• Different beliefs regarding the relationship of faith and works:
    • Faith without works saves
      • Methodist Discipline Article #9
    • Works without faith save
      • This belief is held by:
        • Those who teach that a child is born in sin.
        • Those who teach purgatory.
        • Those who teach baptism for the dead.
        • Those who teach salvation is by works of merit.
    • Faith and works save
      • Is this correct?
      • Many would answer “yes”.
      • But to be exact, the answer is “no”.
      • One is not saved by faith and works as two distinct things, but by a faith that works obedience to God’s word.
    • Faith that works obedience saves
      • This is true in initial salvation.
      • This is true in continued salvation.
      • This is true in restored salvation.
  • Ephesians 2:8-10
    • Salvation is by faith and is the gift of God.
    • It is not of works that allow one to boast.
    • It is of faith that works that which God has ordained.
  • Paul and James on Abraham
    • Romans 4:4-6 considered
    • Paul uses “works” in the sense of perfect meritorious lawkeeping - earning one’s salvation.
    • James uses “works” in the sense of obedience.
    • But they are talking about the same kind of faith.
      • Paul shows Abraham was justified by trusting God to PROVIDE.
      • James shows Abraham was justified by trying God to DIRECT.