Faith Does all the Work
I want to share two passages, that many claim contradict each other.
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Romans 3:28 NKJV
You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:24 NKJV
When I run into apparent contradictions in the Bible, I eventually realize I was reading something into one of the passages that wasn’t there, or was missing something that was there. James 2:33 offers something that may have been missed.
Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? James 2:22 NKJV
Did you catch it? It is not man that is working in James 2:22. Faith is working! This idea goes along with Galatians 5:6 which tells us faith works by love. Again it is faith that is working.
Image © Pacific Press from GoodSalt.com
In Galatians 2:20, Paul tells us that it is not him working but Christ who is working in him. While He lives by faith Christ lives and works in him.
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20 NKJV
James tells us,
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? James 2:21 NKJV
James says Abraham was justified by works, but he does not say it was Abraham who was working. James 2:22 says it was faith that was working.
The faith the justified Abraham was not faith in his own works, but a faith that God would perform His own works through him.
He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He [God] had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:20-21 NKJV
So when Abraham had Isaac it was God working through him and performing His own work through faith. It was God who worked through Abraham taking Isaac to the altar. Abraham’s works did not take Isaac to the altar, it was God’s faith working through Abraham that took Isaac to the altar. Remember Galatians 2:20 “Not I, but Christ.”
James and Paul do not contradict each other. They both realize it is faith doing all the work. Neither James or Paul preached faith and works. They both preached a faith that works by love.
For the love of Christ compels us…2 Corinthians 5:14 NKJV
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Hi William
If I am understanding you correctly, are you saying that the things I do as I go through my day are done using the empowering that God gives me via his Holy Spirit - as opposed to trying to do things in my own 'strength' apart from God? That what I do is a collaborative partnership with God whereby I depend upon His energising of my mind and body so that I can walk in harmony with His will for my day?
I think so. There's no boasting in that, consequently. Whatever we do, big or small, when done through humility, it is more of God working through us.
It make sense when Jesus said even little faith can move mountain. Things that are impossible to human eyes, are child-play to God.
Thank you for this explanation. It makes more sense as I began to realize how God is eager to work through us the things that He has in store for us. Yet, He is not able to do it without that channel of faith.
But there was one event where Abraham performed the "Works" without faith. It was when He gave in to the pleading of Sarah. They had a child of the flesh, Ishmael. That's one example where work was performed outside faith in God. The work had become more important to oneself more than faith in God.
I love this point and explanations. Please i would love to get more updates on this lesson reviews as time permits.
Thanks & remain Blessed in Jesus Christ.
Thank you all for your thoughtful comments, and for studying God's Word with me.
Beautiful. Jesus said "Without Me you can do nothing" John 15:5. Whatever good we do is through God's power and grace. Thank you for the lovely explanation. steve