Faith and Works: An Early Christian Perspective

[antenicenechurch]

Most Evangelical Christians believe that the notion that our own works affect our salvation is a Roman Catholic interpolation which is unbiblical and not the doctrine of the early church. But the writings of the Ante-Nicene Fathers clearly demonstrate that it was a universally held belief that our works and obedience play a very major role in our salvation. This challenges a long held viewpoint which evangelicals have inherited from the Reformers. Let us look and see what the Early Christian teachers had to say exactly.

Clement of Rome, a companion of the Apostle Paul and Bishop of the congregation at Rome, wrote," It is necessary, therefore, that we be prompt in the practice of good works. For He forewarns us, 'Behold, the Lord comes and His reward is before His face, to render to every man according to his work." Justin Martyr wrote,"And so we have received this teaching, that if men by their works show themselves worthy of His design, they are deemed worthy of reigning in company with Him, being delivered from corruption and suffering."

And further, Clement of Alexandria writes," Whoever obtains the truth and distinguishes himself in good works shall gain the prize of everlasting life."

We can see just from the few quotes here that this was not something which the early church took lightly. Those who wish to play down our role, via good works, in our salvation should heed Clement of Alexandria when he writes,"...but attatching slight importance to the works that lead to salvation, they fail to make necessary preparation for attaining the objects of their hope." This statement could easily apply to the majority of the evangelical world today. It is obvious that the Reformers, though well meaning they were, went so far to distinguish themselves from the empty works which the Roman Catholic Church was well known for at that time, that they threw the proverbial" baby out with the bath water".

These quotes are not the only one's available on this subject. Origen stated," The soul...will be rewarded according to what it deserves, being destined to obtain either an inheritance of eternal life and blessedness, if it's actions shall have procured this for it..."

Hippolytus, another Bishop of the early church writes,"The Gentiles, by faith in Christ, prepare for themselves eternal life through good works." He writes further that," Jesus, in administering the righteous judgement of the Father to all, assigns to each what is righteous according to his works..."

Now, I know what some of my readers are saying. 'Then you are saying we earn our salvation!' But, this is far from the truth. We Early Christians, as the Ante-Nicene Fathers, emphasize and affirm the fact that faith is essential for salvation. Without the grace of Alimighty God, given in love, no person can be saved.

Clement of Rome also wrote," We are not justified by ourselves. Nor by our own wisdom, understanding, godliness, or works done in holiness of heart. But by that faith which Almighty God has justified all men since the beginning." Polycarp writes," Many desire to enter into this joy, knowing that 'by grace you are saved, not of works', but by the will of God through Jesus Christ. (Eph.2:8)

We accept the clear witness of Sacred Scripture and the Ante-Nicene Fathers, that a gift is no less a gift just because it it conditioned on obedience. Salvation is a gift of God which He bestowes upon those who love, obey and serve Him. This obedience we speak of is not solely in and of our own power, but is dependent on our own efforts along with the gift of God's power.

And it is the same with our salvation. Salvation is offered to us as a matter of grace. We do not have to be righteous before hand in order to receive it. Nor do we have to atone for the sins of the past, nor earn the New Birth. Christ is our only atonement! But our works and efforts do play a part in our salvation! We must repent, believe, and obey.

But, as stated earlier, our obedience is dependent on our efforts AND the power of God, which He imparts to us as a matter of grace. So, it is clear to see that our salvation begins and ends with grace. And we are able to say with the Apostle Paul,that, we are saved by grace, not by works. But at the same time we are able to understand and apply the words of James when he states that we are saved by works, and not by faith alone. Our works are the outter manifestation of our inner faith, our New Birth and our salvation in Christ Our Lord.

[Rick]

Hello Davila

Thanks for joining the site and I appreciate your participation. You have entered your comments onto our debate forum so a debate is what you will receive.

For the record I do not accept the OSAS doctrine that is popular in our day. But I do believe in God`s ability and intent to preserve the elect. This is commonly called divine preservation of the saints and I believe I have posted a couple of commentaries on this doctrine in the general discussion forum.

Much of your argument is based on writings that came after the Apostle Paul and the other New Testament writers. Such writings are ok to study. I am not against that but they have no more credibility with me then any other Christian book that I might find at the local Christian bookstore. They are not scripture. The very ones you are calling the anti-nicene fathers are the same men and books that a knowledgeable Roman Catholic will refer to and use to affirm the authority of the pope. They are able to make a credible argument that the early church fathers were early Catholics.

