Tag: dead

Letters

A Salvation by Faith Versus Works

Peter

Obedience is the Work of Faith

Peter and Rohnel, servants of Jesus Christ,  to the scattered pilgrims in the faith. Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

A false doctrine keeping many in darkness and unable to receive the Gospel of the Living Commandments is the lie that teaching obedience to the Commandments is teaching of salvation by the works of men. The insinuation is that when the Commandments are preached as the way of salvation, one is not walking by faith and instead is trying to save themselves by their own work or obedience. Nothing could be further from the truth.  Faith is faith in the Living Christ, the Commandments to save us.

This study exposes and contrasts the works of men, which do not save from the works of God, which do bring salvation.  The works of the Father are the Holy Commandments and what Christ always speaks and does. As His Christ, being made into sons of God, we bear the same witness as we are Christ in this world once the Promise comes.

Joh 5:36  But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

The faith of Christ is faith in the Living Commandments to save us from sin. Those given the faith of Christ are the blessed of God who strive to know and obey all His Commandments and enter into the narrow gates into the holy city of heavenly Jerusalem.

Rev 22:14  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. 

The “works salvation” lie is sustained and perpetuated by other false doctrines that ignore the scores of witnesses in the Old and New Testaments, who confirm that obedience is all that matters. Obedience is salvation, and any other teaching is a false Gospel.

Gal 6:15  For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 

Do not be deceived about who is righteous and what walking by faith looks like. Here is a sample of what could be a lengthy list of witnesses from the old and the new.

Joh 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments. 

Lev 22:31  Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them: I am the LORD. 

1Pe 1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 

Deu 8:11  Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 

1Jn 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 

Psa 119:98  Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. 

1Jn 3:7  Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 

One believing the lie that teaching and admonishing one to obey the Commandments is a salvation of one’s own works, ensures that the Commandments are esteemed lightly and given only lip service. The Gospel, the power of salvation, remains far from one’s heart and mind when one believes the lie. Being blinded by God, one cannot receive the preaching of the Gospel and falsely claim it is the works of men. The grace of God that is the Commandments is thus turned into lasciviousness and a lukewarm walk and conscience towards the Lord.  Isaiah prophesied of this as the Lord Himself quoted in the Gospels.

Mat 15:8  This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me [My Commandments]

Mat 15:9  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 

The natural man within loves the darkness and does not come to the light until the Father draws them. Flesh and carnal minds trust in themselves, their knowledge, and hate the light of the Commandments.

Joh 3:20  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 

Joh 3:21  But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. 

It serves the Lord’s purposes of election to blind the entire world and only reveal Himself to a chosen few in every generation. As in all Scripture, there are two sides to the sword, including what are “works”. There are the works of the flesh and the works of God. The works of men, the flesh, do not save, but the works of God bring salvation. Carnally minded men have mixed up the Scriptures, concocting many false doctrines by taking verses by themselves, without considering the sum, thus creating doctrines that keep them and their followers in spiritual darkness. Those marked of God, given faith, are receiving the marvelous light of Christ arising upon them that shows us the way to walk.

Isa 60:1  Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 

Isa 60:2  For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 

Those outside of faith are engulfed in spiritual darkness.

Mat 6:23  But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 

It is only through the Lord’s mercy that our eyes are opened to see, and we come to the light of the Gospel, the hidden mystery of Christ.

1Pe 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 

1Pe 2:10  Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 

The Works of God

Salvation is the Lord’s work, and the absolute sovereignty of God in directing our every step. The glory is all the Lord’s. Yet we are commanded to work out our own salvation, which means we strive to obey our Heavenly Father and the Gospel we believe, knowing that disobedience brings more grace and more trials until we are brought into subjection to the Commandments.

Php 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 

Php 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 

Salvation comes through the work of the Commandments, that is, the Living Word, the Lord from heaven, who dwells in us when the Promise comes. As many studies on the website show, the faith of Christ, which we are given as a gift, is the Spirit of the Father and the Son, who now dwell in us as we are the Temple of the Living God. The free gift, given to a few in this age, is also known as the grace of God and brings salvation at the appointed time.

