Faith Without Works - What Does It Mean?
WE (CAN’T?) WORK OUR WAY TO HEAVEN One of Christianity’s major defining points from other religions is its emphasis on faith over good deeds. While other religions require adherents to do enough good works or obey a certain lifestyle, Christianity says that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves. We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Then why would the Bible say, “faith without works is dead,” (James 2:17)? The Bible teaches that our good deeds don’t save us; it’s through faith in Christ alone (Romans 3:28; 5:1; 11:6; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Philippians 3:9). Then what aren’t we getting about this James passage? James wasn’t trying to write a systematic theology book. While we definitely get important Christian doctrine from this book of the Bible, we must think about his primary purpose. James wasn’t teaching “faith or works,” but instead was emphasizing the importance of applying God’s Word in our lives. INF...