Faith and Works

That faith is neither a work of the flesh or a work of the law is evident from Scripture. Romans 4:5 declares, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” If faith were a work, then the Scripture could not affirm that one does not perform a work when he believes. Ephesians 2:8, 9 asserts faith is a gift from God or grace by which we are saved instead of by works. One’s works reveal his faith (Jas. 2:18), but his works are not the cause of his salvation. God’s grace saves us, and the faith He gives us enables us to lay hold of Christ, whose blood purchased our salvation, that we may know that we are saved (1 John 5:13).

Because so many believe that their salvation either in full or in part depends upon some work or works they do, they tend to view faith as a work they perform. Men are told to believe, and they believe what they are told they must do to be saved. The only meritorious cause of salvation is Christ and His finished work. The faith in Christ by which we experience salvation is produced in us by the regenerating Holy Spirit. In the words of the apostle Paul, it is given unto us to believe on Christ (Phil. 1:29). We did not muster up our faith; the ability to believe was imparted in the new birth, and the act of believing came in response to God’s Word (Rom. 10:17). No room is left for us to glory, even in our faith.

The masses of mankind have been led by false religions, including much of Christendom, to believe they will go to heaven because of some good work they have done. Not so, says the Lord Jesus Christ. Read His words in Matthew 7:21-23. The Pharisee who went into the temple to pray was not justified by his good works, but the Publican who anticipated propitiation being made for his sins was (Luke 18:9-14). Christ is that propitiation or mercy seat and the only source of salvation. If you would be saved, look to Him alone, not to your works.