The Grace That Brings Good Work

I taught Sr High Sunday School again this past weekend, and it’s been a good experience both times now. We also had a progressive thanksgiving dinner last night as a group. 

My time with sr high lately reminded me of something I’ve been meaning to write about, Christian faith and how it’s balanced with good work. First, please let me make something clear. We (the human race) are saved through grace alone and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. (paraphrased Ephesians 2:8-9) I feel that this is important for me to bring up, especially since I haven’t approached it head on yet. 

Some churchgoers who call themselves Christians don’t believe this from what I’ve learned. I have never understood how this is the case; many “Christians” believe they’re saved through baptism or the Sunday school class called confirmation, or by doing good works in general. Confirmation in particular still confuses me as I can’t figure out where the idea came from, or why people seem to think it brings salvation. Please note that these are not bad things, in fact they are for the most part very good things, they are just not what brings salvation. 

I understand that people come back at the “by faith alone” concept with the “faith without works is dead” verse from James 2:17 (paraphrased). The problem with how people tend to use this verse to argue is that they think it means works is required for salvation. What this verse is actually saying is that when you are saved through faith, your relationship with Christ should inspire you to do the right thing, and good things. That is its part of the Christian faith but its not part of how we’re saved. We can never have enough good works to measure up to God’s glory. 

This all being said if you confess your sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive your sins and purify you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9 paraphrsed), and if you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).

If you have a question about Christianity, or getting saved please reach out to me at my contact page, or on social media @katherineglader I would be glad(er) to talk with you.