Faith and Obedience

The main point in this lesson is to show that, whilst it is true that one is justified by faith, it is certainly 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).

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).
 

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 Gen 15:6) . But Moses also records that God gave Abraham another reason for the blessing: "...because you have obeyed my voice" (Gen 22:18) . Abraham believed (had faith) and by that faith Abraham obeyed (had works) . "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed" (Heb 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.