Basic # 2 Continues: What are Works of Faith
The basics continue with works of faith. We’ve already established that our righteousness is based on faith in Jesus Christ alone. Does that mean there are no works involved? No, on the contrary. They are called works of faith. As we entered into God’s grace through faith, works became part of our new nature. They are the result of faith.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Works accompany faith, otherwise our faith would be dead. In fact, faith almost demands an action of some sort; even if that action is simply waiting on God. This statement refers to an actual leading of Holy Spirit, versus those who sit on the seat of do-nothing, waiting for God to do everything for them.
James 2:14-17 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Upon examining the entirety of the chapter, you soon see love is part of faith; in fact, faith works by love (Galatians 5:6). When love and faith call us to extend mercy to another, and we neglect to follow through, our faith becomes useless. It would be dead! Faith without works can lead to hypocrisy, especially if it’s destitute of love.
James 2:18-23 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 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? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Let’s clarify something: Abraham’s works were acts of obedience to God. First, he heard and believed God, then he acted. Another way to express works of faith is acts of obedience. So, what is obedience?
It means to listen attentively with belief, while purposing to conform to the will of God out of love. It’s an act of volition on our part, while seeking to please Him. It has nothing to do with earning anything; and yet, God rewards obedience.
James 2:23-24 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. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Romans 10:6-10 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
We come into relationship with God and maintain it by faith. Our first step was hearing, then believing, followed by confessing. Confession is more than mouthing the words; it means to speak or say the same together with another. That is to be agreement. It is not true confession if you don’t agree with what you’re saying.
Furthermore, your life would reflect what you uttered; and of course, what you utter tends to be reflective of what’s in your heart. As Jesus said, “From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). So what do you say when no one is around?
Obedience is part of confession. Agreement leads to action when it’s called for. It means doing what God asks of us, or if you prefer, commands.
The Basics of Walking by Faith
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Faith requires hearing from God. It’s hard to obey if you haven’t received instructions first. If God didn’t initiate something, that something could not be called an act of faith. Randomly “stepping out by faith” does not always bring the desired result. If God is not in something, it can go bad in a hurry.
Fortunately, God is loving and merciful. He is very gracious to us when our heart is right, and even when it’s not. If one happens to misstep in the name of walking by faith, and totally gets derailed, He will set him upright on the right track. Sometimes it includes processes we don’t always understand. Take heart, He knows what He’s doing. And that’s a good thing, since we often don’t.
Jesus did what He saw the Father do, and said what He heard Him say. He gave us the perfect model of what walking by faith looks like. Jesus listened and obeyed, because He loves ABBA. Walking by faith requires relationship. Without it, we all would be hard pressed to do works of faith. Works of faith could also be considered labors of love. Selah!
