No Works
We had an interesting discussion in Bible Study last night. It was about faith and works.
We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. - Galatians 2:15-16
We are studying Paul's letter to the Church in Rome, yet we have a similar message in his letter to the Church in Galatia. He says we are not justified by works, but by faith.
He is making a case for the inclusion of Gentiles who do not follow the law, and it makes sense to me that those who do not know the law should not be held accountable to it.
Of course that doesn't work in the world. Wherever you are, you are subject to the laws of that land, and that could get you in trouble, if you aren't aware of them.
But when it comes to God, what is in our heart is more important or more telling than what is on our minds. So, it is not that the works we do don't matter. It is our turning to God that matters more.
The idea that someone can do wrong his whole life and then repent and seek God's forgiveness late in life is appalling and unfair to some, who feel we should show love to our neighbor all our lives.
The one who comes to the table late is still fed. That may be a potential stumbling block for some who struggle to stay faithful all their life.
But we should remember that these are the ones Jesus came to call home, the lost, the ones marked by their choices to do the wrong things, to harm themselves and others.
So, it is not that God does not want us to do good works, or to follow the laws. It is just that we should invite those who don't to know they can live a better life now.
As Paul tells us in Romans, we should set our hearts right and then use our mouths to share the good news, that all can be saved through Christ.
More to come...