This topic may cause some concerns for you. It is very true. This is because scripture teaches that salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone. Therefore, if we are talking about saving faith, then faith alone can save us.
But then again, faith alone cannot save us unless it is accompanied by works. This looks confusing, right? Hold on just a second, I'll explain. You need no work to be saved, that is just your faith in Christ alone. However, if you truly have been saved, then there should be fruits to justify your claim. Does that make sense to you? You'll gain more clarity if we consider the passage of Scripture below,
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" (James 2:14)
Faith alone can save a man and faith alone can not save a man. What then is the difference? It is the context in which these two thoughts are seen. In the first context, faith alone in Christ is needed for you to be saved before God as seen in Ephesians 2:8, 9. In the second context, there are things you must do after you must have been saved, not before God but men, that shows you have indeed been saved. These are the fruits of being saved. This right here is the focus of James 2:14.
So if you say you have been saved, and have no works to show for it, since men don't see your heart but only judge by your actions, how can faith justify or save you before the men whom you proclaim to be saved?
Does your life contrast with your profession? Does your fellow brother come with a need, and you being in a capacity to help tells him to go in the blessing of the Lord without helping at all? Are you dishonest, a liar, and a thief? How is it that you claim to be saved when your works you don't say so? What gives the assurance before men that you are saved if not the works, or simply put, the fruit you show? The Lord causes these words to dwell richly in your hearts by faith. Amen.
Thought for the day: Faith alone in Christ alone is all that is needed to be justified before God but if men must attest to the fact that you have been saved, the works you do or the fruits you bear must be to them a sure proof.
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, inquiries/testimonies, please call or WhatsApp: 09168301042 or Email: [email protected].
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