I believe in the doctrine of salvation by faith. But if I believed in the version of that doctrine sometimes known as salvation by faith only (which is not really by faith only; but by something called faith, but devoid of the obedience which makes true faith complete), then I would have a real problem with Hebrews 11--the one chapter in the book which is meant to teach us what faith really is. For that chapter gives example after example of what believers DID. BY FAITH. If I believed in the (somewhat inaccurately labeled) doctrine of salvation by faith only, I would prefer that the writer to the Hebrews had written something more along these lines: By faith Abel did nothing, for he believed in God, and that was enough. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and he was not found, because God translated him: for before his translation he hath had witness borne to him that he had been well–pleasing unto God: And without faith it is impossible to be well–pleasing unto him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that believe, whether they seek after him or not. By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, did nothing to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith only, and not according to works. By faith Abraham, when he was called, did not obey to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went not out, because his faith alone was enough, and he knew that we are rewarded for faith--not works. For he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God, not himself. By faith Abraham, being tried, did nothing: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was not offering up his only begotten son; even he to whom it was said, In Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God is able to raise up, even from the dead; and is commended for simply believing that, and knowing that there was no need to act upon that knowledge. By faith Isaac did nothing. By faith, neither did Jacob. By faith, nor did Joseph. By faith Moses, when he was born, was not hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the kings commandment, and trusted God to save Moses through their faithful inaction. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, did nothing: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he did nothing: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he did nothing, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. By faith they did nothing: which the Egyptians assaying to do were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, before and without being compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, having been disobedient herself, but believing in her heart. But of course thats not what the writer of Hebrews wrote. Because his definition of faith--Gods definition--INCLUDES works of obedience. Part of the message of Hebrews 11 is that true saving faith is an active, obedient faith. That it is NOT faith only. And his message is consistent with the rest of scripture.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 12:55:54 +0000
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