“For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (Romans 3: 28)”
The end of chapter 3 of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome touches on one of the big struggling points of the Protestant Reformation. We talk about the four “Sola” statements by Martin Luther that are foundational in Lutheran thinking. Christ alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone, and God alone are four cornerstones. Luther was super sensitive about turning a person’s faith into a “work” that saves the person rather than what was accomplished by Jesus on the cross. We tend to shy away from testimonials that sound like the person’s coming to faith in some deeply emotional experience is what saved the person. Those testimonials appear deeply focused on the person and the person’s experience with forgiveness. Buying indulgences sold by Tetzel was frowned on. The epistle of James that talks about faith and works Luther is famous for call it “straw.”
All branches of Christianity proclaim salvation by grace through faith but just exactly what that means is a source of debate. “Grace” speaks to the giftedness of salvation. God gives, we do not earn. “Faith” speaks of the cry for relationship by the created for the creator. “Works” is the outworking of the love. “Faith without works is dead.” Works to earn favor with an angry God is not true to the Gospel. Paul continues to say in verse 30, “For God is one and will justify the circumcised on the basis of faith and the uncircumcised through faith.”
Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please (God) for anyone who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Tomorrow we, in the United States, will celebrate the 4th of July. One of the core freedoms we are grateful for is the freedom to decide for ourselves how we understand and work out faith and works in our lives. That is a wonderful freedom we should not take for granted! Blessings as you thank God for salvation through faith in Christ.
On the Way to Wonder 