The relationship of Faith and Works (an Evangelical view)

-Jon Irenicus

The principle of salvation by grace brings us to the question of the relationship of faith and works. It is apparent from what has been said that works do not produce salvation. Yet the biblical witness also indicates that while it is faith that leads us to justification, justification must and will invariably produce works appropriate to the nature of the new creature that has come into being.

It is well when we quote the classic text on salvation by grace, Ephesians 2:8-9, not to stop short of verse 10, which points to the outcome of this grace:

• "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them." Eph. 2:10 (RV)

Saint James the Apostle puts it even more forcefully in his discussion of the relationship between faith and works which is summed up in his statement,

• "Even so faith without works is dead." Jam. 2:17 (BBE); see also v. 26.

Despite the fairly common opinion that there is a tension between Paul and James, both make essentially the same point: that the genuineness of the faith that leads to justification becomes apparent in the results which issue from it. If there are no good works, there has been no real faith nor justification.

We find support for this contention in the fact that justification is intimately linked with union with Christ. If we have become one with Christ, then we will not live according to the flesh, but rather by the Spirit (Rom. 8:1-17). The union with Christ which brings justification also brings the new life. As Paul says,

• "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is A NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW." 2 Cor 5:17 (KJVA)

Paul does not say that only "some" of the things that we are before are renewed, instead he says "ALL" of them are actually become new. Therefore, if our faith is really genuine, if the faith we have is the saving faith that comes from God, then we will most assuredly manifest the fruits of being born-again as we abide in Christ through faith.

• "I am the vine, you are the branches. The one who abides in me while I abide in him produces much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 (ISV)

• "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thes. 1:3 (NIV)

Therefore, a Christian does not try to save himself by his works for he trusts in Christ alone for his salvation. This does not make salvation by Grace a license to sin. A true believer of Christ obeys God in love, not in order to be saved, but because he is already saved.

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