the intersection

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Romans 4:1-12. And here, Paul talks about the faith that saves us. In James chapter 2, we read that we are not saved by faith alone, but by works. So which is it? Catholics teach that we have faith, and that prompts us to do works which participate in the salvation that God is working in our lives. Many protestant groups teach that works are entirely unnecessary for salvation. That we are saved by faith alone, sola fides, and that works are what we do in gratitude for the salvation God has given us.

I'm not going to try to fix 500 years of disagreement in one blog. Suffice it to say, for our benefit going forward, that faith is absolutely necessary for salvation (Hebrews 11 says that without faith it's impossible to please God). Paul makes that clear. And we can all agree that when we have faith in Jesus, we do what He says. We perform "works", and do good things for God and for His children. Those actions flow naturally out of the relationship that we have with Him. Those actions make it possible for others to come to know Him, and to have the faith that is necessary for their salvation.

So let's, as brothers and sisters in Christ, spur each other on to more good works. Let's literally share our faith - tell the stories of faith that will help bolster the faith that each of us has. Let's love one another, and demonstrate our love for God by taking care of His children.

God, thank You for faith and works... and helping us see how they intersect.