Christians; do you feel that faith alone can save you? Are good works necessary?
By Pose123
@Pose123 (21635)
Canada
February 17, 2010 11:16am CST
Many of my Christian friends are quick to remind everyone around them that good works can't get a person to heaven. They say that by faith alone is one saved. I sometimes ask them to read the letter of James in the New Testament where it's made clear that faith without works is dead. Of course one has only to read the account of the life of Jesus in the Gospels to see the importance he put on good works. Now, I'm not really concerned which it is that you believe, my thought is that if good works are put on the back burner, many Christians will feel little compassion for the less fortunate among them. Didn't Jesus Christ say "by their fruit you shall know them"? I wonder if some Christians haven't got the wrong idea? Action is important, again James says,"show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. Comments please.
4 people like this
12 responses
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
18 Feb 10
I see so many missionaries and charitable Christians around me that it has always made me think that Christians not only believed in their faith, they lived by it too! As you know, India was a British colony and we know of so many Christians who have come to this land, made it their own, lived amongst the people and done so much. OK they have converted too, but that is another issue altogether. All over the world, wherever one hears of charitable organizations or organizations that go to war-ravaged areas or places struck down by natural calamities…its mostly Christian. All may not become nuns and monks but they definitely pitch in to do the good work…and many of them far away for their own country and in totally unknown lands.
2 people like this
@speakeasy (4171)
• United States
17 Feb 10
If you truly have faith; then, you will be doing "good works" automatically. If you truly believe, you will want to do good things and help others. "by their fruit you shall know them" - because their day to day life will contain those "good works".
The reminder that "good works" can't get a person into heaven is directed at those individuals who think they can "buy" their way into heaven without having any faith. Just like trying to bribe a jusge, police officer, or a politician; except God does not accept bribes. So, not having faith, living a life filled with sin and then making some grand gesture (good work) isn't going to get you into heaven.
1 person likes this
@speakeasy (4171)
• United States
18 Feb 10
Then, they are being ruled by their fear and not by their faith. If fear is supreme for them; are they really good Christians?
@Gordano (795)
• United States
24 Feb 10
If faith doesn't lead to Good works it can never be called faith, without Good works its anything else but not faith.
Let's see what Jesus Himself ( not Paul and not James ) said about this.
Matthew 7:22-27
( 22 ) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
( 23 ) [i]And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
[/i]
( 24 ) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
( 25 ) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
( 26 ) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
( 27 ) [i]And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
[/i]
I think it is very clear, unless we follow a Liar Like Paul when he say something different.
Best Regards
1 person likes this
@bellis716 (4799)
• United States
19 Feb 10
We are told to show our faith by our works. That seems to indicate that both are important.
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@bestboy19 (5478)
• United States
19 Feb 10
Ephesians 2:8-10, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
I would say, if any Christian puts works on the back burner, he isn't obeying God; but it is the grace that saves us, not the works. If you have truly accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you will be happy to work for Him.
1 person likes this
@venkatachary (1165)
• India
18 Feb 10
What you thing is good deed or faith. Certainly it is interrelated one another. If you have faith in God, certainly you can only do good things in life. If you do good things in life automatically, you have faith in Him.So, we can not separate both.
1 person likes this
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
17 Feb 10
I believe that faith and works go hand in hand. My favourite role model is Mother Theresa. She was a christian of great faith but yet she managed to put her beliefs into practise. Before starting work each day she advised her followers for an hour meditations, before proceeding to help the needy. I do think that real faith leads us to good work which help others.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
18 Feb 10
Hi ronald, Thanks for sharing and I'm in complete agreement with you. I know the Bible also says, "by faith are ye saved --- not of works lest any man should boast". I think it's clear however that any real follower of Christ has to be known forgood works. Blessings.
@vivasuzi (4127)
• United States
17 Feb 10
I totally disagree with your friends. Actions speak louder than words right? So saying you believe or saying you love God isn't going to get you in God's good graces. I think it's a combination of being a good person, doing good things, and trying to help others.
I don't know where your friends go to church, but at our church they are always talking about volunteering or helping out and the importance of helping others. I know we all could do more to help out, but I try to get myself to do things or donate to causes and in the end I feel better for it.
Good discussion.
1 person likes this
@daliaj (5674)
• India
18 Feb 10
I don't think that faith alone can take us to heaven. We need to do a lot of good things and do good to the community. We have to make use of our abilities well and make sure not to commit sins. I have seen people who are very good at rituals and pray daily, but do harm to other people. I don't think those people will go to heaven.
@1anurag1 (3576)
• India
17 Feb 10
I think that may be my view will not be acceptable to every one. but still i would like to share my thoughts.
and those are as.
god has created us so he has done this for some motto. we here are not only for prayers. we should prayers and we should also do good works too. god never want us to prayer and sin besides. i think the best thing he expect is to be honest only.
1 person likes this
@phoenix8606 (4942)
•
17 Feb 10
hi Pose! I think if there is really heaven, only the faith can't guarantee you a place there- the good works are more important, at least fot me, because just imagine you have killed and stole all your live but have believe in God, will you go to heaven- i don't think so! and if you have helped the people, have always done good things to others, but haven't went that often to church or haven't prayed that much, than will you go there- i think you will!
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
18 Feb 10
Hi phoenix, Thank you for commenting. Many Christians quote "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thy shalt be saved" (Acts 16: 31) as if it is the only requirement, and while I'm sure it's a great comfort to someone on their deathbed, I feel this should not be taught to everyone so that they think that nothing more is required of them.Blessings.
@jpnarayan (17)
• India
18 Feb 10
I am not knowing much about christian's philosophy but what I wish to tell is that both good work as well as faith are necessary.These both are like two fans of a bird without which it can not fly.Where it is true that good work always pays whether today or tomorrow, the faith is equally important and ultimately brings success to one who has got faith.Faith itself shows the path and takes the man to the right direction.J.P.Narayan
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