Sola Fide?

Sola Fide is Latin for "faith alone," one of five key principles that emerged during the Protestant Reformation. It asserts that faith in Christ is sufficient alone for eternal salvation.

Galatians 2:16 KJV 1900

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

The Bible addresses the relationship between faith and works in several passages. When understanding Faith and Works we must understand the context of scripture. Is faith alone a true doctrine? Is a works doctrine a false doctrine? Can faith and works be separated? Today we are going to dive into the scripture and see what the bible has to say about this controversial topic.

Common Beliefs and Misunderstandings

While the doctrine of “faith alone” is central to many Protestant denominations, there are often misunderstandings about its implications:

1. Antinomianism:

Some believe that since salvation is by faith alone, works are unnecessary.

2. Cheap Grace:

The concept of “cheap grace” refers to a belief in forgiveness without repentance, discipleship, or transformation.

The Book of Revelation, particularly in chapters 20 and 22, discusses the judgment of works. This judgment is crucial in understanding the biblical perspective on the relationship between faith, works, and eternal destiny.

Judgment of Works in Revelation

Revelation 20:11-15 (KJV)

11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

In this passage, we see the Great White Throne Judgment, where the dead are judged according to their works as recorded in the books. This implies that all deeds, whether good or bad, are taken into account. However, it is crucial to note that the final determinant for entering the lake of fire or eternal life is whether one’s name is written in the Book of Life.

Revelation 22:12-14 (KJV)

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

This passage underscores that rewards will be given according to one’s works. Those who have followed God’s commandments and done His works will have the right to the tree of life and entry into the New Jerusalem.

Types of Works Judged

1. Works of Righteousness and Obedience:

• Matthew 16:27 (KJV): “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”

• 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (KJV): “Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

2. Evil and Wicked Works:

• Ecclesiastes 12:14 (KJV): “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

• John 5:28-29 (KJV): “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”

Faith and Works in James

James emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated through actions. He argues that faith without works is dead and cannot save anyone.

James 2:14-26 (KJV)

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 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?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

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.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Faith and Works in Paul’s Epistles

Paul, on the other hand, emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works. However, he also teaches that genuine faith will naturally result in good works.

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.

Romans 3:27-28 (KJV)

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Galatians 2:16 (KJV)

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Reconciling James and Paul

When we reconcile these teachings, it becomes clear that James and Paul are addressing different issues within the early church. Paul focuses on how a person is saved, emphasizing that it is not by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. James addresses how a saved person should live, arguing that genuine faith in Christ will produce good works.

John 15:4-5 (KJV)

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Conclusion

The Bible supports the idea that faith and works are intricately connected. Salvation is by faith alone, but true faith will manifest in good works. Faith without works is dead because it is not genuine faith. Works are not the basis of salvation, but they are the evidence of a living and active faith in Jesus Christ.

Quote

“Faith and works should travel side by side, step answering to step, like the legs of men walking. First faith, and then works; and then faith again, and then works again—until they can scarcely distinguish which is the one and which is the other.” - William Booth