Living Faith vs. Dead Works

**Title: Living Faith vs. Dead Works: Understanding the Foundations of True Christianity**
In a recent Sunday gathering, we delved into a pivotal topic as part of our ongoing series on the Foundational Doctrines of Christ. We're currently exploring the concept of "faith towards God," and it's essential to understand how living faith contrasts with dead works. This topic has sparked numerous questions among believers who struggle to grasp its depth, and today, our goal is to gain divine wisdom and revelation.

**Introduction:** Our faith journey is fundamentally rooted in the understanding that the righteousness we attain is through faith alone in Christ and His finished work. This truth liberates us from the burden of trying to earn righteousness through our own efforts. Our series aims to build a firm foundation based on these crucial doctrines.

**Living Faith vs. Dead Works:** The central theme of our discussion is the distinction between living faith and dead works. Living faith is active and transformative, producing visible changes in our lives. It's not about earning God’s favor through deeds but allowing our faith to naturally manifest in actions. This is evident in the journey of faith, as Paul explains in Romans 4:4-5, where faith, not works, is counted for righteousness.

 **Understanding Righteousness:** In Romans 9:31-32, the pursuit of righteousness is addressed, emphasizing that it cannot be achieved by mere adherence to the law or commandments. Righteousness is attained through faith in Christ as the ultimate stumbling stone for self-righteousness. Our faith in His finished work and His spirit within us is what renders us righteous.

**The Role of Works:** James profoundly articulates that faith without works is dead. It's not about contradicting the principle of faith alone but illustrating that genuine faith naturally results in works. Faith without action is as lifeless as a body without the spirit. We look at biblical examples like Abraham and Rahab, whose faith in God was evident through their corresponding actions.

**Practical Application:** The daily expression of our faith is a testament to its reality. As Derrick Prince eloquently states, a believer begins to act in a new way upon receiving God's life through faith. Such a transformation is not about outward efforts but an inward renewal that overflows into our actions.

**Conclusion:** True salvation isn't a mere profession of faith but a life-altering experience evidenced by the works that flow from it. It's the grace and ability of God working through us that manifests in tireless and joyful pursuit of His will. As believers, we must rest in the understanding that it's by faith in His completed work, not by our own striving, that we become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. In closing, let us embrace the grace of God and allow His spirit to guide our actions, reflecting our faith in every aspect of life. This is the good news, and it invites us to walk in freedom and fulfillment as new creations empowered by His Spirit. May we carry this truth into the world, living as beacons of genuine faith.