Faith vs. Works

Faith vs. Works

by: Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio

According to many, Protestants say we’re saved by faith while Catholics say we’re saved by good works.

But what does the Bible say?

This Sunday’s readings are clear – it’s neither.    And it’s both.   At the very same time.

First, let’s define our terms.   When St. Paul speaks of “works” not being what saves us, he is really referring to two things.  First of all, he is speaking about the “works” of the Mosaic Law, which include everything from keeping dietary regulations to observing the Ten Commandments.  Secondly, it means good actions that a person carries out through his own willpower, without any particular help from God.  Paul had thought that rigorous observance of the Law, carrying out its prescribed works, was the key to making a person right with God.  But his attempts to observe the law met with frustration (see Romans 7:15-24).  The law made him aware of God’s will but did not enable him to carry it out.  “I cannot even understand my own actions.  I do not do what I want to do but what I hate . . . what a wretched man I am.”  His attempts at outward observance didn’t change his heart which was far from God.  It was so far from God that he cruelly persecuted the followers of Jesus, looking on in approval as St. Stephen was stoned to death.

In Romans 3:23 St. Paul lays it out: we have all sinned seriously.  None of us, on our own steam and by our own merits, can ever do enough to earn God’s favor.  So God has fixed the problem – he gives us his favor as a free, undeserved gift in response to the sacrifice of Jesus His son.  We become pleasing to him, reconciled to him, not by our own efforts but by the cross of Christ.  We receive this gift through the act of faith.  So we are saved by faith, not by the works – at least not by the works of the Mosaic Law, done by our own strength.

So the faith camp wins?  Not so fast.  Let’s take a closer look at what the Bible means by faith.

Many people think that faith is belief.  Belief that God exists . . . that Jesus is the son of God . . . that Jesus rose from the dead.   Intellectual assent to all these truths  is of course important, and is an indispensable part of the act of faith.  Such belief often leads to religious actions – the hanging of crucifixes in our home, the wearing of medals, the recitation of prayers.  These acts of piety are also good.

But Sunday’s gospel says that mere belief and acts of piety are not enough to save us.  Those rejected by God in Matthew 7:21-23 clearly “believed” in Jesus – in fact they prophesied and worked miracles in Jesus’ name.  Perhaps they also said novenas in his name.  But he said to them “out of my sight, you evil doers.”  One of the strongest lines in the gospels gives the explanation of this: “None of those who cry out, ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.”

Biblical faith is not just belief.  It is surrender.  It is a complete entrusting of oneself to God in Christ and acceptance of his power, his will, and his plan.  If we truly say yes to Him and let his grace into our hearts, we’ll never be the same.  His love begins to work through us and change our lives.  His Spirit takes up residence within us, giving us the strength to do what we could never do on our own, even to begin to love like He loves.

So true biblical faith is not passive.  It is active, dynamic, and alive.  That’s why St. James says that faith without works is dead (James 2:24-26).  Abraham believed that an unknown God was calling him to leave civilization and march into the desert to find a land that this God has promised him.  He did not sit and contemplate this call or set up a shrine to this God.  He got up and began walking (Genesis 12).

So we justified by faith, if we mean the authentic biblical faith that causes us to walk in God’s ways.  And we are justified by works, if we mean the works of charity that can only flow from faith and grace.

So really, it’s not faith or works.  It’s faith that works.

I Believe - The Heart of Catholic Faith

by: Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D.

When people ask you to explain your faith, where do you start?

This series follows the outline of the Nicene Creed, but don't be mistaken--far from a stodgy or academic presentation of tenets and beliefs, this series, full of enlightening metaphors and colorful anecdotes, leads all who listen to it not only to clearer understanding of their faith, but a deeper love relationship with God the Father, Son, and Spirit.  "I Believe," available in either audio or video format, is perfect either for individual study, or use by RCIA or study groups, by teens or adults. 

I Believe - DVD - $49.95

I Believe - CD - $19.95

I Believe - Workbook - $6.95

 Where you inspired by Our Holy Father's visit to deepen your faith and get back to your roots? Come with us to the Holy Land December 27, 2008- January 5, 2009, and your reading of the Bible and experience of Holy Week will be different forever.  Come and check out Dr. D'Ambrosio's video invitation!

Don’t put it off – if you feel the tug of the Spirit, go for it.  You and God together will find a way to make it happen!