FAITH AND WORK

Paul wrote, “For by grace, you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9). James, however, says, “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works, faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” James 2:20-24,26. I have decided tonight to write about faith and work. Here's where I see most Christians are confused. They think that through faith alone they can get what they want. They think that through faith alone they can be saved. They think that through faith alone they can get rid of their bad habits. They think that through faith alone they can become wealthy. They think that through faith alone they can have wonderful children who would listen to them. You know what? That is what many preachers preach from the pulpit. And I call that old intestinal waste, to say it politely. I was young like many of our young people today. But I have acquired tons of bad habits during my growing years. Boy, it was so hard to change bad habits. I have to work very hard to change my bad habits. Faith alone could change nothing. Going to church every week does nothing to change me. But when I made up my mind that I wanted to be born again and work to get what I wanted, and with the support of my wife I finished my Nursing program in one year while working part-time. Am I boasting? Yes, Jesus tells me to let my light shine so I can glorify His name. I boast every day about God for giving me the health and strength so I can work to get what I want. So, give credit to your wife or your husband for what you have been able to achieve. Without the help of your wife or your husband, your faith is dead. Without their work and your work, your faith is dead.

God said in Revelation 3:15-17, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, `I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.’”

Lukewarm people are content with themselves. They have good-paying jobs, nice cars, and nice homes, and say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," but they do not know that they are "wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.’”

Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep all My commandments.” John 14:15. Do these lukewarm people keep God’s commandments? No, they do not. They don't want to work to keep God's commandments. Grace, Brothers, and Sisters are reserved for people who believe in Jesus and do work that God tells them to do. Do they believe in God? No, they do not. Do they keep His commandments? No, they do not. Do they do the will of God the Father? No, they do not!

Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, `Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. "Many will say to Me in that day, `Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' "And then I will declare to them, `I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'” Matthew 7:21-23. 

God said in Revelation 3:15-17, "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, `I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.’”

As you can see for yourself, nothing was said about “faith” in the Book of Revelation 3:15-17. The faith issue was created by Jesus’ salesmen who wanted to make a lot of money for themselves. There is no faith issue because Jesus came to earth to prove that He is real! Jesus came to earth to prove that God is real. So, there is no faith issue. There is only a work issue.

What I see lacking is that many Christian preachers want to work to make money for themselves, and not work for the Kingdom of God. Hence God gave us this Revelation 3:15-17 to warn us that He will vomit us out of His mouth. While we are in His mouth, we are saved. But when He vomits us out of His mouth we are no longer saved!

Salvation is conditional. Once saved forever saved is nonsense! Jesus said, "But he who endures to the end shall be saved." Matthew 24:13. People will say anything to make money.