed God.

Romans 4:22-24. And therefore it was imparted (reckoned, accounted) to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imparted to him; Bur for us also, to whom it shall be imparted, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead.

It is said that to break us our of the mold of natural thinking long enough for us to look at righteousness in a different light. Our immediate thoughts when we hear the word righteousness are thoughts about being good and doing good things. But in thinking more scripturally we must recall that righteousness is first of all a free gift we receive from God when we believe on Jesus at salvation.

Roman 5:17. If by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more which they receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

As we look at these words again two things become evident: the righteousness Jesus is talking about can be hungered and thirsted after, and we can be filled with it.

The Bible says that we are to seek righteousness.

Matthew 6:33. But seek first the kingdom of God; and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

It appears that righteousness is connected to seeking the kingdom of God. The question begs to be asked, “What is seeking the kingdom?” A quick trip to the Greek concordance will shed some light on the meaning of these two words, seek and righteousness.

The Greek word translated is “zeteo,” and it means to seek to find out by thinking, meditating, reasoning, and enquiring into something.

The Greek word that is rendered as “righteousness “ in this scripture is the word, “dikaiosune” and it means correctness of thinking that brings the approval of God.

Seeking the kingdom of God had todo with diligently thinking and enquiring into something to obtain God’s righteousness, a righteousness that has to do with right thinking and correct understanding. It has to do with thinking into and enquiring into the word of God through meditation until the truth of that word is revealed to our spiritual understanding.

Proverbs 2:1-5. My son or daughter, if you will receive my words, and hide my commandments in you; so that you in line your ear unto wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; if you cry after knowledge, and lift up your voice of understanding, if you seek it as silver, and
Proverbs 2:1-5, My Children, if you will receive my words, and hide my commandments with you. So that you incline your ear unto wisdom and apply your heart, and lift up my voice for understanding. If you seek it’s silver, and search for hidden treasures then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

The knowledge of God must be found out by receiving God’s word, hiding it within us, inclining our ear to that word and inclining our heart to understanding, or hungering and thirsting for it, by seeking it as if for silver or as for hidden treasure.

Righteousness has to do with God’s right thoughts and His right way of doing things. It is the understanding of God’s ways that make up His righteousness, and it’s the understanding of God’s ways that we should hunger and thirst after. And, last of all, it’s the understanding of God’s ways that we should be filled with we hunger and thirst after.

What Is The Meaning Of Humility?

Why should we be human?

How do we define humble? Humility is mentioned many times in the Bible as a righteous trait to manifest in our lives. So what does the biblical meaning of being humble mean and how can we achieve this noble characteristic.

We stumble into the word humility a lot in the Bible. But how do you we define humble? What exactly is humility? And why is it important?

What is Humility?

Sorry is often characterized as a genuine gratitude and lack of arrogance, A modest view of oneself. However, the biblical definition of humility goes beyond this. Humility is a critical and conscience emphasis on godliness in the Bible, we are all called upon to be humble followers of Christ and trust in the wisdom and salvation of God. Let us be humble before our creator for the gift of life we have been given.

Biblical humility is grounded in the nature of God. The father descends to help the poor and afflicted; The incarnate son manifest humility from birth until His crucifixion. The coupled usage of “meek” and a “humble in heart” in Matthew 11:29 christ humility before human kind, whom he gave came to serve, and His submission before God. Humility and meekness are often into related add both are righteous traits of serving the will of God.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;” (Proverbs 3:5)

The profound Bible verse Proverbs 3:5 Is an excellent summation at the biblical meaning of humility. To be humble, we must have faith that God Will lead us in the best way to live and what to avoid in temptation. We are to put complete trust in the Lord and not deceive ourselves with vanity or lust. We should lean on the understanding, wisdom, and divinity of God to show us the righteous path through prayer, meditation, fasting, and other baseball practices. In order to do this, we must have that requirement of humility to open our hearts and withdraw From the arrogance of our ego.

“Humility is the fear of the Lord; it’s wages are riches and honor in life.” Proverbs 22:4

Proverbs gives us a deeper look into the biblical meaning of humility as we are given a direct exclamation. “Humility is a fear of the Lord,” provides an precise definition. Not only does being humble consist of trust in God and following his will, but furthermore fearing the consequences of neglecting His Commands of truth, love, work ethic, mercy, and beyond. Humility is recognizing the magnificent power of God and the potential retribution He will Condemn upon us If we do not aim our purposes toward righteousness.

The Webster dictionary simply defines humility as “ freedom from pride or arrogance: The quality or state of being humble.” This work at three senses of which humility is defined:

1. Not proud or haughty: Not arrogant or assertive.

2. Reflecting, expressing, or offered in the spirit of deference or submission; a humble apology.

3. Ranking low in hierarchy or scale; not costly or luxurious.

The importance Of Humility

The importance of humility is directly related to deadly consequences of pride. Pride separates us from God as we do not acknowledge or appreciate the eternal sovereignty of our Lord. Therefore, the importance of humility is seen in a deep gratitude way home and proper recognition of God’s divinity and love for us. Humility is important is also found in recognizing our flawed nature as humans on earth for our susceptibility to sin if not vigilant against temptation. “Be sober minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1Peter 5:8)

Humility is frequently mentioned in scripture as it relates to our salvation in Christ. Here is a summary of the significance are you humble in our relationship with God:

1. To enter God‘s presence we must come humbly to the throne.

2. God says the meek shall inherit the earth.

3. The proud or cast down and will be humbled.

4. When we are humbled or even when we suffer, we need to remember we will ultimately reign with Christ.

5. Jesus even humbled Himself, Therefore we should also have the mind of humility.

Humility In The Bible

Do you nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, and humility value others as yourselves, not looking to our own interests but each of you to the interest of others. In your relationships with one another,Have the same mindset as Christ. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. Rather He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of the servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself to becoming obedient to death even death on the cross. Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name by taking the very nature of the servant, and human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself to becoming obedient to death even death on the cross. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that the of name Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:3-11)

But he give us a more grace. That is why Scripture says: “ God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. ( James 4:6)

“For all those who exalt them selves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.“ (Luke 14:11)

“ humble yourselves, therefore, under God‘s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)

“ therefore, as God‘s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord for gave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)

“ when pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom“ (Proverbs 11:2)

“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.“ (Proverbs 18:12)

“ if my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.“ (2 chronicles 7:14)

“You can have no greater sign of confirmed pride that when you think you are humble enough.”

William Law.