[Biblemat] A>Christianity Does Not Require Strict Rules (Kent Heaton)

[Kent Heaton]

Christianity Does Not Require Strict Rules

(Kent Heaton)

 

In a recent article addressed to Billy Graham, a writer expressed concern over a relative whose life as a Christian "mainly consists of following a lot rules." The answer submitted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association hinges upon two truths: the belief that salvation is "solely by our faith in Christ, not by our works" and "Rules alone won't change us, we need the help of the Holy Spirit if we are to live the way we should." [Gainesville Sun, October 27, 2007]

The Bible never teaches that salvation is "solely by our faith in Christ." Contrast Billy Graham's answer with God's answer: "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:24). To say that we are saved "solely by our faith" is to say we are saved "without another; to the exclusion of all else" [Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary]. The teaching of salvation by faith alone gives false hope of salvation. 

We are not saved solely by works. The principle of James 2 illustrates the purpose of works and faith together. "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected" (James 2:19-22). According to Billy Graham, demons would be saved "solely" by faith. Abraham believed God when told to offer his son as a sacrifice but he had to express that faith in works to be justified before God. As a result of his obedience to the command of God; the rules of God - his faith was perfected.

Faith alone salvation misunderstands Ephesians 2:8.9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." You can understand this passage from the story of Noah (Genesis 6-9). God's grace told Noah two things Noah could not know apart from God: the coming of the flood and how to be saved from the flood. Noah was saved by the grace through faith; as a gift of God; not of any foreknowledge Noah would have had of the flood or the ability to know how to be saved from the flood. At this point, Noah is not saved. He cannot boast of himself to know of the flood nor the manner to be saved. 

Noah believed in the grace of God and his faith worked with his works (building the ark) to save him from destruction. Was he required to follow strict rules? Consider the instructions to build the ark (Genesis 6:14-16). These were strict rules that if he did not follow would bring about his death. Was Noah saved by faith? Yes! Was Noah saved by works? Yes! Was Noah saved "solely" by his faith? No! Was Noah saved "solely" by his works? No! "You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected" (James 2:22).

Salvation is the same today. We are saved not by faith alone but by allowing our faith to do the will of God. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter" (Matthew 7:21). Are you doing the will of God?



Kent Heaton
207 NE Fourth Avenue
Trenton, Florida 32693
352-463-6916/3793
www.trentonchurchofchrist.com
www.northfloridabiblecamp.com
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