Preface
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Romans 4:16
Few doctrinal teachings in Scripture are attacked more than that of faith. Faith, such a little word, one syllable, yet our eternal fate rests solely upon understanding and handling it in accordance with God’s definition and dictates; it is for this reason that there are many controversies relating to the doctrines regarding it. Is eternal salvation by faith alone or faith and works? What has changed, if anything, from the Old Testament to the New? Are we required to have it, or is it given to us? The cause célèbre of Christianity, the Reformation, is attributed in the main to disputes over the truth concerning the doctrine of faith.
Faith is considered and taught by some to be a mystical, indefinable quality of the soul or will of man. On the other hand, the philosophers reasoned that man was incapable of having his own, that faith was a divine attribute only bestowed as a gift of God to man. Never mind that the Scriptures consistently chide men for not having faith.
Faith is a divine virtue that can only occur in the human breast by an act of divine grace.
Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)
Faith is the gift of God’s grace; it is not merited, earned, nor self-created.
Emil Brunner (1899-1966)
Emil Brunner, however, rejected the virgin birth and the resurrection of the Lord, along with just about everything else that would require faith in God’s word. He had no understanding nor personal experience in dealing with the subject of his diatribe. Thomas assumed for himself a state of superiority; he stated, “Philosophic arguments are too sophisticated for butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers.” He is described as Christianizing Aristotle & Aristotelianizing Christian Theology, not as having faith in the preserved word of God. It may be that he missed one or two verses of Scripture.
Matthew 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence.
The teachings of these and many other philosophers are still with us today; they are responsible for many fallacies. The larger part of the doctrinal errors taught in the Church can be traced back to some philosophical contrivance. As many still refuse to search the Scriptures and stand on God’s word alone, the errors remain and are perpetuated.
Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
How important is it for us to know for sure what biblical faith is? To answer this, ask yourself, “How important is eternity to me?” The word of God cannot be comprehended without understanding its doctrines concerning faith. In this study, we are going to consider what the Bible is endeavoring to teach us concerning the definition, concept, and application of faith. It will be seen that the Scriptures answer these, as all questions, in a fashion that will ease any doubt upon the ability of any man to know for sure “… what saith the scripture. …”
The Bible, as a divine book, proves and interprets itself. It cannot be approached in the hope of understanding it, as many advocate, in a neutral fashion. We must have the preconceived idea, or belief, that it is what it claims to be; the word of God, “… for he that cometh to God must believe that he is …” It is up to each and every one of us to diligently study and search out the truths of God’s word concerning this and all of its doctrines.
As we begin, remember the precepts that “… God is not the author of confusion …” and that “… no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” These being sound biblical precepts, then God must have defined clearly within the Scriptures the proper definition of any questionable words. Do not be swayed by anyone who contrives his own private interpretational, philosophical, or theological definitions.
1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion …
2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
Let us keep in mind the”Seven Precepts To Understanding The Bible.“
- It must be studied diligently
- We must not add nor diminish from its words, sense, and meanings
- It must be studied, believing all that is written
- We must remember it is God’s revelation
- We must understand its use of similitudes
- It must be rightly divided
- Its doctrines are formed precept upon precept
Here we will leave the philosophers and ask, “… what Saith The Scriptures …” For, it is in them, we think we have eternal life, not the philosophies or teachings of men. This we will do if God will light our way.
Definition
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
God has elected that we must have faith as a determining factor as to whether or not we “please him” It is hard to imagine that so much could hang on one small word; whether or not we please God. It is obviously a very important word, an extremely weighty word; the weight of all eternity rest upon it, For by grace are ye saved through faith … It is for this reason that we need to understand the biblical doctrine of faith correctly. If the Bible is the word of God, the correct interpretation of the precept of faith becomes of paramount importance in the affairs of men.
… without faith it is impossible to please him …
Few of the disputes and controversies engaged in within the Church are as important or as consequential as those embroiling faith. It is a requisite for pleasing God, essential for salvation and its absence in anything constitutes sin.
Romans 14:23 … for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
If you have any hope of comprehending the Bible or intentions of instructing others in the word of God you must understand and be able to show from the Scriptures the correct interpretations of faith in all its aspects.
Let us begin by simply looking at the dictionary definition of faith. Most abridged dictionaries will give the two most common meanings.
Faith:
- Belief, the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared without evidence or on probable evidence of any kind
- That which is believed or the object of belief
Faith, in general, has only two uses.