Eph 2:8  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 

Eph 2:9  Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

Eph 2:10  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

We enter the Kingdom of God and overcome sin by working the work of God, which is obeying His Commandments. There is no other way of salvation, which is defined as being saved or overcoming our sins. The Lord admonishes us to labour or work for the meat that is obeying the Gospel of His Commandments. Any other meat [knowledge] is a false gospel and is the works of men and a salvation that does not save.

Joh 6:27  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 

Joh 6:28  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 

Joh 6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 

The Spirit of Grace is the Living Commandments that chasten us when we disobey, and thus we are taught the righteousness of Jesus Christ by judgment in our day of the Lord. We overcome by exercising the faith God has given us. Salvation comes by way of many trials, the tests of our faith, where one is either chastened for disobedience or promoted in faith when we obey and pass the trial. Every trial is a test of faith. When the Lord comes in these trials, will he find faith on our earth? These trials are most precious to God as they bring forth Christ, the Son of God, and manifest His glory.

1Pe 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 

1Pe 1:8  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 

1Pe 1:9  Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

The Works of the Law which Save Not

The law of Moses is the same as the law of the Gentiles, and also known as the law of sin and death, and is the law by which nobody is saved. This is because all flesh is weak and has no power of itself to overcome the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life God put into our sinful clay bodies. It is only through the Holy Spirit, the indwelling power of God, that one is delivered from their bondage to sin.

Rom 8:11  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 

Every man is first of their father, the devil, being bound by their carnal mind and the law, which is the basic understanding of right from wrong, but unable to escape the bondage of flesh. All men have this law in them and by nature do the things contained in the law, which is pointing the finger and accusing and excusing in reasoning out how to behave in a given situation. These are the works that justify no man.

Rom 2:14  For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: 

Rom 2:15  Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) 

Creating false doctrines out of one verse is a recipe for error and deception, all by the Lord’s design, and is what men have done in leading many away from the true Gospel. The works of the law of sin and death can be used lawfully, but do not bring lasting change to anyone’s heart. We are justified through the works of the law of faith, and there is a vast difference between the two laws.

Gal 2:16  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the [carnal] 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 works of the law are the works of men, a corrupted version of the Commandments of Jesus Christ. A mixed table, part truth and lies, which is the devil’s method to deceive and hold us in bondage until the Lord comes to set us free. The Spirit of Grace destroys the power of the devil and the resulting lies and spiritual death that kept us in bondage all our prior lives.

Heb 2:14  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 

Heb 2:15  And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 

1Co 15:55  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 

The works of the flesh that do not save anyone bring glory and gain to the flesh. The works of God bring glory only to God and not to man.

Mat 23:5  But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 

To be carnally minded is death [Rom 8:6] and keeps one from hearing Christ’s Words in Spirit and in Truth. The Lord comes and sets us free from this bondage, and the end of death, the last enemy, is orchestrated by the Commandments. The spirit of Satan and death are cast into the lake of fire, of the fiery Commandments, and burned up. The other side of this event is the bringing forth of the new man, our resurrection from the dead. The Commandments perform both the destruction of death and the resurrection from death by calling us out of our graves.

Joh 5:25  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live

Joh 11:43  And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 

Carnal minds trust in their own spiritual riches and reason that one is saved by such knowledge, and thus we enter an endless loop of pursuing more, every learning, but never able to come to knowledge of the Truth, that is, the Living Christ, the Commandments. The true “works” salvation that does not save anyone is seeking to circumcise our own hearts and minds by pursuing more and more knowledge of the Scriptures. Men glory in themselves and their knowledge, but are not willing to come to Christ, the Commandments, until He drags us to Himself.

Joh 5:38  But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 

Joh 5:39  You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.

Joh 5:40  But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. 

Solomon came to see that all the pursuits of men are vanity when they try to establish their own righteousness apart from Christ.

Ecc 12:13  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

The chosen of the Lord are unprofitable servants, doing their duty, which is to obey the Gospel.

Luk 17:10  So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. 

The good works for which we have been created to perform is obeying the Commandments. As Christ in the world, we are setting an example and working in the vineyards of the Lord to bring Christ to birth and thus spread the love and light of God.

Mat 5:14  Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 

Mat 5:15  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 

Mat 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Christ comes not to destroy the old law but to fulfill it to perfection when He comes as the Promise of the Living Commandments. The greatest in the Kingdom teach and do the Commandments, which have not changed, knowing this is the work of God to which they have been appointed.

Mat 5:17  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 

Mat 5:18  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 

Mat 5:19  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 

Resting from Our Works

When Christ comes as the Living Commandments, the Spirit of Truth and Grace, the end of the law of Moses/Gentiles for righteousnes is come.  With the faith of Christ now abiding in us, we are no longer bound to the carnal law for the lawless. We have entered into the promised rest.

Rom 10:4  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. 

To enter the Kingdom of God, we are entering into the Sabbath of the Lord. Entering the Sabbath means always obeying the Commandments every hour of every day. We hallow the Lord’s Sabbath, the true Sabbath, which is a parable to stand and do the Commandments. Rather than reason in our carnal mind, we just do what the Commandment says, proving ourselves as the people of the Lord, being disciples indeed.

Eze 20:19  I am the LORD your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them; 

Eze 20:20  And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God. 

When we come to the Commandments that are Christ, we enter into the rest of God. We cease from the works of the carnal mind and just stand in the Commandments.

Mat 11:28  Come unto me [Commandments], all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Mat 11:29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

Mat 11:30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. 

When we do not hallow the Lord’s sabbath, we are not obeying His Commandments. A time comes when He kindles the fire in us, the Living Word that brings the judgment which is causing us to enter into His rest.

Jer 17:27  But if ye will not hearken unto me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched. 

Doing the work of God is pressing into the Kingdom and labouring to enter into His rest. Our labour is the many trials of our faith and the resulting chastening that is teaching us righteousness. We run this race with endurance all the way to the end, and the Living Christ does not fail to deliver us and bring us into His rest.

Heb 4:10  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 

Heb 4:11  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 

Only a remnant is being saved out of Spiritual Israel in every generation through the works of the Spirit of Grace that is the Promise. Few there be shall find the narrow way to enter, and everyone else is blinded. The stumbling stone that is a rock of offense to them is the Commandments, as the mystery remains hid from their eyes. So it is to this very day.

Rom 11:5  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 

Rom 11:6  And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. 

Rom 11:7  What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 

Faith without the Works of God

Faith without the accompanying works of God, meaning our obedience under the law, is dead faith. An active and living faith bears the fruit unto righteousness; it bears the works of God. Saying we have faith is not enough. We need to be disciples indeed and do the works of faith to prove our faith and become the Sons of God. James’s words are spiritual and harmonize perfectly with the sum of the Scriptures and are the truth.

Jas 2:20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 

Giving spiritual bread and clothing to our hungry and naked brothers is done by doing the Work of God, which is preaching and obeying the Gospel. We provide them with a cup of water, a piece of bread, and clothing by doing the Commandments rather than passing them by. Admonishments and rebukes give spiritual food and clothing that carnal flesh is hesitant to give.  We are commanded to care for the sheep.  Brotherly love unfeigned demands that we put the needs of others above our own.

Jas 2:14  What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 

Jas 2:15  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 

Jas 2:16  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? 

Jas 2:17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 

Jas 2:18  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. 

Ceasing from our carnal works, we fervently begin working for the Lord, working in His vineyard with the implements of the Gospel and the Commandments. When the Gospel has been preached to us, the Lord is calling us to get to work in His vineyard. Those who do not work are not eating of the Gospel and thus making little or no progress toward entering the Kingdom of God and overcoming their sins.

2Th 3:10  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 

2Th 3:11  For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 

The Lord has given us work to do while we are baptized with the baptism of John and are washed by the Commandments. We do not fall asleep but watch and are always about the Father’s business.

Mar 13:33  Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 

Mar 13:34  For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 

Mar 13:35  Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 

Mar 13:36  Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 

Mar 13:37  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch. 