Any argument that I will find credible must be based on scripture. You can read in the letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation that the Gentile church was already on it`s way to becoming compromised in 95AD when revelation was written. I am suspicious of any writings that came afterward.

Now you say that James states that we are saved by works. I think it is inaccurate to believe that is what James was teaching. You have to apply the entire lesson of James on works. James said he was going to show you his faith by his works. In other words his works are evidence of his faith. Works are an evidence, they are a fruit. Works are not the salvation.

As you put it yourself. Works are an outer manifestation of our inner faith. I have to say I like that saying.

But that isn`t the same thing as saying we are saved by a combination of faith and works. And there are no scriptures in the Bible that say such a thing as that.

The James teaching on works is the same teaching as the Paul teaching on works. It is just pur into different terms. Works are a result of being saved they have nothing to do with getting saved or keeping us saved.

And by the way, how much obedience do you think I need to be saved? Does God require absolute perfect obedience to be saved? If he doesn`t how short do you think I can come and still be forgiven?

Ok I`ll quit there. Thanks Again for posting and please do so again

[antenicenechurch]

Rick,

You wrote: Much of your argument is based on writings that came after the Apostle Paul and the other New Testament writers. Such writings are ok to study. I am not against that but they have no more credibility with me then any other Christian book that I might find at the local Christian bookstore. They are not scripture. The very ones you are calling the anti-nicene fathers are the same men and books that a knowledgeable Roman Catholic will refer to and use to affirm the authority of the pope. They are able to make a credible argument that the early church fathers were early Catholics.

Response: No, they are not scripture. However, I give them more respect and credence than you might since I understand their historic connection to the Apostles. Many of these men were direct disciples of the Apostles or students of those men. I suggest the closer we get to the source of Christian teaching, the closer we get to the truths of the Gospel. I believe they are in a much better position to teach sound doctrine than we are 2000 years later, tainted by Protestantism, Evangelicalism, Charismania and the various Catholicisms. It seems a bit odd to me to reject their testimony since Roman Catholics will appeal to them for support. Roman Catholics also appeal to Scripture for support. Shall we toss that out too? It is a silly proposition to make. Now, I further suggest that we need to start with a clean slate to truly understand the Early Church and its teachings. In some cases they will conflict with our Protestant or Catholic programming. The question is are we humble enough to accept what the church originally taught, or will we cling to comfortable doctrinal positions?

You wrote: Any argument that I will find credible must be based on scripture. You can read in the letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation that the Gentile church was already on it`s way to becoming compromised in 95AD when revelation was written. I am suspicious of any writings that came afterward.

Response: Then you would have to be suspicious of the entirety of Christian history. You would have to believe that Christ and His Apostles failed, since if the Apostolic Fathers were all wrong and they were the recognized authorities of the church at that time, then Christianity was/is non-existent. Secondly, if you read the writings of the Apostolic Fathers you will find that they are indeed based entirely on scripture.


You wrote: Now you say that James states that we are saved by works.

Response: No, I did not say that. James stated that our works are the evidence of faith. No works-no faith-no salvation. Works play a part in salvation as the witness of our commitment to the Gospel. To divorce either from the other is to preach another gospel.


You wrote: Works are not the salvation.

Response: We agree. However, if there are no works, there is no salvation since they are the evidence of a changed life.

You wrote: As you put it yourself. Works are an outer manifestation of our inner faith. I have to say I like that saying.

Response: Exactly! And thank you.



You wrote: The James teaching on works is the same teaching as the Paul teaching on works. It is just pur into different terms. Works are a result of being saved they have nothing to do with getting saved or keeping us saved.

Response: Salvation is predicated on acceptance and obedience. Obedience implies works. That is, we manifest our salvific experience vis-a-vis our actions and works. A gift is no less a gift simply because it is predicated on obedience.



You wrote: And by the way, how much obedience do you think I need to be saved? Does God require absolute perfect obedience to be saved? If he doesn`t how short do you think I can come and still be forgiven?

Response: You obey to the best of your ability and understanding. None of us can be perfectly obedient, which is why grace enters the picture. You're taking an awful liberty with such silly queries, which I am sure were tongue in cheek.

[Rick]

You wrote: Now you say that James states that we are saved by works.

Response: No, I did not say that. James stated that our works are the evidence of faith. No works-no faith-no salvation. Works play a part in salvation as the witness of our commitment to the Gospel. To divorce either from the other is to preach another gospel.

Contraire

"But at the same time we are able to understand and apply the words of James when he states that we are saved by works, and not by faith alone."