- Belief in something
- The things, objects or doctrines of a belief (the something believed in)
The two meanings simply look at faith from opposite ends. Faith is to trust, to rely on, have confidence in, or faith is that which is trusted, relied on and given confidence.
I have faith in this — This is my faith
An example of it being used for the objects of belief is in Galatians.
Galatians 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
“The faith” in this verse stands for the corporate beliefs or objects of belief that Paul once persecuted but now preaches. {In the last chapter of this study we are going to discuss some additional meanings for the word faith in relation to three questions that always appear when discussing this topic}.
Let us compare now and see if the dictionary definition holds to the biblical one? The word faith is found 231 times in the Scriptures, out of this only twice is it used in the Old Testament. Each and every time it means to believe something or someone’s beliefs. Examine Hebrews 11:6 closely.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
We see that faith is defined within the verse, “…for he that cometh to God must—believe—that he is….” So here the faith that pleases God is defined as an individuals belief in him. In 2 Corinthians 4:13 we also see that faith is defined as individual belief.
2 Corinthians 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
Abraham’s faith similarly is defined as his believing God.
Romans 4:3-5 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
“But to him that … believeth—his faith …” faith is believing God, in what God says. God is not imputing faith, as some would have you believe, he is imputing righteousness based on one’s own faith toward him. God was striving to get Israel to believe him throughout the Old Testament. He is still seeking those that will believe him, his word!
Exodus 4:5 That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.
Exodus 19:9 And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever …
Numbers 14:11 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me , for all the signs which I have showed among them?
Psalm 78:22 Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:
Psalm 78:32 For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.
Isaiah 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me , and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
Daniel 6:23 …So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
God is searching for believing hearts, hearts that have faith in him and what he says.
Hebrews 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
Hebrews 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Hebrews 4:6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
Hebrews 4:11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Hebrews 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Many, in misreading the Scriptures, have found support, in Ephesians, for faith being a gift of God. They read into, or misread, the following verse to make faith instead of salvation the gift.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God : 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
The verb of this sentence or the action taking place is “are” a ‘to be verb’ indicating state of existence: be, is, are, am. Writing this sentence in normal English order we have:
Ye are saved,
by grace through faith
and not of yourselves;
it is the gift of God.
It is salvation that we are receiving, that is the gift of God, not faith. As I have stated many times, without understanding and applying the rules of grammar you can make a sentence say anything you want it to say.
We have seen no indication, thus far, to support the notion that faith is a gift or given to us. It is rather the opposite, God is requiring man to have faith in him. Not believing, not having faith in, God’s word is how all the trouble began.
Genesis 3:1 …And he {the serpent} said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said , Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
Eve believed the serpent and not God, she was enticed, of her lust, to turn from God’s word and desire the fruits of unbelief. The rest is history
Doctrine
For we walk by faith, not by sight:
2 Corinthians 5:7
In the previous chapter I have biblically established two points:
- Faith as defined in the Scriptures is synonymous with believing, trusting in.
- Faith in the Scriptures is always in reference to man’s “faith toward God” believing the God of the Bible
Let me attempt to put biblical faith in perspective and establish the doctrine of “faith toward God”
Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3And this will we do, if God permit.
Faith can be put into many things. We exercise faith every time we drive a vehicle on the highway sixty miles an hour head long at another vehicle doing the same with only a four inch painted line between us. We exercise faith every time we walk through a door. We could not do this if we did not believe, have faith, that there was nothing on the other side to hurt us. People without faith are classified as having a psychological disorder, paranoia. However, when the Bible speaks of faith it is in reference to the exercise of it in relation to one thing, “…faith toward God…,” the one true and living God; and more precisely believing what God said.
Numbers 14:11 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?
Isaiah 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
John 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
In the following two references it will be seen that when Israel left the law of God and worshiped idols God declared that they are men “…in whom is no faith.” Men would say this was their faith, but biblically it is not having faith.
2 Kings 17:14-16 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God. 15And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. 16And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.
Deuteronomy 32:20-21 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. 21They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.
Take note, also, that in comparing these two references faith is again defined as man’s belief. The Old Testament seems clear on the subject, belief in God and what he said is faith in or toward God, not believing God is to have no faith. This is simply explained. God reveals himself in many ways to man, all creation is a revelation by him of himself.
