Welcome!

QUESTION 34:
If a person is saved by faith they can do as they please after?

ANSWER:
That a person is saved by "faith alone" is very clear in many Bible verses. Romans 3:28. Paul summarizes his teaching on justification or salvation in saying; "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deed of the law." Ephesians 2:8-9 says, God has a particular reason why it is by faith alone and this is found in Romans 4:16, Grace is not only God's undeserved favour, but it is His divine ability to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Faith is the only means of bringing electricity into our homes. We would not turn on the switch if we did believe. Now as to doing as one pleases, the Bible teaches that faith that is alone is a dead useless thing. James 2:20. "Wilt thou know, 0 vain man, that faith without works is dead." Again in James 2:26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." Now James is not contradicting Paul, but simply adding to what Paul has said. James is not saying, that faith and works saves, but he is talking about a faith that works. He is saying if you say you have a faith that is not active, that does not work; you have a faith that is dead and useless. Paul lays the foundation of salvation in faith alone; James adds the proof or fruit of that faith, which is the activity of that faith. James is neither talking about the works of the law, or good deeds toward men; but the two illustrations he give from the Old Testament is that of Abraham and Rahab. Abraham's faith was active in his offering up Isaac as a sacrifice to God, James 2:21. Rahab's faith was active when she received the spies and sent them out another way. They were both doing exactly what they pleased. That was the will of God for them at that time.

If you would trust Christ as your Saviour and Lord, this would please Him and activate His grace in your life. Do it today

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

Return to Christian Living Questions Main Page

Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen