What made the apostles different? What separated them from other people, faiths, and religions? What made other people call them Christian? I believe it was their faith. That is where each Christian begins his or her walk with Christ. By faith, fully accepting Christ as Savior.
My first argument for a person being a Christian by faith alone is found through Paul the apostle. Actually, I will allow Paul’s own words to support my argument. Philippians 3:3-9 states,
“3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
I marked sections in bold that I wish to touch on. “We” are all believers in Christ, or Christians. Christians also “have no confidence in the flesh.” The flesh and the human’s sinful nature cannot be trusted or relied on. “I more.” Paul, born and raised into Hebrew customs and traditions, followed all the Law and “touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” There are many religions that have a set of laws, rules, procedures, etc. that are to be followed. While these religions may incorporate faith, their “law”, if obeyed, will allow access to God after death. Paul recognized that any “righteousness” he earned by keeping the Law was not enough, and only through the righteousness attained in Christ could he attain true righteousness. He states, “Not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” I put in bold “by faith” because that is essential to what Paul is saying. The only worthy and righteous thing in life is through faith in Christ Jesus. This is where Paul bases his beliefs and places his trust: faith in Christ.
My second argument for faith alone, not works or any other means, necessary for being a Christian is found in Luke 23. This passage of scripture states,
“32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. 33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. 39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
Both of these men on the cross had disobeyed the law and were now receiving their sentence. One mocked and rejected Christ. The other recognized his sin and asked Christ if He would remember him when He reached His kingdom. I think anyone would agree that this criminal had a great deal of faith. Faith to believe Jesus was who He said He was. Faith in His teachings. Faith that he could be saved through this God-man Jesus Christ. Notice how he did not make a list to Christ showing all the good things he did in life, or how he kept the Sabbath day holy, or how many customs he practiced. He merely asked that Christ would remember him. That was enough for Jesus. This man’s faith in Christ was sufficient enough.
There is only one “problem” with all of this. How did the people of Antioch see the apostles’ faith? They had to notice something about them, something different other than simply what they preached. I believe the clear answer to this is by their works. “But wait a second! I thought you were saying that a Christian is a Christian because of faith?!” Yes, that is correct. However, naturally a Christian should have that desire to produce good works after accepting Christ as his or her Savior. Matthew 5 speaks about a Christian being the salt of the world. A Christian does not attain this “salt” by simply having their faith in Christ, but by displaying it in good works. The book of James is a perfect example of this. James states that “faith without works is dead.” James is not saying that you need good works to go to heaven. Actually, this book is written to Christians. Remember, as previously established, a Christian is someone who by faith accepts Christ as Savior, as can be seen in Paul’s personal testimony and the story of the criminal on the cross. What James is saying has nothing to do with attaining salvation or becoming a Christian. Instead, this book provides excellent instruction for the Christian on keeping their faith alive and true to bring others to Christ. That is how the people of Antioch were able to mark the apostles as followers of Christ: because of their outward demonstration of their faith by producing good works. The testimony of Paul and the instruction from James compliment each other perfectly.
This blog has shown two things. First, a person becomes a Christian by accepting Christ as His Savior, thereby putting on His righteousness, by faith alone. This is evidenced through Paul’s personal testimony and the historical story of the thief on the cross. Second, this blog has shown how good works is an outward demonstration of a Christians’s faith, not a means to attaining eternity with Christ.
Thank you everyone who has taken the time to read through this blog! I very much look forward to compliments and discussion on your thoughts and opinions! As God said in Isaiah: “Come now, let us reason together. I look forward to hearing feedback from each reader, and I hope that this blog has had a positive influence on your life!
God Bless,
Alex
No comments:
Post a Comment