Romans 1:19-21 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
For men to reject the true revelations of God, whether in creation or his word, and to accept lies, vanities and idols is biblically having no faith. They turn from God’s revelations of himself because men have no faith toward him.
2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
Men turn unto their own inventions, unto something they can see, feel, something, in their minds, is more substantial, something they think they understand. Unfortunately, there are, also, those that maintain a false hope and deceive in order to remain in sin. This has been true throughout history. In Prescott’s history of Peru he states, “The Peruvians, like so many other of the Indian races, acknowledged a Supreme Being, the Creator and Ruler of the Universe … No temple was raised to this invisible Being …” However, at the time the Peruvians were conquered by the Spanish, their whole society was regulated by government fostered and enforced idolatry and multiple deities. They had long ago ceased to have faith in the one invisible God who made all things and to which all things pointed. The doctrine of “faith toward God” is the fact that God is requiring man to believe in him and his revelations of himself, whether by word or in creation.
Although salvation is by faith, every time the word is used in the Bible it is not always speaking concerning salvation. Man’s entire obligation is to walk by faith.
Romans 14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
As a topic or doctrine, faith encompasses much more than salvation. In fact, if we do not already have “…faith toward God…,” we will not have the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ needed to be saved.
John 5:46-47 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
Luke 16:29-31 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
John 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
If a person has no faith in and denies what God has said concerning creation, Noah’s flood or any of the histories, miracles or other accounts, he will not suddenly believe that Jesus was the virgin born saviour. He will not believe he was the Son of God who died and rose the third day to save the world from their sins; “…for he that cometh to God must believe that he is….” A man certainly does not believe that God is, if he does not believe any of what he says about himself.
I stated early in this study that for whatever reason God has elected that faith be a determining factor in whether or not we “…please him….” It does not take one long upon examining the matter to conclude that man desires certainty. The flesh wants to know where its next meal is coming from, to have assurance of a certain safe and comfortable resting place, it wants a certain amount of uniformity from day to day. When the natural man lives in uncertainty for any length of time it will effect his physical and mental health. Walking without a major amount of knowing is not easy for the natural man. God has elected the opposite of the natural, the flesh, the earthly; we are not to walk by sight, but by faith.
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight:
I am not looking for man to prove that the Bible is true; in the natural course of things the proof is more than ample. My faith does not need a piece of the cross, a cup of the virgin Mary’s breast milk, John the Baptist’s head nor miracles to sustain and support it. I believe what God said, I take it for granted that it is the truth. Finding or not finding Noah’s Ark is not going to sway me in the least. The latest scientific discoveries do not trouble me nor raise doubts in my mind, science continually back tracks. This is faith, faith in what God has said. I have read and studied the book. This is the faith that “cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Romans 10:13-17 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?… 17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
If you do not read and study the book, do not listen to it preached and taught and do not search the Scriptures to see whether the things that are said are so, then you cannot hope to have this faith. Neither will you see the proofs all about us or the prophecies of the Bible being fulfilled as they unfold before your eyes. The reason we are deceived and have so many denominations and doctrines is simply because we, the saints of God, do not know and study the Scriptures.
The biblical doctrine of “…faith toward God…” is that God is requiring man to believe him, to walk by faith and trust in him not only for salvation but in all things. We will, in proportion to our faith, “Believing all things that are written…,” separating ourselves from the pollutants of this world.
Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Salvation
Not by works of righteousness whicqlvjh we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Titus refc3:5
In this chapter, we are going to discuss, as they say, where the rubber meets the road, salvation. What part does faith play and is it only part of the equation as far as man’s obligation is concerned? This is actually where you can easily separate true Christianity, as opposed to errors in doctrine, from the false claims upon the name of our Lord. As we stated in our introduction, the controversy of whether eternal salvation is at all times by faith alone or mixed with works was the spark that ignited the cause célèbre, the great debate, of Christianity, the Reformation. We will now search the Scriptures to see whether eternal salvation is by faith alone, faith and works and what, if any, is the difference between Old Testament salvation and New. Is salvation by faith alone in fact just New Testament, Church Age, doctrine or a general precept of God’s revelation? Is it the rule from Genesis to Revelations or as some still insist, are works involved?
You would think, as God is offering to save men from their sins, that the issue of what man had to do would be simple, and it is.
