Faith Only
Faith Only
The study today deals with one of the most prevalent doctrines
found anywhere in religion. It is proclaimed by nearly every protestant
denomination in one way or another. That man is saved by "faith only"
is almost a touchstone to judge the genuineness of Protestantism. In
our study we will learn the origin of the doctrine, what it means, and
seek to explain how and why it contradicts truth.
The Origin of the Doctrine
While others may have taught that sinners are saved through "faith
alone," the great reformer, Martin Luther, gave it world wide attention
and distribution. His greatest works include a translation of the very
first German Bible. In it, he was so engulfed in the doctrine of "faith
only" that he added the word "allein" (alone) to Paul's statement in
Romans 2:28. Even the latest revision of Luther's Bible reads, "Denn
wir sind ueberzeugt, dass der Mench gerecht wird ohne die Werke des
Gesetzes, allein durch den Glauben." The phrase I emphasized reads in
English, "only through faith." There is nothing in any Greek text to
justify the addition of the word for only.
Roland Bainton, in his biography of Luther, wrote of Luther's
translating that it was accurate to the point of never attempting to
harmonize minor discrepancies he found in the Old Testament. Bainton
noted that "trivial errors gave him no concern." Then, he added, "But
when doctrinal matters were involved, the case was different. Luther
read the New Testament in the light of the Pauline message that the just
shall live by faith and not by works of the law. That this doctrine is
not enunciated with equal emphasis throughout the New testament and
appears to be denied in the book of James did not escape Luther, and in
his preface to the New Testament of 1522 James was stigmatized as 'an
epistle of straw.' Once Luther remarked that he would give his doctor's
beret to anyone who could reconcile James and Paul." Here I Stand,
Abington - Cokesbury Press, page 331.
From that day forward the doctrine of justification by "faith
alone" became the cornerstone of Protestantism throughout the world.
The Methodist discipline has an article of faith that reads, "We are
accounted righteous before God only for the merit of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, by faith, and not for our own works or deservings.
Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome
doctrine, and very full of comfort." Discipline of the Methodist Church,
1952, page 28.
The Baptist Church teaches the same doctrine. "We believe the
Scriptures teach that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to
such as believe in him is justification; that justification includes the
pardon of sin, and the gift of eternal life on principles of
righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of
righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in Christ; by
means of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us
by God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor
with God, and secures every other blessing needed for time and
eternity." The Standard Manual For Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox,
D.D., page 62. There are very few denominational bodies that do not
teach the doctrine of faith only in one way or another.
What Does it Mean?
To say that one is justified by "faith only" means that nothing but
faith is involved in justification. It is on this premise that such
things as baptism, and other acts of obedience, are regarded as
optional. Obedience is the result of salvation, they say, but obedience
to commands is not essential to salvation. The Baptists have reacted to
commands such as baptism as follows:
"That the scriptures manifestly make a distinction between the
relation which faith, and that which baptism bears to the remission of
sins. We read in the Scriptures, and many such passages may be found,
'He that believeth not shall be damned.' 'Except ye repent, ye shall
all likewise perish.' 'If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let
him be anathama maran-atha.' Now, we do not read, nor is it intimated,
nor is any thing recorded, from which it may be fairly inferred, that if
a man is not immersed, he is condemned, doomed to perish -- and to be
anathematized at the coming of our Lord." Campbellism Examined, Jeremiah
B. Jeter, 1855, page 250. You will encounter this very same reasoning
today when discussing the relation of faith and baptism to salvation.
Salvation by faith alone means salvation plus nothing, minus
nothing. It is only by faith. Here is where it demonstrates its
weakness. If it is by faith alone it is not by anything else.
Repentance and loving God are excluded as well as any other act of
obedience. Salvation is not by faith only if anything else is
essential. The word only means, "alone, of its or their kind; by itself
or by themselves; sole."
That salvation is not by faith alone is clear from the book of
James. James wrote, "You see that a man is justified by works, and not
by faith alone" (James 2:24). Compare the statement from the Methodist
Discipline with that of James.
----------------------------------------------------------
The Methodist Discipline
James 2:24
The doctrine of faith only is a
very wholesome doctrine and very
full of comfort
You see than that a man is
justified by works, and not by
faith alone
The Methodist discipline says man is justified by faith only -- the
Bible says man is not justified by faith only.
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The book of Hebrews presents faith as "the assurance of things
hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Faith
originates with God. "So faith comes from hearing and hearing by the
word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). Faith is accomplished in man. "For
with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the
mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation" (Romans 10:10). Faith, then
is man's belief of what God reveals. Without revelation there is no
faith. Relying on anything other than what God reveals cannot result in
faith.
Justification by faith means one is saved, pardoned, or redeemed by
faith. But saying justification comes by faith is one thing; saying
justification results from faith only is another. The expression "by
faith" includes everything God has revealed for man to do in order to
justification. Remember, faith is the act of the sinner who wants
salvation.
There is no question that salvation results from faith. Please
look up and study the following list. John 3:16; 3:36; Acts 16:31;
Romans 5:1-2; Romans 3:26-28; Ephesians 2:8. Notice that each of these
passages say something about salvation or its equivalent and faith.
None of them predicate salvation on faith only.
The real issue is not that men are justified by faith; it is when
faith justifies a sinner. Is a sinner justified by faith before and
without obedience? Or is a sinner justified only when faith leads him
to obey what God has revealed? If it is the latter, it cannot be by
faith alone. When and if you study with someone who holds the doctrine
of faith only, make sure this point is clear. It is useless to proceed
until this point is well established.
Read Hebrews 11. In the first thirty one verses eighteen times one
reads "by faith" which is followed by action or results. One example
will illustrate the point. "By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down,
after they had been encircled for seven days" (verse 30). There is no
question that the walls fell by the faith of those who marched around
the city for seven days. But the question is when did the walls fall?
Was it at the point of faith, without further acts of obedience? Or was
it after their faith acted and completely obeyed the instructions of
God.
What Does Faith Include?
Faith, that comes from God through revelation, includes obedience
to all God Almighty has commanded the sinner to do. Faith never
excludes obedience. Baptists will argue that if a person relies on
baptism for salvation, that excludes salvation by faith. The contrary
is true. Faith that saves is expressed in obedience to the command
Christ gave to be baptized (Read Mark 16:15-16). Here is an excellent
biblical example to prove it.
The Ephesians were saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8).
They were penitent believers (Acts 19:19).
But they were required to be baptized (Acts 19:1-6).
Their baptism was the expression of their faith that led them into
a right relationship with the Lord. Had they refused to be baptized,
had they regarded it as merely optional, would they have been saved?
What do you think?
Conclusion:
One who has faith and does not act on it cannot have God's
blessing. The chief priests believed, but refused to confess their
faith in Christ (John 12:43). They not only deserved to be rejected,
they could not demonstrate their faith in the Lord. Every time someone
mentions salvation by faith -- remind them that the Bible nowhere puts
either the word "only" or "alone" by it -- with the exception of James
2:24. That passage denies salvation is by faith only.
If you have any question at all about this topic, or if you would
like extra study materials on it, contact us. If you would like to
receive the Voice of West End call or write West End Church of Christ,
1609 Parkside Dr., Bowling Green, KY. 42101. Until the next time we
have this opportunity to be with you by radio, may God richly bless you
and yours. Good bye.
Radio Sermon No. 35, Page 1
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