Lesson 8

Faith vs. Works (pt. 1)

Another popular debate between Catholics and Protestants is the idea of Salvation: Are we justified by faith alone, or do our actions have to do with our entrance into heaven?

Many different sects of Protestants believe that “once you confess with your mouth that Jesus is God, and accept Him as your Lord and Savior, you are forever saved.”  This idea consists of merely and exclusively a genuine belief in God and the scriptures in order to be saved.  Those who believe this idea are the one’s who may have asked you “Are you saved?” or “Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?”  They also proclaim that you can do nothing to lose your Salvation.

Catholics reject every aspect of this idea of “Sola-Fide” (latin, faith alone) when preached like this.  We disagree on what exactly is faith, and can we lose our salvation.

This idea was started (and I think it’s important to note how long after Christ it started) by Martin Luther between 1510 and 1520.  That means nobody even considered this idea as a theological option for 1,500 years after Christ.  

There are many many Bible verses used to support this doctrine.  The most popular (in my experience of conversing with Protestants) is Romans 3:28:

“For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”

Protestants wrongly equate “works of the law” with Christian acts of charity.  We must look at what St. Paul is saying in context, rather than just looking at the surface of the text.   

St. Paul is telling the Christians in Rome about how the Old Testament customs and rituals no longer have any sin-forgiving power.  Rather God has established a new covenant with one perpetual sacrifice.  “Works of the law” are these old customs and sacrifices.  St. Paul tells them that, rather than these old customs, they should have faith in Jesus Christ, and that’s how they’ll get to heaven.  So, what does St. Paul mean by faith?  Is faith just a belief in your head/heart?  Or is it more than that?

If we check out James 2:14-26 we see the exact relationship between faith and works (charitable actions now, not the old customs).  Faith without works “is dead.(verse 17)”  Can we really presume to get into heaven based on “dead” faith?  “Even the demons believe,” James says.  Has anyone heard of a demon in heaven?  Verse 22 says it all: Faith is active along with works and faith is completed by works.  

This idea is also supported in the Gospels.  Luke 7:36-50 tells the story of a sinful woman who bathes Jesus’ feet in her tears, wipes them with her hair, kisses His feet, and anoints them with oil.  Jesus tells her “Your faith has saved you.”  Similarly in Luke 8:40-48 a woman is healed who touches Jesus’ cloak.  He tells her “Daughter, your faith has saved you.”   These and many other examples show people who’s “faith has saved” them.  Are we to believe that if they hadn’t bathed Jesus’ feet or touched His cloak they would still have been saved?  No.  They’re faith without these actions was incomplete.  

So, our protestant brothers and sisters are right, we are saved by faith.  But they claim that an incomplete faith is sufficient.

In Part two I will cover why Catholics believe we can lose (or more appropriately, give up) our salvation.  Most Sola-Fide protestants don’t believe we can.

Send me questions!

lambssupper@gmail.com

Peace in Christ,

Luke