We live by every Word, and thus we are the blind man to whom the Lord has opened our eyes to see Him. Our eyes have been opened to see the Commandments, so that the works of God may be made manifest by us and in us.

Joh 9:1  And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 

Joh 9:2  And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 

Joh 9:3  Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 

Only those who do the will of the Father, which requires doing the work of God, enter into the Kingdom of God.

Mat 7:22  Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 

Mat 7:23  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 

Our only boast is in the Lord. It is only by His mercy that we receive the Truth and are able to press into the Kingdom of God that has appeared to us.

Receive ye the Gospel of salvation and walk therein.

 

Articles

Love is Greater than Faith

Peter

Why Love is the Greatest

A recent email exchange focused on the longstanding Orthodox church debate about whether one is saved by faith alone or whether works are required. This is a worthy topic to review no matter how far along one is on their salvation journey. The question arose from a reader of the article “Heeding the Lord’s Commandments in Faith” and specifically zeroed in on this verse and what I wrote.

1Co 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, love (aka charity), these three; but the greatest of these is love  

Here at the end of the so-called “love” chapter and without diminishing the role or importance of faith, the Apostle Paul proclaims that between faith, hope, and love; love is the greatest of all.  Paul is not contradicting any Scriptures by making such a bold claim.  His proclamation merely harmonizes the truth that the SUM of the Scriptures contains.

The gift of the faith of Jesus Christ begins and sustains us on our long journey to the promised land as we strive to cease (rest) from our carnal-minded works.  In this respect, faith could be considered the most important because nobody can come to and abide with the Lord without faith.  It is the essence of any walk with the Lord.  Without this foundation of faith, it is impossible to please God.

Heb 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

The trials of our faith, which are very many tribulations and our fiery baptism, are precious to the Lord because they produce the desired results of righteousness, sanctification, and obedience which are the promises of salvation.  The revelation of Jesus Christ in us is the result, the outcome, the works which the Lord demands and secures in our day of the Lord.

1Pe 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 

1Pe 1:8  Whom having not seen, ye love [obey]; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 

1Pe 1:9  Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 

The end of our faith is greater than the beginning as it completes the plan of God for everyone.  Godly love [the Greek word “agape” versus the word for fleshly love which is “phileo” in Greek] is the fulfillment of what faith is designed to produce.  It is the end product, the result, or said another way, the fruit that grows out of our faith.  The gift and measure of faith each of us has is the means to our salvation. Achieving the purpose of our faith is to produce love in every fiber of our being as we become ONE with the Father and Christ.

Joh 14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 

Joh 15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 

What is Love?

The topic of love cannot properly be discussed without first defining it.  Love is everything, far more important than what we first believed.  Why is this?

1Jn 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 

1Jn 4:8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 

God is love!  We are striving to become like our heavenly father and thus love needs to become the essence of who we are in Christ.

Christ told us often to follow the golden rule: to do unto others as we would have them do unto us.  It is easy to love those who love us, yet we are told to love even our enemies.  By this measure, we have further to walk to complete our journey and put on the mind of Christ.

Luk 6:31  And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 

Luk 6:32  For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 

Luk 6:33  And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 

Luk 6:34  And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 

Luk 6:35  But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 

Luk 6:36  Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 

 The Lord ends this passage of teaching with the call [commandment] to always be merciful as is our heavenly Father.   Being kind, courteous, patient, and gentle with those who oppose us are all traits of our God and commandments to His people.

Yet sometimes, what is loving in God’s eye may appear unloving to the carnal eye.  This is especially true regarding the commands to separate ourselves from those causing offense or bringing false doctrines  We are to mark and separate from those  [e.g. Mat 7:6, 1Cor 5:5, 2Jo 1:9-11, and many others].

Rom 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 

We need to guard our gates and take heed that we not be led astray by many wolves that come to us in sheep’s clothing.  We need to always be on guard and not be easily swayed by immediate appearances.

Act 20:29  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 

Act 20:30  Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 

Act 20:31  Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years, I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. 

Exercising such vigilance in our walk and separating from those the Spirit shows us are not true sheep, may not seem loving to the carnal mind; yet these are key commandments essential for us to stay on course.