2 Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all;
Religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and the eastern religions in general may rely wholly on the efforts of the individual for their concept of salvation, but monotheistic religions i.e., Christianity, Judaism, Islam, all place an element of God’s grace in the equation. What the Bible explains and many fail to understand is that grace and works are mutually exclusive of each other. If eternal salvation is by the grace of God then there can be no part of it by works; “if by grace, then is it no more of works” The two, grace and works, are mutually exclusive.
If eternal salvation is by the grace of God, then there can be no part of it by works. If I say to my son, “Son, you have found grace in my sight. Therefore, I am going to let you use the car tonight, if you mow the lawn.” With the inclusion of the works, grace went out the window. All that matters now is did my son do the works, or did he not do them. There is no grace involved; he either cut the grass or he didn’t. This may be a simplistic example but it is an accurate one. My son is not coming to me thanking me for my mercy and grace, he is demanding what I owe him for the work he did.
Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Many persist, nevertheless, in teaching as Bible truth that an element of works is required in obtaining or maintaining salvation. Both teachings were the subject of the great counsel and debate of Acts chapter 15, and both condemned. Many, also, continue to teach that eternal salvation by faith alone is only New Testament doctrine. Never mind that the subject and context of Romans chapter 11, “…if by grace, then is it no more of works…,” is Israel under the law not realizing that salvation was not of works, but of faith.
A curse on details,
details are the vermin that destroy great works.
—Voltaire (1694–1778) writer, historian, and philosopher
It took faith, to please God, in the Old as well as the New Testament; in believing what God said at the time.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him
Noah was moved with the fear of the destruction to come because he believed what God said. Noah built the ark, did the works, to the physical saving of his family from the physical flood. He was imputed personal righteousness, salvation; before God, based on his believing what God said, his faith.
Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
The division in the “Christian Church” over differences in salvation continues. The debate divides biblical history into three sections; Old Testament, New Testament {between the cross and the rapture} and Tribulation. One side teaching salvation at any time i.e., Old Testament, New Testament, Tribulation, is the same as it is today; between the cross and the rapture. Another side advocating salvation by a combination of faith and works in the Old Testament and Tribulation, sometimes by works alone in the Tribulation. Last, but not least, faith and works at any time. In the face of the previous verse, it is rather difficult to understand how it is taught that Noah was saved by faith and works! He, “became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”
The truth is none of these opinions are more than partly right the way they are taught which makes them all wrong. Noah did the works because he believed God and righteousness was imputed to him because of his belief, his faith in what God said, just as Abraham. If they had not done the works it would have been because they did not believe, have faith toward, God. Abraham offered up Isaac believing that God would fulfill his word even to raising up Isaac from the dead to do it.
Hebrews 11:17-19 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. 18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Abraham was able to do the work, in this case offering up his own son, because he believed God, had faith in what God said. It is your works that manifest your faith, it cannot be seen any other way. The challenge in James concerning showing your faith without works constitutes a rhetorical question, the obvious answer to which is you cannot.
James 2:17-18 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.
Abraham was justified by the works that he did, in that they manifested, they proved his faith. His work of obeying God was the perfection of his faith, it was the trial of his faith.
Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: …
James 2:21-22 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
We know this interpretation of the relationship of faith and works in James is true and correct because the next verse states that Abraham’s work of obedience in acting on his faith fulfilled the scripture that states he believed God and it was because of his belief that righteousness was imputed to him.
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Romans 4:2-3 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
No other interpretation will fit all of the Scriptures. Many read works and faith for eternal salvation into the writings of James creating a contradiction between his and Paul’s writings. As the two preceding verses attest there is no contradiction between Paul’s preaching and James’. It was “faith toward God”, that produced the works, and it was and is, on the basis of that faith that God is imputing righteousness. The subject of James’ statements is not salvation, but rather the works we ought to have if we have faith in God unto salvation.
Another fact that may help us to understand this is that Abraham never completed the works. He did not offer up his son; God stopped him from doing so. If it were the works God was requiring he would not have prevented Abraham from completing the task. The fact that God attributes the completed act to Abraham means that God was looking for the show of faith Abraham had toward him which gave him the strength to act and not the act itself, it was a trial of his faith.
Remembering that faith and works are mutually exclusive, “if by grace, then is it no more of works”, it is apparent that there are only two religions in the world, two and only two.
- Attempting to inherit eternal life, or reach a state of bliss, by your works. Whether simply trusting in the fact that you have done the best you could and a merciful God would not throw you in hell, or through a rigid oppressive system of religious law as is Romanism, Islam, Hinduism and all the more recent claimants of the truth.
