Will Faith Alone, Save You?

by Joel Hendon⁽¹⁷⁰⁾ Red Star

I would like to say first of all, that no one believes that faith is absolutely necessary for one to be saved eternally more than I do. But, I do take issue just as strongly, that it is not all that is necessary. Our faith must be strong enough to cause us to obey. Obedient faith is saving faith. In the book of James, 3:19-20, he says: "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"

There are numerous other verses which also show that there are works required, not that works will save one, but that obedient faith will. But I also want to show the reader some quotes that will indicate how the very earliest Christians understood.

1. 30-100 AD Clement of Rome, who was an elder, wrote, "It is necessary, therefore, that we be prompt in the practice of good works. For He forewarns us, 'Behold, the Lord comes and His reward is before His face, to render to every man according to his work.' ... Let us therefore earnestly strive to be found in the number of those who wait for Him, in order that we may share in His promised reward. But how, beloved ones, shall we do this? By fixing our thoughts on God by faith. By earnestly seeking the things that are pleasing and acceptable to Him. By doing the things that are in harmony with His blameless will. And by following the way of truth, casting away from us all unrighteousness and sin." (Clement of Rome Letter to the Corinthians chaps. 34, 35 [companion of the apostle Paul and overseer of the church in Rome])

2. 69-156 AD Polycarp "He who raised Him up from the dead will also raise us up-if we do His will and walk in His commandments and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness." (Polycarp, personal companion of the apostle John, Letter to the Philippians chap. 2)

3. 125 AD Barnabas "He who keeps these [commandments], will be glorified in the kingdom of God; but he who chooses other things will be destroyed with his works." (Barnabas Letter of Barnabas chap. 21)

4. 125 AD Hermas, "Only those who fear the Lord and keep His commandments have life with God. But as to those who do not keep His commandments, there is no life in them.... All, therefore, who despise Him and do not follow His commands deliver themselves to death, and each will be guilty of his own blood. But I implore you to obey His commands, and you will have a cure for your former sins. " (Hermas Shepherd bk. 2, comm. 7; bk. 3, sim. 10, chap. 2)

5. 110-165AD Justin Martyr "We have been taught...that He accepts only those who imitate the virtues that reside in Him-selfrestraint, justice, and love of mankind.... And so we have received [this teaching] that if men by their works show themselves worthy of His design' they are deemed worthy of reigning in company with Him, being delivered from corruption and suffering." (Justin First Apology chap. 107, written before 150 A.D.)

The first two of those men actually lived during part of the apostles lives and knew for certain what was being taught. The others were not far removed from that time and was well before the church began to apostatize. Don't go through life thinking that you are in great shape simply because you believe that Jehovah God and His Son exist.But find out what they expect of you. They have laid it out in the Holy Bible.

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Article submitted Friday, April 24, 2009 & read 86 times.

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» left by Teresa Ortiz (3 years 21 days ago.)

Hi Joel, well put. I agree true saving faith is evident by obedience.

As it says in the book of acts - repent and be converted. I believe it is faith alone that saves, as long as that faith is an active faith that is followed by a converted life.

As James said, I will show you my faith by my works (not because of my works). There is a lot of deceived people out there who believe they are saved because they have faith that jesus is real, as you quoted the James scripture, the demons know he is real too.

Thank you for explaining this in this light. Blessings! Teresa

» left by Joel Hendon⁽¹⁷⁰⁾ (3 years 20 days ago.)

Thanks Teresa for reading and commenting. And you ar right, it is terrible that some people teach that you don't have to do a thing, jus so long as you believe.

» left by Avis Ward (3 years 21 days ago.)

"Our faith must be strong enough to cause us to obey. Obedient faith is saving faith."

You had me at the very beginning with those statements, Joel. An excellent article and message. Thank you!

Blessings,
Avis

» left by Joel Hendon⁽¹⁷⁰⁾ (3 years 20 days ago.)

Thanks you Avis for reading and for the comment. I wish every one would come to that true understanding.

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