Can we really be saved by faith alone?
Here he calls to our attention a scenario in which a man dismisses a tired, naked, hungry man from his home without attending to any of his physical needs. All he has offered are a few words of blessing. James says, "What good are your words if your actions don't support what you say?" The man in James' scenario wishes the naked man well but does not follow up with him in any way to help him. James concludes that his words and his blessing are dead and fruitless because he has not backed them up with action.
As we have read, Jesus promised that when he left he would send the comforter to live within us, teach us, and guide us. Paul has expounded in many letters to the 1st century churches and us that God effectually works in us and through us to accomplish good works. Even examining Galatians chapter five reveals that a living God within us will produce living fruit: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.
During the reformation, the reformation leaders had coined five phrases which ultimately became the battle cry protestant Christians rallied around. And one of these statements captures the necessity of faith so poignantly: Sola Fide! Which means, By Faith Alone!
But can a man really be saved by faith alone? Isn't there anything else that is required for a man to be saved? This was a major point of contention between the reformers and the papists. It is also a question James asks in his epistle. So lets take a more careful look at the question and see if faith is indeed all we need. Consider the following scenario:
"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:15-17)
Here he calls to our attention a scenario in which a man dismisses a tired, naked, hungry man from his home without attending to any of his physical needs. All he has offered are a few words of blessing. James says, "What good are your words if your actions don't support what you say?" The man in James' scenario wishes the naked man well but does not follow up with him in any way to help him. James concludes that his words and his blessing are dead and fruitless because he has not backed them up with action.
Likewise, James is teaching us that if we claim the name of Christ in "faith" but demonstrate no Godly change or spiritual fruit in our life, then we are liars and our faith is dead. It is simply something we say but it has no real power in us because it has not changed us. James is leading us to the point of the radical transforming power of the gospel: True life change in Jesus Christ.
As we have read, Jesus promised that when he left he would send the comforter to live within us, teach us, and guide us. Paul has expounded in many letters to the 1st century churches and us that God effectually works in us and through us to accomplish good works. Even examining Galatians chapter five reveals that a living God within us will produce living fruit: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.
Ultimately, the Scriptures are teaching us that our good works are a product of a living faith within us. They are not something we do to gain faith and favor with God. The statement of the reformers, Sola Fide, opposes the idea that we need to "do good works" to earn God's favor.
So in summary, the Biblical position on good works is this: Real living faith will produce real loving works and obedience to the things of Jesus Christ. Good works will never merit you any special favor with God; they will only merit you favor with men. God will not love you less or love you more based on your good works. Therefore, our good works are for the benefit of others.
Sola Fide!
Jay Silvas
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