These are your words from the last paragraph of your first post.


You wrote: Much of your argument is based on writings that came after the Apostle Paul and the other New Testament writers. Such writings are ok to study. I am not against that but they have no more credibility with me then any other Christian book that I might find at the local Christian bookstore. They are not scripture. The very ones you are calling the anti-nicene fathers are the same men and books that a knowledgeable Roman Catholic will refer to and use to affirm the authority of the pope. They are able to make a credible argument that the early church fathers were early Catholics.

Response: No, they are not scripture. However, I give them more respect and credence than you might since I understand their historic connection to the Apostles. Many of these men were direct disciples of the Apostles or students of those men. I suggest the closer we get to the source of Christian teaching, the closer we get to the truths of the Gospel. I believe they are in a much better position to teach sound doctrine than we are 2000 years later, tainted by Protestantism, Evangelicalism, Charismania and the various Catholicisms. It seems a bit odd to me to reject their testimony since Roman Catholics will appeal to them for support. Roman Catholics also appeal to Scripture for support. Shall we toss that out too? It is a silly proposition to make. Now, I further suggest that we need to start with a clean slate to truly understand the Early Church and its teachings. In some cases they will conflict with our Protestant or Catholic programming. The question is are we humble enough to accept what the church originally taught, or will we cling to comfortable doctrinal positions?

Have you ever considered Paul`s warning in Acts 20:29-31. He states that after his departure grievious wolves enter in sparing not the flock.And from among the brethren men arise speaking perverse things.This passage of scripture doesn`t give me a lot of confidence in Paul`s successors.And we also see in 2nd Timothy 4:11 Paul abandoned by his followers, these very church fathers that you hold in such high esteem.

You wrote: Any argument that I will find credible must be based on scripture. You can read in the letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation that the Gentile church was already on it`s way to becoming compromised in 95AD when revelation was written. I am suspicious of any writings that came afterward.

Response: Then you would have to be suspicious of the entirety of Christian history. You would have to believe that Christ and His Apostles failed, since if the Apostolic Fathers were all wrong and they were the recognized authorities of the church at that time, then Christianity was/is non-existent. Secondly, if you read the writings of the Apostolic Fathers you will find that they are indeed based entirely on scripture.


Now why would I have to be sispicious of history or believe that Christ failed etc. etc. ? Paul warned me in advance that the wolves were coming. Paul states in 1st Corinthians 4:15-16 that he is my church father. It`s not these others you name. And says "Be ye followers of me."

Why would I need these other men when I have the writings of the real church father of the Gentile church and the Holy Spirit as my teachor and guide? Not to mention the empartations I have recieved through preaching that I have heard and theology commentarties I have read.


Now you wrote "However, if there are no works, there is no salvation"


That contradicts what Christ tells us in John 6:29 and in a number of other verses as well. Christ said that the work of God is believing on Him whom He hath sent. That results in the salvation and that is the true work that we are all required to do.

It is envitable that salvation will produce good wroks as God has ordained for us but the good works do not create salvation and they do not prove salvation as evidenced by Matthew 7:21-22.

But they manifest as a result of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Hence they are a fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 lists goodness as a fruit and I believe that good works are a part of the goodness that Paul was talking about.

Good works are also the means by which we are to demonstrate to other people that we are saved. As near as I am able to determine that is the lesson James was teaching on works.

Good works are not for demonstrating to God that we are saved. They are for demonstrating to people that we are saved. And we do not earn salvation points with God by performing works. By deeds no flesh is justified and that is a principle that God will not deviate from.

[Russell]

I say that salvation is perceived incorrectly it is not just one item but two under one heading. There is a difference between Spiritual Salvation and Physical Salvation and Jesus made a strong argument for this. If Salvation is approached from this view all the so called "is it by faith or works" verses fall into place and it is not this great mystery everyone ponders.
(Any Bites on this?)

[Rick]

Well it`s not a mystery I ponder. I just ponder why so many people misunderstand the relationship between faith and works. At any rate please explain what Spiritual and Physical salvation means to you.

Certainly the redemption that will occur at the first resurrection is physical salvation and the salvation that we experience in this life is a Spiritual salvation not a physical one otherwise we wouldn`t have problems with desires of the flesh.

