Working Faith

By Ronnie Lowe

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Though faith is essential to a person’s salvation, faith alone is not enough. A person is not saved by faith only — without obedience. “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). This is the only verse where the phrase “faith only” appears, and it affirms that “faith only” is not good enough.

If a person could be saved by “faith only,” then he would be saved without obeying. But Jesus is the author of eternal salvation only unto those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:8-9). “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26). True faith, therefore, demands certain actions in response. True, active, obedient faith involves the following:

HEAR — This is Faith Coming (see Romans 10:17)

BELIEVE — This is Faith Beginning (see John 12:42-43; Mark 16:16)

REPENT — This is Faith Deciding (see Acts 26:20)

CONFESS — This is Faith Speaking (see Romans 10:10; Acts 8:37)

BE BAPTIZED — This is Faith Surrendering (see Acts 2:37-38; Galatians 3:26-27)

When a person’s faith is genuine, he will do what God says, in the way God says, and for the purpose which God intends, regardless of the sacrifice involved.