In previous articles, we discussed how our behaviors and attitudes interact with salvation, and what God expects from us in these areas.  We also briefly mentioned how today’s culture doesn’t always accept these values and is quick to call Christians old-fashioned, close minded, or judgmental when they advocate for God’s standards.  All too often, some people attempt to silence Christians from espousing biblical ethics by quoting “Judge not, so that you will not be judged” from Matthew 7. Continue reading →

In a previous article, we discussed how works result from, rather than in, a person’s salvation.  Now we turn our attention to what those works should be.  The Bible states that as Christians, we are Christ’s representatives (2 Corinthians 5:20) and are called to do good works (Ephesians 2:10).  The question naturally arises “what should this look like?”  Our purpose in this article is to give an overview of how God expects Christians to be and act, as articulated in scripture.  This is not an exhaustive analysis, but rather a starting point for self-examination and further study. Continue reading →

The Apostle, Paul, who played a critical role in spreading the Church to the Gentiles during the first century.

The role of faith vs. works in salvation has been the subject of debate and confusion since the beginning of Christianity.  Paul clearly states in Ephesians that we “are saved by faith…not by works” while James says that “faith without works is dead.”  So which is it?  Are we saved by faith, works, or some combination of the two?

The Case for Faith

The Bible is clear that we are saved “by grace through faith” in Christ.  But what exactly does that mean?  In short, salvation by grace through faith means that we do not earn it through our own actions.  It is an unmerited gift from God (i.e. “grace”) given “through faith” in Christ as our personal savior.   There are many Bible verses one can cite to explain what “faith in Christ” means, but one of the clearest is Romans 10:9 (“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”)  Continue reading →