One of the biggest controversies in religion today is whether we are saved by faith (often called antinomianism) or by works ( often called legalism). It seems that most people view “faith” and “works” as if they are on opposite ends of a spectrum – and maybe they are. However, even if they are it does not follow that two things on opposite ends of a spectrum are necessarily in conflict or opposition.

In addition, the words “antinomianism” and “legalism” remind me a lot of the “package deals” of political ideologies. You are either “red” or “blue”. We should remember, however, that red and blue (when mixed) make purple, and there is nothing contradictory about purple.

Pro 4:27  Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

We should never stray too far from God’s Word when seeking truth. Truth is only measured by the Master of all truth, God. Since we have God’s Word we no longer have to seek the opinions of men or “groups” to find ultimate truth.

So, Faith or Works?!?!?

Let’s break this down a little bit. the Bible tells us that all scripture is from God and should be treated as such (respected and adhered to). Most people would agree with this assertion, but just in case you need a little proof, here is some scripture to back up this claim:

2Ti 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2Ti 3:17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Even so, many denominations today say that Paul and James are in conflict or they ignore the part of scripture that does no suit their traditional values (usually that of faith only). Here is an example (from Romans) of the teaching that most denominations assert to be true:

Rom 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

And here is a section of scripture that is either ignored or explained away in an insufficient manner:

Jas 2:26  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Now, one has to make a decision. Are we going to believe both James and Paul? If we say yes then we must work to achieve harmony by rightly dividing the Word of God. This means we must see if we can make these verses about faith and works (and many other verses on this topic in the Bible) harmonize. We do that by reading the rest of the Bible and applying a rational study of the gospel.

Thankfully, when one puts in the necessary Bible study they are easily able to see that “faith” and “works” are not exclusive to one another. We are able to see from the story of Abraham that it was both faith and obedience that made him a friend to God. If we look at what is commonly called the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11 we see countless examples of faith and then action (Noah, Rahab, even Sampson, etc.).

The Bible affirms that faith and works are not in conflict and that both faith and works (obedience) are required to attain eternal life. That is how we show our faith:

Jas 2:18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

What Kind of “Works” is Paul Speaking of?

Why does Paul seem to be preaching against works in many verses? Because he was preaching against the tendency of many Jewish Christians to demand that the Law of Moses continue to be kept despite Christ’s bringing in of the New Covenant (Acts 15: 1, 5). Jesus had brought in the New Covenant which enhanced and fulfilled these old “laws”. Paul wanted the Jewish Christians to let go of the past and embrace the New Covenant brought in by Christ.

Still, we can see that Paul also preached that faith and works were necessary:

Gal 5:6  For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

This short article is not designed to fully explain faith and works, however, I think it shows enough to get an adherent of the “faith only” doctrine to stop and think. If you believe in faith only then you simply need to reexamine the scriptures with an open mind. You need to see that faith and works are not at odds with one another and that the Christian can (and in fact must) both obey and have faith. It’s only then that Jesus’ blood will be able to cover his/her sins.

Please do not think this means you have to be perfect. None of us are worthy of salvation (we are all sinners) but thanks to Christ’s blood we can have our sins remitted, remitted by His ultimate sacrifice. Let us all be grateful for this sacrifice and seek to live in a way that incorporates both faith and obedience.

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Thankfully covid isn’t leading most people to hospitalization and death, but the fact remains: this still isn’t over. I think this is made all the more difficult because many of us thought the pandemic was drawing to a close.

Troublesome Times

As Christians we must remember that the Bible tells us that there will be troublesome times in our lives. There will be sickness, death, and hardships of all kinds. Still, we mustn’t lose our faith in Christ, who can see us through all of the great difficulties of life. Here are a few verses that might help to cheer you up during these days of hardship:

Psa 46:1  To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psa 46:2  Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Psa 46:3  Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

God will be with us no matter the troubles that befall the earth. We must remember to focus on our eternal home, not the temporary home we have here. This earthly home is finite and will certainly pass away regardless of the state of the pandemic.

Isa 51:6  Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

If we hold fast to the doctrine given to us by God (the Bible) we will be able to withstand all of life’s hardships and trials. This does not mean it will be easy to withstand these difficulties, but it does mean that we can do so successfully with the help of God. By overcoming these hardships we will be able to achieve a home that is not temporary – a home where no evil or calamity will invade our perfect peace.

Rom 8:18  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

I also want to add something else. God will also take care of us here on earth! Let us never forget the words of Jesus:

Mat 6:25  Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Mat 6:26  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

In conclusion, we must trust God through these difficult times. Be as safe as you can and do what you can to keep others safe, but remember that God is in control.

With trust in God we can overcome far more than the pandemic, we can overcome the trials and temptations that keep us from living in God’s good grace. Let us all strive to live faithfully and (through prayer, obedience, and love) lean on God in all of the great difficulties we face.

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