Why We are to Judge

By Faith Alone

Christianity from its inception 2,000 years ago has been based upon faith alone. “And he brought them outside and said, “Sirs, what must I do so that I can be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household!” Acts 16:30–31. “But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified about by the law and the prophets—that is, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. For there is no distinction,” Romans 3:21–22. “but knowing that a person is not justified by the works of the law, if not by faith in Jesus Christ, and we have believed in Christ Jesus so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified.” Galatians 2:16. We can go on and on with references to this abundantly clear truth defined in the Scriptures. Some may find hope in this truth. Knowing that nothing that they could do would honestly cover their sins of the past. And others may find this to be foolish. Associating their good works to salvation enables them to “know” their status and also to see if others are saved. Well, I would like to first establish this elementary truth of Christianity before I transition to the title of this teaching. Yes, this is in fact the fundamentals of Christianity. You cannot separate how one is saved from Christianity. Just like you cannot separate a motor from the body of car and still claim it as a vehicle. It has lost its main purpose. Driving the life and beliefs of Christianity is in fact faith in Jesus Christ.

The Lexham English Bible Chapter 1

18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and the intelligence of the intelligent I will confound.”

20 Where is the wise person? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased through the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. 22 For indeed, Jews ask for sign miracles and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a cause for stumbling, but to the Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Just as in Paul’s time writing the letter to the Corinth Church. Today the messaged about the cross is foolishness to them as well. I truly believe that we as humans see and understand something is not right. Chaos and decay eat away in a visible sense our daily lives. We even recognize mistakes in our actions. Although we may not claim it as “sin” or even have the humility to admit it to ourselves or others. Its self evident. This message of the cross speaks to our fallen status with the Creator and Arbiter of the universe. Yet, offers the plan of reconciliation and righteousness. Through what means? Self-atonement? Self-abasement? Neither. Through simple faith in Jesus Christ’s atonement, or the cross, to pay for the sins of the world which includes yours. Past, present, and future sins. It is all dealt with at conversion.

You may be thinking, “wait wait wait. Your telling me that all I need to to do to be saved is trust in what God did for me?” I would answer, yes. “But I cant be perfect and never sin again. I am going to make mistakes. How will I atone for those sins? “I would say, you can’t. Christ already paid for them in full. “So I contribute nothing to being saved?” Exactly. “But what about repentance and baptism and good works? I hear all these Christians arguing about these things. And your telling me that none of these things contribute to my salvation and right standing with God?” Yeah, It is really that simple as believing in Christ. He will change you and these things will follow. But it literally has nothing to do with what you can offer. That’s why its called grace.

Now if do not claim yourself a Christian and your stumbling over this or likening it to foolishness. I pray that you would humbly read the New Testament Scriptures to deal with such a profound implication. It is not the message that keeps you from God. It comes down to your pride. But, if you claim to follow Christ by faith. And this message is offensive to you. Also, you too would ask to humbly read the New Testament Scriptures for yourself. It is too easy to find people that agree with our positions. Remaining right where we already are. The scriptures are given to the world for the individual. What honest reason do you have to not study the Word of the Living God? Trust me when I say this. There is no acceptable reason. You speak English. You have the largest library of resources and the most accurate translations to the original infallible Scriptures. Of all of human history. I agree that's hard to comprehend. With all of this information available. The one tool to develop is discernment. But, the only way to develop this skill is through diligent and honest study of the Scriptures. While being truly converted. The Holy Spirit, Who indwells the believer in Christ. Helps, guides, comforts, protects, provides, and teaches. Some may claim the average individual needs the church or a denomination to understand the Bible. But why would any true Christian need an organization to define the Bible for them? When God has given of Himself to fill the Believer. Logically this is self defeating. As you spend time in the Bible. I trust you will see this as plain as I do.

Extra Points to Talk About

We are called to judge based on fruit only because it is the visible working of faith in Christ.