Faith That Works: Evidence of True Salvation

In this episode, we explore the relationship between faith and works, discussing how genuine faith is always accompanied by tangible actions. While faith alone is enough for salvation, it should produce good works as evidence of a living faith. We examine the story of Rahab and the rich young ruler to understand the importance of faith that leads to action. Living out our faith involves demonstrating love, integrity, justice, and sharing the gospel. Our actions don't save us, but they are necessary evidence of a transformed heart. We are empowered by God's work in us to live out our faith.

Keywords

faith, works, salvation, evidence, transformation, love, integrity, justice, gospel

Takeaways

• Faith and works are inseparable; genuine faith is always accompanied by tangible actions.
• While faith alone is enough for salvation, it should produce good works as evidence of a living faith.
• Living out our faith involves demonstrating love, integrity, justice, and sharing the gospel.
• Our actions don't save us, but they are necessary evidence of a transformed heart.
• We are empowered by God's work in us to live out our faith.

Titles

• Living Out Our Faith
• Faith That Leads to Action

Sound Bites

• "True faith naturally results in transformation and that transformation is evident in our actions."
• "While we are saved by grace through faith, this faith should produce good works."
• "Faith apart from works is dead."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction: Faith That Works

01:58
The Relationship Between Faith and Works

03:25
The Danger of Dead Faith

04:20
Living Out Our Faith

05:43
God's Empowerment to Live Out Our Faith

06:41
Conclusion: Faith Evident in Actions

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction: Faith That Works
• 1:58 The Relationship Between Faith and Works
• 3:25 The Danger of Dead Faith
• 4:20 Living Out Our Faith
• 5:43 God's Empowerment to Live Out Our Faith
• 6:41 Conclusion: Faith Evident in Action

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:01

Welcome to another episode of Informed Faith, where we dive deep into biblical truths and explore how they apply to our daily lives. I'm Patrick, your host, and today we're tackling a topic that lies at the very heart of our Christian walk faith that works. What does it mean to have a faith that truly works? Is faith alone enough, or should our beliefs naturally lead to actions? In today's episode, we'll explore the relationship between faith and works, discussing how genuine faith is always accompanied by tangible actions. We'll dive into Scripture and share stories and uncover what it truly means to live out our faith. Now let's start by defining our terms. What is faith, and what do we mean by works? Well, in James 2, verses 14 through 17, it says this what good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food and one of you says to them Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So, also, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. You know, faith, as we see in Hebrews 11, one, is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. It's the belief in God's promises, the trust in His plan. Seen it's the belief in God's promises, the trust in His plan, the conviction that he is who he says he is. But what about works? Works are the tangible evidence of our faith, the actions that stem from our beliefs in Christ. Cs Lewis, in Mere Christianity, probably said it the most beautifully. He said faith is not a matter of hearing what Christ said long ago and trying to carry it out. Rather, the real Son of God is at your side. He is beginning to turn you into the same kind of thing as Himself. In other words, true faith naturally results in transformation, and that transformation is evident in our actions. Now let's dive deeper into how faith and works work together, how they harmonize.

Speaker 1: 2:03

Some might say that faith alone is enough, but Scripture tells us otherwise. Ephesians 2, 8-10 says this For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing. It is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast, for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them Now, while we are saved by grace, through faith, not by works. This faith should produce good works. These works are not the cause of our salvation, but the evidence of it. They are the fruit that grows from the root of faith.

Speaker 1: 2:41

Consider the story of Rahab as told in James 2.25 and Joshua 2. Rahab was a woman living in Jericho, a city doomed for destruction. When Israelite spies came to her city, rahab's faith in God led her to hide them, risking her own life. Her actions were the evidence of her faith. Rahab believed in God and that belief moved her to act. John MacArthur in his article.

Speaker 1: 3:03

John MacArthur in his article the Balance of Faith and Works explains that works are the fruit of faith, not the root of salvation. The balance is crucial to understand because it clarifies that, while works don't save us, a true and living faith will always produce them. But what happens when faith doesn't produce works? James warns us about the danger of dead faith In James 2.26,. He says for as the body, apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith, apart from works, is dead. It's also seen in the story of the rich young ruler found in Matthew 19, verses 16 through 22. This young man came to Jesus asking what he must do to have eternal life. And Jesus told him to keep the commandments which he claimed to have eternal life. And Jesus told him to keep the commandments which he claimed to have done. But when Jesus challenged him to sell his possessions and follow him, the young man walked away sad. His faith was superficial. It didn't move him to act, revealing a dead faith.

Speaker 1: 3:59

Martin Luther, who famously emphasized justification by faith alone, also recognized that we are saved by faith alone. But the faith that saves us is never alone. Faith without works is like a body without a spirit lifeless and ineffective. So how do we live out our faith? What does it look like to have a faith that works? Well, if you read in Matthew 7, verses 16 through 20, jesus actually tells us he says this. You will recognize them by their fruits Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes or figs from thistles. So every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.

Speaker 1: 4:42

Our faith should be evident in the way we live our lives. It's seen in our love for others, our integrity, our commitment to justice and our willingness to share the gospel. And these are the fruits of a living faith. John Calvin once said it is faith alone that justifies, but faith that justifies can never be alone. It is therefore faith alone which justifies, and yet the faith which justifies is be alone. It is therefore faith alone which justifies, and yet the faith which justifies is not alone. Our actions don't save us, but they are necessary evidence that we are truly saved.

Speaker 1: 5:13

Charles Spurgeon, in his article Living Faith, emphasizes that a faith naturally produces good works. It's not something we have to force. It's the natural outcome of a heart transformed by Christ. As we begin to wrap up, let's turn once again to Scripture, to Philippians 2, verses 12 and 13, which say work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. This is Paul talking. It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. You know this verse reminds us that, while we're responsible for living out our faith, it's God who empowers us to do so. The Holy Spirit works in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to live in a way that pleases God, and I want to encourage you today to examine your own faith. Is it producing good works? Are your beliefs reflected in your actions? Remember a faith that doesn't lead to action is dead, but the good news is is that God is at work in you, empowering you to live out your faith.

Speaker 1: 6:11

This week, I challenge you to identify one area in your life where you can put your faith into action. It might be reaching out to someone in need, standing up for what's right or simply living with more integrity in your daily actions. Let's be intentional about living out a faith that works. You know, today we've explored what it means to have a faith that works. We've seen faith is more than belief. It's demonstrated by actions. Genuine faith and good works are inseparable. They work in harmony to produce fruit that glorifies God. And as we close, let's remember the words of 1 John 3.18. It says Little children, let us not love in word or in talk, but in deed and in truth. Our faith should be evident in our actions, not just in our words. Thank you for joining me on this journey today. If you've been encouraged by today's episode, I invite you to share it with someone who might benefit from it, and let's continue to grow together in our faith and live out what we believe.