"Faith Without
Works Is Dead"
James 2:20
Because we insist,
according to the Scriptures, that salvation is by GRACE ALONE, through FAITH
ALONE, in CHRIST ALONE, we are constantly accused of being antinomians,
promoters of licentiousness, and enemies to good works. I do not mind being
accused of these things. Every faithful gospel preacher in history has been
accused of licentiousness. The Pharisees called our Lord a "glutton",
a "winebibber", and a "devil". The Judaizers of Paul's day
said that Paul preached, "Let us do evil that good may come." I count
it an honor to be ranked in such company by those who despise the gospel. When
natural, spiritually dead, self-righteous men hear the gospel of unconditional
salvation by the perfect righteousness and finished atonement of the Lord Jesus
Christ, received by faith alone, I fully expect them to say, "That is
antinomianism! That opens the flood-gates to licentiousness! That destroys the
necessity for good works!" I expect nothing more from spiritually blind
and ignorant men. But the charge is altogether without foundation. I affirm, as
plainly as I am able that TRUE, SAVING FAITH IN CHRIST DOES, MOST ASSUREDLY,
PRODUCE GOOD WORKS IN REGENERATE MEN AND WOMEN. Good works are not the cause of
salvation, the condition of God's favor, the basis of assurance, or a means of
sanctification. But good works are the sure, inevitable result of God's saving
grace and an evidence to the world of our faith in
Christ (Eph. 2:8-10). A mere naked assent to the truths of the gospel is not
saving faith. Orthodoxy is not a proof of grace. Embracing the doctrine of
Christ is not the same thing as embracing Christ. Did not Judas, Ananias,
Demas, and Diotrephes embrace the doctrine of Christ? Yet, they were lost,
unregenerate men, who now suffer the wrath of God in hell! ANY FAITH THAT DOES
NOT PRODUCE A CHANGED LIFE, THAT DOES NOT PRODUCE GOOD WORKS, IS A FALSE FAITH.
You may change your life without having true faith. But you cannot have true
faith without a change of life.
Don Fortner