FAITH-WORK COMBO

‘Meal and drink’ combo makes it easy for us when we patronise fast food joints. Not only does it lessen the hassle of making a choice, it's also more economical than going for meal and drink separately.

                                                                      

It seems strange that, in the spiritual realm, we are not so inclined towards combo packages. Many tend to emphasise faith alone whereas it’s meant to be a faith-work combo. 

It was the good works of a Roman centurion which caused God to send apostle Peter to share the Good News with him. Though he was a Gentile, Cornelius managed to tug at God's heartstrings. 

Being a devout man, he feared God, gave alms generously and prayed continually (Acts 10:2). He had faith which led him to pray. But he did not stop there. He gave alms as well.

Similarly, in the case of Abraham, a Jew, his faith was also completed by works. And this faith-work combo pleased God. “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works" (James 2:21-22).

Though we are saved by faith, we must not forget the fact we are destined for good works:

• “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

• “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Confusion and muddled thinking result when we lump together two different processes. Justification which is through faith and faith alone. And sanctification which is a life-long process whereby we die to self, submit to God, renew our minds and work out our faith with fear and trembling (Philippians 2: 12).

                                                                         

“He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life” (Romans 2:6-7).

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done” (Revelation 22:12).

Having passive faith alone is not biblical: 

• “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” (James 2:19).

• James put it succinctly: Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2: 17, 26).

RELATED POSTS

WHY PERSEVERANCE IS NEEDED

Why we have to be steadfast in our journey of faith. What are the possible consequences if we fail to persevere?

http://bit.ly/1imb1GN

A WALK IN THE PARK?

Some compare the Christian life to a walk in the park. They say everything is by faith. You just have to believe in what Jesus has done for you at the cross. Anything more than that smacks of self-effort, pride and legalism.

http://bit.ly/1i4ec6W