- Forsaking all claims of self-righteousness and ability of man to stand justified before God on his own merits and by faith trusting in the works, righteousness, and mercy of God. We know now that this is through Jesus Christ and His shed blood. No other religion other than biblical Christianity affords salvation without works.
These are the only two religions there are, regardless of name, doctrinal tenets or whatever biblical dispensational scheme or pattern you follow.
Do our works have any part, or have works ever played a part in eternal salvation? The biblical answer to this question is a firm No, “if by grace, then is it no more of works”
Psalms 143:2 And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
This one verse alone ought to be enough to convince anyone, “…in thy sight shall no man living be justified.” There are many more verses that relate specifically to this topic to form the biblical precept that it is not by works in whole or in part.
Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:…
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
1 Corinthians 1:29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
If there is any element of works involved, whether in obtaining salvation or maintaining it, then faith is made void and salvation is not by the grace of God.
Romans 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
Romans 4:4-5 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
We find grace in God’s eyes when we believe him, his word, his revelations of himself. When we believe on his account of how he hung his Son, Jesus Christ, on a tree and made him a curse for us, by his grace he applies the shed blood of the Lord’s atonement to our sins.
In this study, I have established a universal biblical precept, not just a Church Age or dispensational teaching. Salvation is never by works, alone or in concert with faith.
Job 25:4-6 How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman? 5Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. 6How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?
Job 19:25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
Romans 7:24-25 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord ….
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Salvation by grace though faith is not a New Testament doctrine, but a biblical precept. It is either by grace or works, not both, and we know it is not without grace. In the Old Testament the law had to be kept, but it had to be kept by faith. It was in believing God, not doing the works, that was efficacious.
Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
The Pharisees kept the letter of the law, tithing, fasting, offering up the sacrifices. Doing so did them no good because they did not keep it out of “faith toward God”. They kept the law to establish their own self righteousness.
Romans 10:3-4 For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
The Pharisees merely observed a religious rite, simply an act to conform to the prevailing powers, the traditions of their culture and superstition—to be seen of men. What they did not have was faith in what God said, faith in the sacrifices for the remission of sin, faith in the promised day God would take away their sins forever. We now know more fully the day has come that the eternal sacrifice for sins has been made: the everlasting atonement through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are commanded to believe on him. In this we have the interpretation of “faith to faith”. Faith in what God said at the time up through history until we now have the full revelation.
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
This is the eternal paradox that baffles the self righteous. The vilest of sinners can be saved while the most observant of legalist can burn in hell. To understand this you must put works in its proper relationship to God. There are two possibilities to consider.
- I do the works and credit myself for them, establishing my own self righteousness, glorifying myself.
- I do the works and credit God. I am only doing what God has commanded me to do out of my faith and trust in him, glorifying God and manifesting his righteousness.
In the second, no part of the work can be attributed to me. It was God who commanded the work to be done and only by my faith in him did I act in accordance with that command. The works cannot be attributed to my righteousness in any way, I am simply trusting God and doing as he has commanded. The trouble with the first case is that one slip, one folly, one sin and your righteousness is gone.
James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
You are either 100% righteous or you are not righteous; man is not righteous. Even if you have kept the whole law, all you have done is glorify yourself and blasphemed God in not glorifying him.
Luke 17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
If we are able to put all this together it leads us to this precept of God’s word. The only eternal atonement for sin is the shed blood of Jesus Christ. That is how our sins were paid for. The New Testament saint, however, as the Old Testament saint, is saved by the grace of God through faith. Faith is the prerequisite to be granted access to that atonement. Sin was paid for on the cross not forgiven. Jesus Christ died to pay for the sins of the whole world. To receive forgiveness for sins and have access to that atonement is through faith.
Let me demonstrate from the Scriptures. In Matthew eighteen we have the parable of the wicked servant whom his lord forgave the debt he owed. But when this servant did evil he was brought back before his lord.
Matthew 18:32-34 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
The important thing to note here is that the debt had been forgiven yet it was laid back upon the servant until he paid all he owed. The debt had been forgiven, but not paid for. It was still on the books as a debit. You may ask, “Are you teaching we can lose our salvation?” No, not in the least. I am saying that God not only forgave our sins though faith but also paid for them on the cross. They are no longer on the books. Forgiveness and redemption i.e., payment for sins, are two different things. The passage quoted here refers to the Old Testament, before the atonement for sins was made.
