My Daily Pause

Author: Butch Adams

  • But, What Do You Do By Faith?

    God never accepted faith only from his people
    Sacrifice of Isaac – Caravaggio – 1603

    Ephesians 2:8-9 is the corner stone for those who build a case for salvation by faith only. The whole idea of “salvation through faith only” was started by Martin Luther, who was born in 1483. Since there is no evidence of the concept prior to that, we might say it is a “new” idea. But you see, Luther had a problem with his theory. The problem was the book of James. He insulted James and tried to cast doubt as to whether it was even a book of the Bible. James 2:24 says that man is not justified by faith alone. (This is also the only place in the Bible where the words “faith” and “alone” or “only” appear side by side!) James also says that faith without works is dead. (James 2:26)

    Five Points that Counter “Faith Only” Doctrine

    I just want to leave here a list of things to think about if you have need to debate the Gospel’s plan of salvation vs. the invented “faith only” route to salvation. These thoughts should be sufficient for negating Ephesians 2:8-9 as the proof text for “faith only” doctrine

    1. In Ephesians, the works Paul mentioned were words of the Law of Moses.
    2. In James’ letter, he is talking about works of faith.
    3. John 6:29 shows us that faith is a work
    4. Romans 2:6 is very clear that the judgment will include an account of our deeds.
    5. In Hebrews 11, a list of faithful men had to act on their faith to please God.

    Faith is a necessity of salvation, to be sure. It is also a necessity to teach and follow the whole counsel of God. (Acts 20:26-27)

  • What the Bible says about “Faith Only”

    What the Bible says about “Faith Only”

    Here is an exhaustive listing of the places in the Bible that mention “faith only” (Or “faith alone” depending on your version)

    1. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. – James 2:24 KJV

    Yes that’s it. The complete and unabridged list. While faith is a very important part of salvation, is it not the only part.

    Please see my page on the Gospel Plan of Salvation for more.

  • The Proof of God’s Power

    The Proof of God’s Power

    In every letter that Paul wrote, he mentioned the resurrection of Christ. In Ephesians 1:19-20 he shows us the power of God through Christ’s death and ascension.

    Has today’s church gotten away from the awe of the resurrection that Paul felt? Paul wanted you to feel that awe. He wrote of God’s:

    • ability to accomplish his promises
    • active power to work
    • power to rule over his dominion
    • inherent strength

    When we remain silent about the resurrection of Christ – when we forget to include it as the focus of our worship, we are giving our attention to something other than our God.

    Let’s be more like the early church, and make everything about Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.

  • Carry the Load

    Carry the Load

    Galatians 6:1-5 is a bit of Scripture that looks simple at one glance and then difficult at the next glance. Some have even said it contradicts itself.

    These are the notes I have in the margin of my Bible that help me remember how to understand what is being said there:

    1. Size up the situation
    2. Pick up the fallen
    3. Hold them up
    4. Size up yourself

    It is good to have a Spiritual family that can help us bear our burdens. It offers some amount of safety, accountability and direction. Ultimately though, we will have to account for ourselves (2 Corinthians 5:10).

  • Qualities of Those In Christ

    Qualities of Those In Christ

    Being In Christ is a Way of Life

    Paul described often the condition of being “in Christ.” One who is in Christ is someone that has obeyed the Gospel and is faithful to God.

    We know that Paul really liked to make lists when he wrote his letters, and he didn’t disappoint us in Galatians 5. One of the best loved passages in the New Testament is the “Fruit of the Spirit”. (Galatians 5:22-23)

    Here is a glance at the qualities that make up the fruit of the Spirit with a link to previous articles about them.

    1. Love
    2. Joy
    3. Peace
    4. Longsuffering
    5. Gentleness
    6. Goodness
    7. Faith
    8. Meekness
    9. Temperance

     

    Bonus Scripture – Peter’s list of qualities that make us fruitful (2 Peter 1:3-11) These are known as the Christian graces.

  • How the Christian Enjoys “Sonship” with Christ

    How the Christian Enjoys “Sonship” with Christ

    In a previous post, the Christian’s claim to the covenant God made with Abraham was considered. Galatians 4 reveals more of the benefits of our inheritance.

    A Christian is not an heir of Abraham, but an heir with him, by virtue of sonship and union with Christ. (Galatians 4:6) The reason Paul stressed God’s fathership of Christ in Galatians 4:4 was God must be the father of Christ, in order to be the God and father of his people whom he chose in Christ.

    The Christian’s sonship to God is derived from his unity with Christ, identity with Christ, as being “in Christ,” and thus a part of that spiritual body which “is Christ,” who is truly and actually the sinless and perfect Son of God.