Faith vs. Works: What's the Difference??
I find the classic question by Protestants to be intriguing. Are we saved by faith or by works? What!??
First of all, we're not saved by either. We're saved by the grace of God! In no way can we secure our own trip to Heaven, whether by strong faith or worthy deeds.
Secondly, what's the difference, really?? Love and charity are both products of faith. "We love because He first loved us" (not sure the verse). Love is of God; all love comes from God. We are incapable of love except in relationship to Him, who is the source of that love. If we know God and have true faith, how can we not love God? And since we are all created in the image of God, if we love God, we must love others as well. And what are good works really but our acting in love and charity to our fellow human beings, out of love for and faith in God? Without faith, works are dead; they are empty. In the same way, without works, faith is dead; it bears no fruit.
Jesus commands us to follow Him and then goes about loving others and giving to those who are in need. He says, "Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Me" and "Love others as I have loved you." What He is calling us to do are good works - but not just out of guilt or a feeling of duty. He is calling us to do good works that are born of faith and love. Faith is the foundation, but charity and works are the fruit.
First of all, we're not saved by either. We're saved by the grace of God! In no way can we secure our own trip to Heaven, whether by strong faith or worthy deeds.
Secondly, what's the difference, really?? Love and charity are both products of faith. "We love because He first loved us" (not sure the verse). Love is of God; all love comes from God. We are incapable of love except in relationship to Him, who is the source of that love. If we know God and have true faith, how can we not love God? And since we are all created in the image of God, if we love God, we must love others as well. And what are good works really but our acting in love and charity to our fellow human beings, out of love for and faith in God? Without faith, works are dead; they are empty. In the same way, without works, faith is dead; it bears no fruit.
Jesus commands us to follow Him and then goes about loving others and giving to those who are in need. He says, "Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Me" and "Love others as I have loved you." What He is calling us to do are good works - but not just out of guilt or a feeling of duty. He is calling us to do good works that are born of faith and love. Faith is the foundation, but charity and works are the fruit.
Comments