Dead faith

[junobet]

It seems to me that very many Christians don’t quite understand the concept of “Sola Fide”. They seem to think that as long as you say you have ‘faith’ in Christ you can carry on as before and  sin as much as you like.

The thing about faith is that not even our faith is our own merit, but God’s present. Also good faith will produce good fruit. So if we behave like the worst bullies on the block, that’s a sure sign our faith is dead (comp. James 2:26). If Christ truly dwells in us we can’t but letting His love overflow from us to our neighbours, including our enemies. Whenever we are indifferent or hateful towards others in thoughts, words or deeds that shows a lack of faith.

As Luther pointed out:

“Instead, faith is God’s work in us, that changes us and gives new birth from God. (John 1:13). It kills the Old Adam and makes us completely different people. It changes our hearts, our spirits, our thoughts and all our powers. It brings the Holy Spirit with it. Yes, it is a living, creative, active and powerful thing, this faith. Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn’t stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing. Anyone who does not do good works in this manner is an unbeliever. He stumbles around and looks for faith and good works, even though he does not know what faith or good works are. Yet he gossips and chatters about faith and good works with many words.

Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace, so certain of God’s favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God’s grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. Because of it, you freely, willingly and joyfully do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of things, love and praise the God who has shown you such grace. Thus, it is just as impossible to separate faith and works as it is to separate heat and light from fire! Therefore, watch out for your own false ideas and guard against good-for-nothing gossips, who think they’re smart enough to define faith and works, but really are the greatest of fools. Ask God to work faith in you, or you will remain forever without faith, no matter what you wish, say or can do."

 From “An Introduction to St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans,” Luther’s German Bible of 1522 by Martin Luther, 1483-1546

[Willa]

It seems that the faith Luther describes is that which is alive, given by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

 

[gdemoss]

Faith without works is dead being alone.  I came to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.  That faith was immediately followed by my crying out to him for salvation.  I still believe.  I still call upon him.  

As my faith deepens so do the corresponding actions.

[Guest]

Yes, faith minus works is a dead faith. But, the works are done in appreciation of what Christ has done for us, not because it is required for salvation. There is only one requirement for one to be saved. As Christ said, it is to believe in the One that GOD sent. Him. But that does not give someone a license to sin, either. That is a false argument used by those who preach a faith plus works salvation. Works keep us in the good graces of GOD and entitle us to the blessings and rewards that GOD offers. But they do not save. It is by faith alone that we are saved.

[Reinitin]

On 2/24/2016 at 10:19 PM, junobet said:

 

Therefore, watch out for your own false ideas and guard against good-for-nothing gossips, who think they’re smart enough to define faith and works, but really are the greatest of fools. Ask God to work faith in you, or you will remain forever without faith, no matter what you wish, say or can do."

 

Thank you for this post. We have to go to Him. Receiving a checklist of works for salvation is not the gospel and not our blessed hope. We have to ask the Lord for  all thing cause all thing provided for our new life in Him come from Him.

[angels4u]

On 2/24/2016 at 1:47 PM, Rick_Parker said:

Yes, faith minus works is a dead faith. But, the works are done in appreciation of what Christ has done for us, not because it is required for salvation. There is only one requirement for one to be saved. As Christ said, it is to believe in the One that GOD sent. Him. But that does not give someone a license to sin, either. That is a false argument used by those who preach a faith plus works salvation. Works keep us in the good graces of GOD and entitle us to the blessings and rewards that GOD offers. But they do not save. It is by faith alone that we are saved.

Amen Parker!