Work Shop Faith

The Protestant Reformers contrasted faith with the works of the Catholic religion. But today faith is being contrasted with godly behavior. Today’s interpreters of the New Testament are claiming that Paul taught we are saved by belief in correct theology instead of by godly character. They are contrasting faith in Christ with righteous behavior, which they incorrectly term "works," thinking this is what Paul meant.

Whenever Paul spoke of "works" he meant the "works of the Law of Moses." He was not referring to righteous behavior, which is one of the principal outcomes of Divine grace.

True faith in God always results in godly character and behavior. Faith apart from righteous behavior is dead. Righteous behavior is the very life of faith.

When the Bible states the righteous shall live by faith, it does not mean the righteous hold to their doctrinal position and ignore their behavior. It means rather that the righteous look to God for every decision of life rather than leaning on their own wisdom and strength. It means the righteous are humble rather than proud and arrogant. The just shall live by faith has nothing to do with belief in any theological system or doctrinal position.

Primary Scriptures

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. (Romans 12:3)

But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. (Hebrews 10:38)

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:26)

Essential Points of Emphasis

New Testament faith is not belief in theological statements.

We are not to try to get things "by faith." Rather we are to keep an open heart before God so we understand what He has said in His Word and also to us personally. Then we are to pray and hope for the promise of God to be fulfilled in our life.

Faith is obedience to the vision God has given us, because we understand that God is a rewarder of those who seek Him diligently. Biblical faith does not proceed from the soul of man but from the Spirit of God as a gift to us so we may do God’s will.

Suggested References

Belief Is Not Salvation; The Exercise of Faith; The Just Shall Live by Faith

Follow up Activities

Answer Review Questions for this topic. 3

List additional Scriptures which support this concept.

Summarize this topic in your own words in one paragraph

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