Today’s hard question is the millennium-old question of whether we are saved by works or saved by faith, an argument that has been around for centuries. Here’s my short answer – I think it’s pretty straightforward – Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9 that we are saved by grace though faith. In James 2, James writes that sincere faith will result in action.  I don’t think that they contradict each other.

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Think of some of the people in your life. Think of a mother, a teacher, a pastor, a hunter, a hiker, and a plumber. Since you’ve thought of them, you identify them as that type of person. They probably don’t need to do anything to still be called a mother, a teacher, a pastor, a hunter, a hiker, and a plumber. But I bet they do things. Without taking actions in those roles, they might feel fake; they wouldn’t feel fulfilled. Can you picture a hiker who doesn’t hike? Can you picture a teacher who doesn’t teach? What about a hunter who never hunts? When you choose to be something, actions automatically follow.

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The same is true with Christianity. When someone believes in Jesus, it has an impact on how they act. Their actions don’t save them, but those actions are proof of obedience and sincere faith.

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Jesus said the same thing in Luke 6:46-49: He used the example of the wise and foolish builders. He said that the wise man is the one who puts his faith into practice. Similarly, Jesus says in John 13 that the world will know Christians by their love, by their actions. ‍

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Remember

Today is 9/11. Many of us can clearly remember where we were that Tuesday morning when we first got the news that the world had changed. While I don’t understand it, I trust His plan. God is, and was, sovereign. Some of you know of Todd Beamer, the man who told his fellow passengers, “Let’s Roll,” before attacking the hijackers of Flight 93. He was a classmate of mine, and a godly man. His wife Lisa was my wife’s small group leader (I encourage you to join a small group if you’re not in one already). Todd was a Christian, saved by faith. But his faith manifested itself in godly works daily. And on September 11, 2001, his faith led him to courageously sacrifice his life in order to protect others. His faith led to good works.  

I don’t think deeds save us. It just doesn’t make sense to me that we could earn our way into Heaven. But James, Jesus, and Paul agree that sincere faith will result in real actions. Most of us will never be called upon do good in a way that will result in our death. But Jesus tells us to deny ourselves daily in Luke 9:23. Paul wrote that he died daily in I Corinthians 15:31. Those daily actions could range across a full spectrum, in great and small ways, but obedience to God results in action. If you’re reading this today, you’re already spending time with God. What are some other ways that faith in God will impact the actions that you take?

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It will impact your time. Are you on a serve team at church?  

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It will impact your fellowship. Are you a member of an ACF group?

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It will impact your prayers.  Do you pray for the needy?

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It will impact your thoughts.  Deep down, what is your mind drawn to?

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It will impact your spending habits. Do you tithe?

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It will impact how you respond to someone who cuts you off on the Glenn.

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It will impact how you respond when you see a homeless person.

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What deeds come as a result of your faith?