A Practical Confession

Paul says: "we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ" (Galatians 2:16). The point being -- our standing before God is one we receive as a gift from God. It is not of our doing. But then there is that passage in James, also in the New Testament, which says: "faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead" (James 2:17).

If we read the two texts in their own contexts, we'll discover that each is dealing with a different issue and concern. What we have done through history, though, is pit them against each other, forcing people to choose. Could it not be that both are correct?

Could we not agree that our standing before God is a gift. It is one that we receive by faith. We do not earn that place -- either by works of the law or for that matter believing the minutae of a creed? At the same time, can we not say that if faith is real it will have practical effect?

In Romans 12 Paul talks about transformation, should we not expect that faith in God as revealed to us in the person of Jesus, prove transformative? Is that not what James has in mind here -- if we profess faith in Christ, and yet the way we speak to one another, how we treat one another is not changed, then is that faith real?

Was the message of Jesus any different from the one that had guided Israel from its beginnings? Love God and love neighbor? Are these not the hallmarks of a practical faith?

As you ponder that question consider this statement by Disciples theologian Clark Williamson:

The ethical corollary of Jesus' message and ministry is both personal and social. Personally, sinners were invited to repent, to return to the God of Israel, whose message and mission were actualized in the life and ministry of Jesus. Communally, this turning entailed becoming involved in an inclusive, egalitarian movement that featured free healing, free hospitality, free and open eating, and a free welcome to the stranger. The great commandment, "You shall love the Lord with all your heart . . . , You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Mk. 12:28-31), was the hallmark of the Jesus movement. Anything that hindered the expression of that love was to be set aside. (Clark Williamson, The Way of Blessing, Way of Life, Chalice Press, 1999, 301).

Comments

Anonymous said…
My understanding of the great mystery is.. yes, its faith that saves, not deeds. BUT... there should be serious concern if we don't see any changes in our lives due to faith in Christ. (loving our neighbor, etc)

It would be like getting married to my wife, but then never talking to her, taking her on dates, eating dinner, etc. Sure.. we are married, but you would question the love if you didn't see any of those hallmarks.

My chief concern is this idea of.. say a 30 second prayer, sign a card, and POOF.. you have fire insurance. I cringe at the proclamations of "100 saved".

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