The question of faith versus works in salvation has been debated for centuries. Are we saved by faith alone, or do our works play a role? The Bible provides clear answers, but many miss the deeper truth hidden in its stories.
Ephesians 2 verses 8 to 9 declares, For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. This verse makes it clear. Salvation is a gift from God, received through faith, not something we can earn by good works.
One powerful example of this truth is the thief on the cross. As Jesus was being crucified, two criminals hung beside him. One mocked Jesus, but the other recognized his divinity and pleaded, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Luke 23 verse 42. Jesus responded, Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise. Luke 23 verse 43. This thief had no opportunity to do good works. He was a condemned criminal. Yet, his faith in Jesus saved him instantly. This proves that salvation comes by faith alone, not by works.
Though faith alone saves us, true faith produces good works. James 2 verse 17 says, Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Consider the story of Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho, Joshua 2. When Israelite spies entered the city, Rahab hid them and lied to protect them. I know that the Lord has given you the land, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.
Joshua 2 verses 9 to 11. Rahab was saved, not because she was righteous, but because she believed in the God of Israel. However, her faith was demonstrated through action. She protected the spies and followed their instructions. Later, she was honored in Hebrews 11 verse 31 as a woman of faith.
Her story teaches us that while faith saves us, true faith is accompanied by actions. A person who genuinely believes in God will naturally produce good works.
One of the best illustrations of faith and works working together is Abraham. Genesis 15 verse 6 says, And he believed in the Lord, and he accounted it to him for righteousness. Abraham was justified by faith. Yet, in James 2 verses 21 to 22, it says, Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? And by works, faith was made perfect.
Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac was an outward expression of his inward faith. He was saved by faith, but his works proved his faith was genuine.
Faith alone saves, like the thief on the cross. True faith produces works, like Rahab and Abraham. Works do not replace faith but complete it.
If someone claims faith but has no works, their faith is dead. Salvation is a free gift received through faith, but true faith will always be accompanied by a transformed life.
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