The discussion came up today on the faith versus works debate. First, whether we are saved because of the good that we do to our fellow man. And, the place for good works for those who believe that it is by grace we are saved and not of works.
Two versus come to my mind about this.
"Then they said to Him, what shall we do, that we may work the works of God? Jesus answered and said to them, this is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." John 6:28-29
"But someone will say, you have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." James 2:18
In these verses, Jesus lays out the doctrine that Paul came to embrace as he preached to a Gentile audience. James, the Jewish apostle, spells out the Jewish way of thinking to a Jewish audience.
It is not a question of either/or. It is first that we are save because of the work that Christ did for us, not by virtue of anything we have or can ever do. Keeping the Law is powerless and void of any saving efficacy. The good works in question are the fruit of the Spirit at work in and through us. Christ crucified and resurrected is our only hope to be right with God. Our service is what we do to show our gratitude to God for what Christ did for us in saving us.
One thing that I have noticed is that the good works folks never think to heal the sick or to be filled with the Spirit. Speaking in tongues is supernatural. Divine healing is supernatural. Helping the poor is not supernatural.
James is more Jewish than Christian and his book belongs in the Old Testament. In my humble opinion.
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