Are We Truly Saved by Faith Alone?

The question “Are we saved by faith alone?” has sparked countless debates among Christians for centuries. It touches on the core of salvation, exploring whether faith is sufficient or if works play a role in our justification before God. 

This inquiry is not merely academic but profoundly personal, as it shapes how we live our faith and understand our relationship with God. In this discussion, we will examine key biblical passages, such as Ephesians 2:8-10 and James 2:18-24, to gain clarity on salvation, it is crucial to study the Bible effectively and understand the context of these passages.

By looking at examples like Noah, Abraham, and even Jesus’ teachings, we aim to find clarity on what it truly means to live a life of faith in action.

Noah’s Example: Faith Alone or Faith in Action?

Today, we’re going to solve the age-old mystery – The relationship between faith and works.

Was Noah saved because he built an ark or by his faith?

You could simply say yes and be right.

Hebrews 11:7 KJV – ⁷ By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

The entire chapter in Hebrews 11 – by faith… <ACTION>

We’re going to look at Ephesians 2:8-10, perhaps the most misunderstood verse in the Bible.  And we’re going to study it from a Jewish perspective:

Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV – ⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Now, let’s look at “Living Judaism”…

The Jewish Perspective on Salvation and Faith

Let’s contrast the Jewish understanding of Messiah with Jesus’ sacrifice:

Romans 5:6-10 KJV – ⁶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. ⁷ For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. ⁸ But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. ⁹ Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. ¹⁰ For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

What is Apostle Paul saying?  That God did not wait for the world to become good.  He didn’t wait for the people to reach a certain level of righteousness to send the Messiah.  In fact, we’re told this was the entire point of the law, not for people to become good, but to teach them that they COULDN’T ever become good under the law!

Galatians 3:21-27 KJV – ²¹ Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. ²² But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. ²³ But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. ²⁴ Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵ But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. ²⁶ For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Let’s look at that last line… baptism.

Is Baptism a Work or an Act of Faith?

Is baptism a “work of the flesh” whereby we show God how good we are, or, like Noah, is it an act of faith taken in obedience to God? The act of baptism itself is really neutral—it’s simply a matter of being fully immersed in water. However, the significance of baptism lies in what God does through it.

According to Colossians 2:9-15, the true “work” during baptism is performed by God. This passage highlights that baptism symbolizes putting off the sins of the flesh and being spiritually raised with Christ through faith. It underscores that believers are forgiven and made new through God’s power, not by their own efforts.

The concept of baptism in Jesus’ name further illustrates its significance as an act of faith. This aligns with the teachings of John the Baptist, who called people to repentance and obedience, and with Jesus’ command to baptize in His name. 

Baptism, therefore, is not merely a ritual but a profound step of faith in obedience to God’s will, demonstrating the believer’s commitment to live a transformed life.

John the BAPTIST came to the Jews teaching…

Mark 1:4-5 KJV – ⁴ John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. ⁵ And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

Matthew 21:25-27 KJV – ²⁵ The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? ²⁶ But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. ²⁷ And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Luke 6:44-47 KJV – ⁴⁴ For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. ⁴⁵ A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. ⁴⁶ And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? ⁴⁷ Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:

Matthew 7:20-23 KJV – ²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. ²¹ Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 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 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

WAIT?  Is someone lying here?  Doesn’t Apostle Paul say that by merely CALLING on the name of the Lord, we’ll be saved?

Romans 10:13 KJV – ¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Matthew 3:5-10 KJV – ⁵ Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, ⁶ And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. ⁷ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? ⁸ Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: ⁹ And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. ¹⁰ And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

What are “fruits”?  Is this not our behavior?  Our ACTIONS?  Our FAITH in ACTION?

Is there a gospel to obey?  Is it out of FAITH that we obey Jesus?

Romans 1:3-5 KJV – ³ Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; ⁴ And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: ⁵ By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name.

Are We  Saved by Faith Alone?

Intellectual belief is not enough.  It could be argued that faith without the necessary obedient action is not faith at all.

James 2:18-24 KJV – ¹⁸ Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. ¹⁹ Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? ²² Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? ²³ And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. ²⁴ Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Matthew 3:16-17 KJV – ¹⁶ And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: ¹⁷ And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.