James 2:18 "But someone will say, You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
The great debate between “works” and “grace” have been contended by believers since the days of the first believers. I contend that "works" and "grace" were not to be in dichotomy, but in harmony. Paul said, “For by grace you have been saved...” However, he didn’t stop there, in the next verse (Ephesians 2:10) Paul said, “...created in Christ Jesus to do good works...”
There is no doubt that we are saved by grace alone, it is the gift of God. It is equally true that we are saved for a purpose: to do good works. Saved by Faith Saved for Works Never before in the history of the country are the words of Christ more important than today. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven. (Matthew 5:16) This country is in need of more “lights on a hill” to illuminate the darkness that is pressing in.
Read this extortion from John Stott regarding Christian behavior and let it speak to your heart.
Our Christian habit is to bewail the worlds deteriorating standards with an air of rather self-righteous dismay. We criticize its violence, dishonesty, immorality, disregard for human life, and materialistic greed. “The world is going down the drain,” we say with a shrug. But whose fault is it? Who is to blame? Let me put it like this. If the house is dark when nightfall comes, there is no sense in blaming the house; that is what happens when the sun goes down. The question to ask is “Where is the light?” Similarly, if the meat goes bad and becomes inedible, there is no sense in blaming the meat; that is what happens when bacteria are left alone to breed. The question to ask is “Where is the salt?” Just so, if society deteriorates and its standards decline until it becomes like a dark night or a stinking fish, there is no sense in blaming society; that is what happens when fallen men and women are left to themselves, and human selfishness is unchecked. The question to ask is “Where is the Church? Why are the salt and light of Jesus Christ not permeating and changing our society?” It is sheer hypocrisy on our part to raise our eyebrows, shrug our shoulders, or wring our hands. The Lord Jesus told us to be the world’s salt and light. If therefore darkness and rottenness abound, it is largely our fault and we must accept the blame.
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