Faith vs. Works

Here is another example of how our tendency to live in exclusive categories has caused us trouble.

The supposed dichotomy between faith and works has been a problem for many Bible believers through the centuries. While many accept that these two things work together, it remains a struggle to truly live it out.

This, of course, is a topic worthy of a lengthy discussion, but I will try to deal with it briefly.

In Yeshua's day it was thought that a person's religious service and morality could merit them salvation and favor with God. This notion was wrong. It was always wrong, since acceptance by God was always on the basis of faith. This is applies to both initial and ongoing acceptance. Once we know God through faith in his Son, continued forgiveness is based on what Yeshua has done for us, not on our performance.

But that we are accepted by God through faith and not by our works does not mean that it is permissible to live any way we choose. Those who are accepted by God will demonstrate that acceptance by living a godly life. To do otherwise is a contradiction of the reality of life we claim to have.

Good works do not cause salvation, they are its outcome. Its important not to get these two things confused. Since we are not yet perfected, we will continue to struggle with sin. Understanding that our acceptance by God is on the basis of faith and not works keeps us from discouragement and despair. Because our acceptance is based completely on what he has done on our behalf, we now have the freedom and the obligation to live life according to his ways.