|
Erica Chaffin RST 40 SSII Hurst 9/8/03 “Faith in Action” When thinking of heaven, many believe this is a place “good” people go after they die. The term “good,” referring to individuals who have lived a relatively moral existence, being nice to others, being a pillar of the community, generous with their money, et cetera, in a sense “doing” something for those around them. A sort of naughty or nice mentality; be good; and one is rewarded with heaven, be bad; and one is condemned to hell. This “doing,” or works of service, is seen by many as a ticket to heaven, a lifetime achievement award for a job well done. Biblically this is not the case. Many confuse the idea that people of the bible worked their way into heaven, meaning, things that they did were found worthy of God’s praises, and assured them a seat in heaven. It is true, that many did find favor in the eyes of God; however, it was first from God calling them to faith in Him and his promises, which caused them “be made new” actions and live in obedience to Him. James 2:14-26 explains that genuine faith in God results in deeds of righteousness. In James, the clear point is one cannot have faith without deeds. One’s faith in God is what saves a person, and through this trust in God, a person expresses this through acts of love. Faith and works go hand in hand. One must first trust God to place himself beneath God’s rule, and under Godly reign, one can, “love God with all his heart, mind, soul and strength, and love others as Christ loved the church.” In Grudem’s Systematic Theology, it is written on this subject, “God declares the ungodly to be righteous in his sight, not on the basis of their good works, but in response to their faith.” In Ephesians 2:8 and in 2 Timothy 1:9 Paul explains salvation is a gift of God that is received through grace by faith alone.
Approximate Word count = 1093
Approximate Pages = 4.4
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