Doing what Jesus would do is doing what God commands us to do and that is always going to evolve around obeying His commandments.  If our actions are not in line with obeying His commandments, then we can be sure it is not love in the way the Lord defines it.

1Jn 5:2  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 

1Jn 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 

This love, godly love, is the fruit of salvation and evidence that we belong to the Lord and are His people, being “disciples indeed”.

Joh 8:31  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 

Our faith gives us hope and trust in the promises to come.  A genuine faith in God will not be in vain as the Spirit of Christ within us is leading us and guiding us along the way.  The result is our producing more godly love in due time.

Rom 5:5  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

Throughout the entire chapter of 1COR 13, not just the last verse, Paul tells us that the manifestation of love is the most important thing.  Exhibiting love is the fulfillment of our faith and the proof we are being saved.

Obeying the Lord’s commandments is us manifesting the love of the Lord as we are saved from our sins and carnal ways.  Our actions speak louder than our words in setting an example for others in Jesus Christ.  Preaching all the right things but living a life devoid of love makes us a clanging gong and not an example for others to follow.

1Co 13:1  Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 

Paul tells us we are nothing if we have not this love, even if we all the knowledge of the mysteries of God and have the faith to move mountains.  Love is always the most important thing.

1Co 13:2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 

Even our many good works in the flesh such as giving to the poor is no substitute for living a life defined by godly love.

1Co 13:3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 

It is easy to become puffed up about our faith, the knowledge we have been given, and the good works we are doing.  Yet the standard of Christ is much higher, it is the standard of love.

1Co 13:4  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 

1Co 13:5  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 

1Co 13:6  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 

1Co 13:7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 

Lord willing we are making demonstrable progress towards this highest calling and seeking the fruit of our salvation.  For this love to be revealed we are being moved onward from our earlier preoccupation of seeking knowledge.  In due time as we enter into our day of the Lord that pursuit is indeed vanishing.

1Co 13:8  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 

Becoming a doer of the word is the same as becoming a fruitful disciple of Jesus Christ.  We can learn knowledge about prophecies and the types and shadows hidden in the prophets but can then quickly forget them.  But getting the calling to obey His commandments and be Christ at every turn into the very essence of our being is something we will not forget if it takes hold of us.  Far better to be single-minded and one with Christ than to hear the word but not do it.

Jas 1:23  For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 

Jas 1:24  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 

Jas 1:25  But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 

When the Lord finishes His work in us, we are a mature man in Christ.  For now, we only have a measure of faith and an earnest deposit of the Holy Spirit so we are all far from perfect as was Jesus Christ who had the fullness.  Yet we look forward to the glorious day and are admonished to remember that love or charity [Agape in Greek] is indeed the greatest.

1Co 13:12  For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 

1Co 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 

Works of the Law versus Works of Faith

Some are confused and twist these truths and claim this is some sort of works salvation.  No, it is not!  This like all truths requires us to navigate what is called the narrow way of understanding.  The works of the law and our works arising out of our faith are indeed different things.   There is both a carnal law for the lawless (the law of Moses, righteousness, etc) and also a law of faith.

Gal 2:16  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. 

Rom 9:31  But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 

Rom 9:32  Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 

To be clear, nobody is saved by the works of the law, yet as James explains, the works arising out of our faith is proof our faith is living and active versus being dead.

Jas 2:17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 

Jas 2:18  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. 

Jas 2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 

Jas 2:20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 

James continues with the examples of Abraham and Rahab and then makes the controversial (in the Orthodox churches ) statement by saying one is not justified by faith only.

Jas 2:21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 

Jas 2:22  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 

Jas 2:23  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. 

Jas 2:24  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 

Jas 2:25  Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 

Jas 2:26  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Many orthodox [all Babylonian] ministers are confused and conflicted over these words from James and other Scriptures that speak of good works and obedience.  One can easily find online articles and sermons where disdain is expressed by carnal ministers about the Book of James.  To many of these orthodox preachers, James conflicts with their doctrine that one is saved by faith alone.  Yet there is no conflict; these carnal Christians simply have not yet been given the ability to see and understand the whole counsel of God.

