Bible Question: My question concerns the issue of faith vs. works but is not asking exactly that. I heard that during biblical times one's faith and one's actions were considered a whole. That's why faith and works cannot be separated. So when in Deut 6:25 it is stated that doing the law will result in righteousness, it is not works that earns the righteousness but it is assumed the works comes from an intense desire to live the meaning of the law. Also, the faith vs. works issue in The Book of James has not to do with "is works also necessary" but a reflection of the cultural assumption that works follows faith and each exists as an integral part of the person--they cannot exist separate from one another. Am I correct that biblical persons only viewed works and faith as a unit and never understood them as being separate? |
Bible Answer: I guess it depends on the biblical person. In looking at the good kings you will see that they made reforms that followed the Lord's commandments. In this sense you see their faith is being worked out by their actions. I believe only the Lord can see the motivations of ones heart as to why they do what they do. I believe that those who wanted to please Jehovah did view faith and action as a unit in the sense of obedience to those things commanded. This is a different way of looking at works. We certainly are saved by faith alone but as James says a genuine faith will produce good deeds. |