The Christian Conscience

Who cares?  Those who care about their eternal destiny care, because, as it says in Ephesians 2:8,9  “For by grace are ye saved through FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of WORKS, lest any man should boast.”

See John 14:21.

New Testament scriptures talk of two kinds of works.  The first is the WORKS OF THE LAW, that is - obedience to the Old Testament Commandments.  The other kind of works is GOOD WORKS - loving God, and your neighbor as yourself.  The same one who wrote Ephesians 2:8, 9 exhorted his churches and companions to be careful to maintain good works.  For example see Titus 3:8: “This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be CAREFUL to MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS. These things are good and profitable unto men.”

In the early church, there was much debate about FAITH and WORKS.  Is salvation through faith and nothing else, as some say?  For a time, there was a conflict in the early church between those believed in FAITH ONLY, and those who believed that true FAITH will always be accompanied by works.  On one side, were those who misinterpreted the teaching of the apostle Paul, and believed in FAITH only. On the other side was Peter, John, and especially James, the half brother of Jesus (and Jesus, Himself also).

James 2:14-26 deals with the subject of FAITH and WORKS.  Consider this section of scripture: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works, can faith save him?  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,  and one of you say unto them, depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?  EVEN SO, FAITH, IF IT HATH NOT WORKS IS DEAD, BEING ALONE.  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.  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 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.  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and NOT BY FAITH ONLY.”

THOSE, WHO TEACH, AND BELIEVE IN, FAITH ONLY, ARE ON DANGEROUS GROUND.  There’s more to faith than saying a prayer.

Questions or comments are invited.  Send us an e-mail.

Aren’t you tired of feeling guilty?  At the Mexico Beach Christian Worship Center, you can get vital teachings from the Holy Bible, every Sunday morning.  We don’t pass an offering plate, or plead for money, or twist your arm to join.  Check us out this Sunday!  Our services begin, with a time of greeting and fellowship, at 9:30 a.m. CDT on Sunday.  Worship begins at 9:45 a.m.  Come early so that you can meet, and fellowship with us, and join in the praise and worship music led by TJ!  We meet, and worship, at the Mexico Beach Civic Center on 105 N. 31st Street, behind Parker Realty, and the Beach Walk gift shop, just off Highway 98, in Mexico Beach.

God Bless,

Pastor Tim Morrill

Mexico Beach Christian Worship Center

tim1@jesusanswers.com

http://www.mexicobeachcwc.com