Works, Works, Works

• There is, in my mind at least, some method to my madness, and the order in which I am readings the New Testament aloud here. So, as the title of this post hints, I am next going to read Galatians, James and Romans, letters in which the discussion of “works” features prominently, but with distinctions, specifically between “works of the Law,” (e.g. Circumcision, etc.), and works of mercy, kindness, and love in Christ, which are the fruit of faith received by grace, and Christ working in us, and the evidence of true saving faith. So, alleged faith, without the works of Christ in us is dead, and useless as a tree without fruit, which will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13: “if I have faith in all its fullness….but without love…it will do me no good whatsoever.” “God is love,” says John in 1 John 4:7. So, if we do not have love, expressed by Christ working in us as we love God, and our neighbor as ourselves, then our faith is dead and not living in Christ and Christ in us. Just my musings on a subject in these three letters that seem to cause unnecessary contention among some. Perhaps we should rely on a higher authority than Paul or James to settle any perceived disagreement between them. Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount, (Matthew 7:21- 27) addresses the different end of those who listen to his words and act on them, and those who merely cry “Lord, Lord”, but do not act on his words. It isn’t a pretty picture for those who talk a good game, but have no works as evidence of their alleged faith. Jesus, speaking again in Matthew 24: 31-46 on the last judgement, paints a similar picture. He Is and has the first and last Word.