John 7:39 But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.
Christ had not yet died for sin, therefore the payment for sin could not be applied under the old covenant. God forgave sins, but could require them again, they had not been redeemed. You may ask, “Then you are teaching that the Old Testament saint could lose their salvation?” No, I am teaching that they never had eternal salvation. Their sins were forgiven, but not paid for and they were liable for them if they did not continue in faith toward God and obedience to his word. The Old Testament saint could not be given the Holy Spirit, receive the circumcision made without hands i.e., the operation of God. The Old Testament saint did not have the liberty in Christ we enjoy; “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
This is the reason they had to go to Abraham’s bosom and wait until the atonement was made, it could not be absent from the body, present with the Lord. Old or New Testament and Tribulation, eternal salvation is by faith alone. This does not, however, mean that it was or will be exactly the same as it is for us now.
Today, between the cross and the rapture, God is forgiving sin and applying the atonement, the payment, for sin at the same time. The difference, between the Old as opposed to the New Testament, is that the Spirit of God could not yet be given in the Old because the Lord had not yet made the atonement for sins. The Old Testament saint could not receive the new birth, eternal salvation, under the old covenant and the New Testament did not start until the death of the testator. The Tribulation saint will not receive it until death in the faith.
John 7:39 … for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.
Hebrews 9:17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
The Spirit of God could not indwell the Old Testament saint as he does the believer now. They could not be absent from the body present with the Lord. The saint rested in Abraham’s bosom until the new covenant was established, they were born from the dead when the Lord led captivity captive. The Old Testament saint was granted forgiveness of sin, access to Abraham’s bosom and the future atonement for sin by imputed righteousness based on their faith toward God.
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:
The Tribulation saint will be denied the atonement until death in the faith. They will have to die a martyr’s death, believing and trusting the word of God as opposed to worshipping the beast and taking the mark.
Revelation 14:9-10 … If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,… and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
The Old Testament saint did not, nor will the Tribulation saint, enjoy liberty in Christ. That liberty being the instant application of eternal life upon the exercise of faith in Christ, as we have at the present time, between the cross and the rapture. Having the atonement applied upon believing gives us our liberty in Christ, we are sealed until the day of redemption.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Our liberty in Christ is another study and a much mis-understood and debated doctrine. Nevertheless, we see here that it is something we have that the Old Testament saint did not and the Tribulation saint will not have. We must, however, concluded from this study that eternal salvation at any time is by faith alone, it is the gift of God. When it is applied is the only difference. Any religion, denomination, sect or teaching that does not hold to salvation by faith alone has no claim to the designation of Christian.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Faith & Works
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:10
After saying all that I have said in the previous chapter concerning eternal salvation not being by works in any form or fashion, I do not want you to think that works are not important. The manner of our lives is important for a variety of reasons, mainly to glorify God and manifest our faith. Fearing and obeying God is required of every man, lost or saved, Old or New Testament. It is still the whole duty of man to fear God and keep his commandments, nevertheless, our works play no part in eternal salvation, forgiveness of sin. They do, however, have everything to do with God’s judgments on us in this life. Israel was told that if they kept the law they would be blessed, if not they would be cursed. Either way, their works and God’s response were going to be a sign to the world. We who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ are likewise instructed to keep God’s commandments. If we do not, we not only lose rewards, but can suffer in this life.
1 Corinthians 11:29-30 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
1 Corinthians 5:3-5 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Timothy 1:19-20 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Saved or lost, God is a God to be feared. Just because we are saved does not mean we have to be healthy, wealthy or wise. Our works i.e., keeping the commandments, our service to him and stand for him, are going to be, and are being, judged and dealt with now. In the case of a saint it is through chastening and purging. Our works can determine many things concerning the quality of our lives and the things we have to go through in this life. We certainly do not like the scrutiny of others judging us in these matters and man has a natural tendency to abuse such judgments. They must be applied with wisdom and understanding of God’s word, tempered with great mercy, grace and humility. These types of judgments are better left to self examination and would be if self examination were practiced.
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
All that is important concerning works to this study is that one understands that God does judge our lives and works now, and will later.
Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1 Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
The chastening and purging of the saint by God is another study in and of itself. Know for a surety, however, that it is being done.
