Faith and Works of Love
The "New Testament type of "faith and works" are works of love and obedience. They have nothing to do with abiding by the "Law of the Old Testament" as a way of gaining entry into Heaven. Jesus said "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." (Matt 11:28-30) Jesus paid the price for our salvation all we need do to enter Heaven is to trust and rest in Him.
Regarding works in our Christian life JAS 2:17 teaches that works of love bare witness to the reality of faith in one's life, and that the Christian life should consist of both faith and works.
"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." JAS 2:26;18-19) (see footnote) Our works, actions, and lifestyle declare to the world that we are Christians.
Jesus said in (Luke:12;48) "...For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required;..." God gave His only Son, Jesus, to bridge the gap formed by the separation of God and man, in the "Garden of Eden" so that he might have eternal life. We as Christians have been given much.
In the "Parable of the Talents" Jesus likened His 'present temporary return to Heaven' to a man who traveled to a far country and left his stewards in charge. Upon his return each was rewarded or held accountable for his duties. In this scripture it is clear that His Followers will be held accountable for their works. (Matt 25:14-29) In Matthew 10:42 Jesus said "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
James used the following example of how faith and works are intertwined. "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?...(JAS 2:15-17) James is saying that in this case lip service simply has no value, it is our work of love, our actions that indicates our faith in Jesus.
Our faith and works of love are to be a light to the world. Jesus despised pious acts and deceptions. He said "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (MATT 7:20) It wasn't the inability to live up to God's commands that He condemned, He knew that was impossible, it was the blatant hypocrisy and pretensions to do so.
Our faith and works must be sincere. We are supposed to be a reflection of Jesus and His love and to work to bring others into His Kingdom. Do your actions say that you are trusting in Jesus, that, if necessary, you are willing to lay down your life for your faith in Him? (see footnote on persecution)
Our Christian Faith and works of love, and obedience are measures of our dedication to God. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 TIM 2:15) Study "His word." Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you as an expression of His love for the world, and someday you will hear Him say, "...Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matt 25:21)
Blessings, Samuel Mills
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