Faith alone doctrine has been debated for more than 500 years ago already. This view was known from the reformation in 16th century, after the doctrine of faith plus good works is necessary for salvation was being emphasized.
Although the words “Faith Alone” is not found a word for word in the Bible, still it can be explained well. Nevertheless, it does not mean it’s in error if we understand the implications in many instances in the Bible.
However, many have adopted the faith alone’s view in many Christian denominations today.
In the other hand, many of the Christian denominations and cults don’t believe about faith alone can save. They most likely adhere that faith plus good works are necessary for salvation.
In fact, a particular denomination I heard explaining that faith alone’s view is in error and it must be rejected. So they emphasized that you ought to do good works to be saved.
This view should be looked upon to see which is right or wrong and or in error.
Questions To Ask About Faith Alone Cannot Earn Salvation
Allow me to ask questions, and I need the correct answers. If my questions have no clear answers, then faith alone is enough to earn salvation.
My Questions:
If faith plus good works can save;
1. How much good works we must be doing to earn salvation?
2. Is salvation a gift or not?
3. If salvation is a gift why would you pay it with good works?
4. If faith plus good works earn salvation, do you agree that it is not already a gift but a reward for your good works?
5. Can anyone give an amount of good works to be saved?
2. Is salvation a gift or not?
3. If salvation is a gift why would you pay it with good works?
4. If faith plus good works earn salvation, do you agree that it is not already a gift but a reward for your good works?
5. Can anyone give an amount of good works to be saved?
If you have the answers, please write them down in the comment area below.
An Examination Of Ephesians 2:10
Some of the unbelievers of faith alone would quote Ephesians 2:10 to prove that good works are necessary for salvation and not just faith alone.
Ephesians 2:10 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
10 “For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”
10 “For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”
You will see the error of the Anti-Faith alone in this verse. They thought that this verse is necessary for salvation without looking to the context.
Their view of salvation looks like this: God’s grace + faith + good works = salvation.
Is that correct?
To Find Out What Is The Right View about Faith Alone VS. Faith Plus Good Works
Take a look; this verse did not say that we are to do good works to be saved. Notice what it says, HE HAS MADE US, CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS FOR THE GOOD WORKS…… (Past tense)
Therefore, we need to understand in the first hand, that we are sinners. Before we become believers of Christ, we are not yet in Christ. So, we are not made and created in Christ until we believe in Him.
Before we are created in Christ, all our good works and our righteousness are not credited. In fact,
Isaiah said, our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).
Isaiah said, our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).
So, when that being made and created for good works took place. Is that after you did good works or after you believe or having faith in Christ? Of course, after you have faith in Christ. So it would meant God’s Grace + Faith + salvation/made/created = good works.
In fact, I read one who wrote, who said that Protestant don’t read Ephesians 2:10 and that’s not true.
We most likely emphasize this verse as the result of salvation.
Christ saved you on the cross (Past tense), then if you have faith in him you are saved from the power of sin Colossians 1:13, “Who hath delivered (saved) us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”
Therefore, you are no longer under the power of sin, and you will not obey the sin as your master. Now you have a new master which is Jesus Christ that you ought to follow. That’s the reason why you are now doing good works.
Most importantly, it will take place after putting your faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross for your salvation.
Conclusion
Finally, you believe that you are already saved and is now under the Lordship of Christ. So you should have to follow him. That’s what Ephesians 2:10 meant to say.
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