We are saved by faith which sets in motion the mechanisms of the Lord to give us overcoming in due time. As we are led by His Spirit, we become like Him and exhibit godly love in our actions and deeds.  These “works” that came about because of our faith proves we are the Lord’s.  As we mature we no longer turn grace into a license to sin and instead are striving to walk the narrow path and enter into life.

The false doctrine of the 30-second sinner’s prayer being the start and end of the salvation journey helps keep millions blinded to the deeper meanings of godly love and the fruit of obedience that mark progress on the walk of faith.  It is a far easier message for itching ears to hear about an instant salvation and a journey without suffering, without being taught righteousness by our many trials and which also ignore the many litmus tests and admonishments to examine ourselves to see if we are acting in the faith.

We need to be aware of our progress or lack of progress in bringing forth the fruit unto righteousness.  We are commanded to be fruitful, it is what the Lord expects and is the outcome of being saved from our sins.  We are to pray for one another in this regard, which Paul demonstrates in his letter to the Philippians.

Php 1:9  And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 
Php 1:10  That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 

We have a long road to salvation that we need to endure and finish.  We have countless Scriptures that teach us to examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith.  We are admonished to run the race, not lazily but with vigor so we may win the prize.  Merely showing up and starting the race is not going to cut it.

1Co 9:24  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 

1Co 9:27  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 

Our faith of Jesus Christ is indeed the foundation of our walk.  Yet we are told that faith can be in vain.  Lord willing we are given the awareness and the vigor to examine ourselves to make our election sure.

2Pe 1:10  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 

James said as much here. Bottom line: any faith without works (faith producing LOVE which is our obedience) is indeed DEAD and in vain.  James asks a rhetorical question to the early church that we have forgotten to ask ourselves in this day and age.

Jas 2:14  What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 

Paul tells us that our righteousness only comes by way of our faith.  It has nothing to do with our works or striving under the law.  Yet the sum of the Word also shows us we cannot claim to be righteous if we are not DOING righteousness.

1Jn 3:7  Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 

We deceive ourselves for a time and a season but the Lord cannot fail.  He brings our sins and misdeeds to the light so they may be burnt up.  Our consciousness is convicting us and helps turn us back when we stray from the Lord’s way.  Proving our faith by our works of faith is something we are brought to focus on in our day of the Lord.

2Co 13:5  Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 

Lastly a few words about trees and the Scriptural metaphors and parables that speak to our walk of faith.   We are to know a tree by the fruit it produces.  As we mature in the faith and grow unto maturity, we are producing spiritual fruit that is the outcome the Lord desires.  The first fruit listed in Paul’s list of fruits of the Spirit is love because it is truly the greatest.

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

In the email exchange that was my catalyst for writing this article, a brother argued with me that a tree without any limbs or fruit is still alive as their justification for why faith is the most important.  The things of the natural do tell us how it works in the spiritual [Rom 1:20].  Why this brother has a point, the bigger truth is that unless a tree without limbs, branches, or leaves starts producing them, it will certainly die.  So it is with our faith.  We need to at some point begin to demonstrate the love of God by bearing those fruits.  If we are not then our faith is dead and James is absolutely correct.

Whether we are producing the fruit that is godly love or not, it is still up to the Lord who is working all things according to His will.  All men are mere clay in His hands and apart from Him can truly do nothing.  If we are aware of our shortcomings in demonstrating love; that is a very good sign the Lord is working with us to try our faith, correct us by showing us our sins and thereby save us in the appointed times.

We should be asking for help when in need to bring about His will in producing much fruit.  Thy kingdom come thy will be done in heaven and in the earth.

Joh 15:7  If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

Again we see that bearing fruit is the mark of a true disciple [disciples indeed] that glorifies the Father.

Joh 15:8  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 
Joh 15:9  As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 
Joh 15:10  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 

Achieving the outcome of our salvation is the greatest victory and event we ever experience.  No argument, with me, Paul was spot-on correct in stating that love is the greatest.

1Co 13:13  And now abideth faith, hope, love (charity), these three; but the greatest of these is love. 

Grace and peace to all the brethren,

 

Pete