Works based Faith vs. Faith based Works
Hebrew 6:10-12 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
I came upon this scripture a few days ago, and it has taken me down many roads of study. At first I was thankful for the encouragement that it gave me for my “labor of love.” But as a read of how Paul was writing to argue against apostasy (the falling away of religion or belief in Christ), I have seen God take me elsewhere. As a Christian we are called to obey the commands of God. The spine is the Ten Commandments (The Law), and we are bound with faith, hope, and love as Paul preaches much. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father. The desire to attain the law is a labor of love from deep within our soul. We cannot obtain to perfection the Law directs, but we can reside in the Grace that God has provided through the acceptance of Salvation through Christ.
Do you believe that your good deeds or even the denial of certain sins will attain you a key to Heaven? Do you believe that “at least I don’t do that”; or repentance of that earns your way into heaven? Your faith cannot reside in your works alone to earn your way into heaven. James 2:17-18 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. The Gospel teaches that the only way into Heaven is the repentance of sin, the acceptance of Christ as the only way, and the desire to let Him lead your life. This life will produce change, and that desire will produce good works by which others will see your faith. The works are simply living a life of following Gods Will and directions for your life. The commands of God are revealed to you in His Word and prayer. These produce the good works, strengthen your faith, and give you the perseverance to endure. This circle of life begins at Salvation and lasts an eternity.
oneminuteministry 
Dave
May 4, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Hey Brother,
Read your message above and was wondering how you would define repenting of sin when you explain it to someone? Obviously your question before hand (” Do you believe that “at least I don’t do that”; or repentance of that earns your way into heaven?”) was rhetorical, so I feel your message needs some more refinement and explanation. I’m not harassing you, but I’ve read what you wrote carefully, and the passages from scripture you have selected.
Hebrews 6:10-12 comes after one of the most controversial passages used by the ~works + faith = salvation crowd~, and James chapter 2 is right up there with it.
Dave
oneminuteministry
May 6, 2012 at 11:27 am
Dave,
I ended up in study with Matthew Henry (as usual) and it took me down many roads and much to my surprise this was where I ended up. That “rabbit trail” seemed to go full circle as most rabbits do. I read much about apostasy and the falling away from the faith in Christ. All in those early times were raised in their traditions and works based faith, and the conversion of a grace based faith went against their upbringing. That is so true even today, for we feel as though it can’t be that easy, or even worse that we feel as though we can earn it. But when we humbly accept that grace produced Salvation, the result of that is or should be works. The faith that we reside in should spur us to sharing our faith and living in the big three that Paul preaches so much – Faith, hope, and love. Those will be the works on which others judge us and we reflect Christ. Check out that Matthew Henry commentary when ya’ get time. He is my favorite. Thanks!
Dave
May 7, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Hey Mike,
Yes the recipients of the two letters from which you referenced, (Hebrews, James), were raised as you said in a works based faith. Specifically they were Jewish believers which is highly relevant given that both letters are dated before the destruction of the second Temple; meaning the Temple was still in operation daily offering it’s sacrifices and offerings. That back drop, the Temple and it’s functioning, is a good studying point and a good point of empathy when considering the mind set and struggle of the early converts. (especially when considering the letter to the Hebrews).
Your description of a faith that “spurs” works is a good one that is supported in scripture and hits the nail on the head as far as what James was saying, and what the rest of the New Testament declares, Examples: (Galatians 2:20; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 John 2:3-6). The works we do through Christ (Eph. 2:10; Philippians 2:13-16) reflect Christ in that a lost world will see the power of God to save. (Romans 1:17). This wasn’t however the thrust of my question… My question was about repentance, and how you would define it when explaining it to someone. I know there are principles that we have taught together, especially that salvation is a unique, one time, irreversible, and instantaneous event. Within the context of your commentary, it’s quite possible for your message to be misunderstood, so I thought I’d give you the opportunity to expand upon your thoughts there and give an explanation that otherwise could be lost between your perception and that of your audience.
I would hope that fleshing these sorts of things out is a benefit in having the oneminuteministry. Don’t worry about a hasty reply, or a reply at all if you don’t feel the need to give one, I won’t be offended.
I’ve read a little of Matthew Henry… But I have quite a few books on my shelf that I’m studying at the time. If there’s something specific you want me to read of his just point me to it, I do have access to his works.
Dave
Dave
May 9, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Another thing I noticed, and a question to be asked. To what extent is the church to keep the commandments? There are 613 commands given through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. So, is the church bound by the ten commandments you referenced? Has the Law of Moses ever justified anyone?
If you have ever met someone from the 7th day Adventist church you may be interested in their take on the Sabbath.
(John 13:34, I John 2:7, I John 2:8, I John 3:23)
Very interesting subject you have touched on… One that I’ve been studying lately.
Dave
May 9, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Interestingly enough is the correlation of the law and the purpose of the letter to the Hebrews. I’ve studied this for the problem passage portion of the class I’m teaching on the security of the saint. The book of Hebrews has been called the commentary for the book of Leviticus… I’ve been studying both Leviticus and Hebrews over the past 5 months or so… Slowly but surely.