I`m not sure if that`s what you are talking about though

[Russell]

Salvation is split into two parts Physical and Spiritual. The following verses deal with the Physical. There are other verses that Deal with the Spiritual I will provide later. There is also a difference between "The SIN" Jesus payed for and the sin we commit in the flesh. All sin is rebellion but there is sin unto death and that was "The SIN" Jesus payed for, "The Sin unto Death". The physical sins are the ones we pay for in this life. IE: (true) A man lived a sinful life and repented. All had changed around and he was married and happy. Only there was a problem, he had become infected with AIDS and died. His sin unto death had been payed and he was forgiven, but his physical sin had caught up with him. This is why we are to confess and forsake our sins daily, that we may prosper in this life. If all our sin was swooped away in one big fell sweep on the cross, why are we still suffering for it. We suffer because there are sins of the flesh and sins of the spirit. This is where works and faith are applied. By works we work out our physical salvation with patience. IE: deliverance from the evils of the world. By Faith we rely on Grace as our Spiritual Salvation that can only come through the sacrifice Lamb.
The following is how I came to this conclusion.

(Matt 6:10 [KJV])
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.
( Ask for that Kingdom to manifest physically on earth and His will to become Physically manifest)
(Matt 6:11 [KJV])
Give us this day our daily bread.
( Supply our physical needs)
(Matt 6:12 [KJV])
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
( Forgive us for the wrongs (physical actions) we have committed against you as we forgive the wrongs (physical actions) others have committed against us).
(Matt 6:13 [KJV])
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
(Lead us into thinking and living right and deliver us from Physical harm for this is your Kingdom here on earth, through Your power we are delivered, and through this Physical manifestation is Glory unto You.)
(Matt 6:14 [KJV])
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
(What kind of trespasses can man commit against man? "Physical!". Physical trespasses against God are the same when we commit them, Physical. When we don't Love our neighbor as ourself we sin against God, Physical.)
(Matt 6:15 [KJV])
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(Physical trespasses lead to temptation and physical evil. That is why we must sin no more lest a worse thing happen to us.)

(Luke 4:18 [KJV])
The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted (Spiritual problem), to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
(All of these can be Physical as well as Spiritual, but the following verse makes it clear it is Physical Salvation)
(Luke 7:22 [KJV])
Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
(Defiantly all Physical manifestations of Salvation connected with the Gospel of the Kingdom)
(Matt 9:2 [KJV])
And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.
(Where did the man commit the sins, in the physical? Where was the man healed, in the Physical.)
(Matt 9:5 [KJV])
For whether is easier, to say, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?
(This verse shows that committing sin in this life is linked to sickness in the physical and being forgiven of those sins brings healing in the physical.)
(Matt 9:6 [KJV])
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.
(John 5:8 [KJV])
Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
(John 5:9 [KJV])
And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
(John 5:14 [KJV])
Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

[Jimson]

Faith and works are both necessary for the salvation of Man. I say this so for what is faith if you disobey the will of the Lord. If you are confessing that you have faith in Jesus, then you must prove it through your good deeds.

Some are claiming to be saved by grace but continue to break the Ten Commandments and that i think is contradictory.

Good works are not the basis of your salvation but a response or result of that salvation by grace.....

[Rick]

Agreed! Well said.

[larry]

Quoting Antenicenechurch - our works and efforts do play a part in our salvation! We must repent, believe, and obey.

Response - The context of James must go along with other scripture as describing works, and then works produce reward in our lives as we are in the way.

Matthew 7:20 "Wherefore by their fruits (works) ye shall know them."

Philippians 2:12 "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." The following is an excerpt of a pamphlet I wrote.

The working out your own salvation referred to in (Philippians 2:12) is learning to overcome the habit of sin in our lives. This is the experiencing part of our salvation and is another step in our growth as a Christian. (2 Peter 1:5-7) tells us to "Add to your faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity." To realize this growth in our lives, we must learn to begin counting our old man dead. (Romans 6:6) "Knowing this, that our old man (The Adamic nature) is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” (Ephesians 4:22) “That ye put off concerning the former conversation (Manner of life) the old man who is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;” (Colossians 3:9) “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds." We all have an old man we should count as dead that still wants to rule our lives. Even though the Apostle Paul knew he was saved, he experienced all kinds of problems with the old man trying to control his life. (Romans 7:14-25) states that (15) he ends up doing that which he hates. In (16,17), Paul realizes that if he agrees that the law is good, then it is no more him that was responsible, but sin that was in him. In looking for an answer he says (24) "Who shall deliver me?" (25) "I thank God through Jesus Christ"

(Romans 8:1). "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." And in (Romans 8:4) it says that "The righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us (Not by us), who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Who is it that does the work? It is God for we are His workmanship from beginning to end.