The Scriptures foretell of a falling away from the truth before the return of the Lord. Obviously, the lost have no truth to fall away from, therefore naturally, it is the Church that is going to fall, reject the truth of God’s word. One aspect of this is the abhorrence of the qualities that God desires us to have e.g., humility, modesty, sobriety, honesty, charity etc. If you were to ask any one particular saint of course they would argue their adherence to all necessities of godliness. They might well support this with Scripture by quoting, “All things are lawful for me.” Never mind that this is not a complete quote nor even a complete sentence of Scripture.
1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
It is not, “All things are lawful for me.”, it is, “All things are lawful for me, BUT”, all things are not expedient nor do all edify. What could Paul be speaking of? An expedience is something one must do to further a particular purpose or plan. That purpose is the salvation of lost men. That which adulterates the life of godliness a saint is supposed to be actively seeking is not expedient to that end. Nor is anything that pollutes our witness for Jesus Christ expedient or edifying.
Our lives and conduct in relation to our liberty in Christ is, again, another study altogether. However, I would have been amiss, after the previous chapter, in not conveying the necessity for fearing God and keeping his commandments. Many get the wrong impression that as saints we are enjoying full benefits and no responsibilities as Christians. That it is eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we go to heaven. Nothing could be further from the truth. These are the days of our labour, our warfare.
Matthew 9:15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
Rightly Divide
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
In this last chapter I wish to address three points that some have had questions about. The first is in regards to Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for , the evidence of things not seen.”
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…,” —Is not this the Bible definition of faith? I have been asked this question and the answer is no, not the word faith. We have shown in the preceding chapters that faith means believing God. You are not going to look in a dictionary and find the following definition.
Faith – substance of things hoped for; evidence of things not seen
If you will try using faith in a sentence with that meaning you will see the truth of this. It is, however, the biblical definition of what your faith is in relation to hope; that is your faith, your belief; the concept itself, faith in practice not the word. We are not hoping in God without believing first in God and what he has said, “for he that cometh to God must believe that he is”. I am hoping in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, because I believe the Bible when it says he is going to return. Hope in this case means to place trust in. Faith and hope in Scripture are very similar.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Romans 8:24-25 For we are saved by hope : but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly ; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
We hope in what “…we see not…” because of our faith in God, and what he has said; we believe in that which we cannot see. The substance of the things we hope for is our faith in what God has said.
The second again has to do with Hebrews 11:1.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Faith is “the evidence of things not seen.”
Philippians 1:27-28 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.
We are now at the point of our works, works dictated by and manifesting the faith we say we have.
James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works , and by works was faith made perfect ?
1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith , being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried , offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.
We are going to act in accordance with what we believe. Just as Noah and Abraham acted on what they believed. Acting in accordance with our faith in God and his word in the face of adversity and trouble manifest our faith. That faith is the evidence of those things not seen and the condemnation of the world.
Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world , and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Without works to manifest our faith, our faith can have no effect, no profit; it will bring us no rewards at the judgment seat of Christ.
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
The third point is even more troubling to some. In first Corinthians chapter 12, faith is given as one of the gifts of the Spirit. One must rightly divide here, the gift is not given to everyone, none of the gifts are, only some receive certain ones. It is therefore, not the faith needed to be saved nor the faith of our daily walk with the Lord, everyone is required to have faith for those things. So we have here a different use for the word faith.
1 Corinthians 12:7-10 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
1 Corinthians 12:27-30 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
The answer to those questions is, ” No .”
There are two possibilities for this gift of faith.
- The spiritual apprehension of divine truths {Oxford English Dictionary} {quick understanding of spiritual matters or seeing the spiritual side of matters}
- Faithfulness, fidelity, strict adherence to duty and fulfillment of promise {When you pledge allegiance to something you make a pledge of faith, or to be faithful}
Personally, I hold to the former as the correct interpretation for the gift, as we are all called to be faithful.
The Bible as a whole is replete with references that show God is not bestowing faith upon man but requiring and striving to get man to put his faith in him. This study is in nowise definitive on the subject.
John 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe , that the Father is in me, and I in him.
John 11:42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
The idea that the faith to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ unto salvation is the gift of God or that salvation is not by faith alone is totally foreign to the Bible.
I pray the Lord will bless this work, if it be in truth in accord with his word and hope that it has been a help to you in your studies in Scripture. Amen.
Preface – Definition – Doctrine – Salvation – Faith & Works – Rightly Divide