The relationship between faith and works has for centuries exercised scholarly minds. Some have concluded that salvation is by faith alone, and works (or deeds) contribute nothing to salvation.
In this lesson we will examine the relationship between faith and works, particularly Paul's statement, "A man is justified by faith without works" (Rom 3:28 4:6) . What does Paul mean by "faith without works"?
Our approach will be to compare what Paul says with what other Bible writers say. We believe Paul cannot contradict them, because the Bible cannot contradict itself. If we interpret the term "faith without works" in such a way that it harmonises with the rest of the Bible, our interpretation is more likely to be correct.
Paul Cannot Contradict Moses
Paul quotes from Moses, "Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him as justification" (Rom 4:3 Genesis 15:6) . But Moses also records that God gave Abraham another reason for the blessing: "...because you have obeyed my voice" (Genesis 22:18) . Abraham believed (had faith) and by that faith Abraham obeyed (had works) . "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed" (Hebrews 11:8) . If Abraham had not obeyed by faith, he would not have been justified by faith. Paul knew this.
Paul Cannot Contradict David
Paul quotes David who speaks of the blessedness of the man whom God justifies "without works of law" (Rom 4:6-7 (Psa 32:1-2) . Yet David loved God's law and stressed obedience to it (Psa 119:1-8,17-18 (Psa 103:7,17-18) . David never suggested that forgiveness would be granted to those who neglected the law-covenant God had given them. When Paul speaks of "faith without works of law" (Rom 3:28) he certainly does not mean faith that neglects to obey God's law. By "faith without works" Paul does not mean a disobedient faith.
James also speaks of "faith without works" and uses the same illustration of faith that Paul uses --the example of Abraham's justification by faith. James says that "Abraham was justified by works" (Jas 2:21) . He then explains: "Faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect" (Jas 2:22) .
So James's position on justification is clear: the faith that justifies is a working faith. He says the same thing in two other verses: "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (Jas 2:17) . "A man is justified by works and not by faith only" (Jas 2;24) . Observe that these comments follow on from his exhortation to "so speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty" (Jas 2:12) . From these verses we see that the faith which justifies is the faith that seeks to work according to God's law.
We all realise that we have sinned against God's law. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23) . Our works of law are marred by sin, so we would be without justification if we had to rely upon our works. Since we are without works of law sufficient to justify ourselves, we must have faith in Christ. That is to say, boasting of our own righteousness is excluded, and faith in Christ takes its place (Rom 3:27) . But God's law is not excluded, and faith seeks to obey God's law, just as Abraham and David did.
When we interpret Paul's statement about being "justified by faith apart from works of law" , we must be careful not to make Paul contradict James who says, "A man is justified by works and not by faith alone."
Paul Cannot Contradict Himself
There is no doubt in Paul's mind that faith brings about a change of practice (Rom 2:3-4) . The person who lives by faith "works what is good" (Rom 2:10) .
Notice the emphasis on works in that passage (Rom 2:6-11) . We will be judged by our "deeds" (v6). Gaining eternal life involves "continuance in doing good" (v7). God's wrath is upon "those who do not obey the truth" (v8). Tribulation will come upon "the one who does evil" (v9). Glory will come upon those who "work what is good" (v10). This is consistent with what Paul says about justification by faith, and we must be careful not to make Paul contradict himself.
Paul teaches that justification is by grace (Rom 3:24) , faith (Rom 5:1) , blood (Rom 5:9) . Then he asks, "Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not!" (Rom 6:1-2) . Paul thanked God that the Romans had "obeyed from the heart" (Rom 6:17) .
Paul sees no conflict between grace, faith, and obedience. So he exhorts, "Present your members" (the parts of your fleshly body) "as instruments of righteousness" (Rom 6:13,19) . To what extent? "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom 12:1) . When faith makes your body a living sacrifice, then faith is working with your works. A faith which does less will not justify you.
The Roman Christians were examples. "Not lagging in diligence" (Rom 12:11) . Their "faith was spoken of throughout the world" (Rom 1:8) . Their "obedience had become known to all" (Rom 16:19).
Conclusion
The main point in this lesson has been to show that while it is true that one is justified by faith, it is not true that one is saved by faith alone. Don't be confused. The faith which saves is a working and obedient faith.
At the beginning and at the end of Paul's letter to the Romans, there are two "archways" with the same inscription. By the first we are enlightened as we enter into his letter, and by the other we are reminded as we leave it. The inscription is, "OBEDIENCE OF FAITH"(Rom 1:5, 16:26).