Works Justification

The difference between faith only groups and original Christianity is really just one concept leading to other problems. Works justification leading to salvation.

The scriptures teach we are justified by works but not saved by works in a completed sense. Works save in faith justification. They are a step toward being accounted righteous.

Here is an evangelical teaching on the subject.

"Those who trust in God’s grace in Christ alone for their salvation will show their faith by their good works, but those works in no sense save them (Romans 6:1-4; Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-26)."

They believe Christians show their faith by good works but do not acknowledge works justify. Whereas the scriptures teach works justify toward faith and then completed faith is applied to salvation. Faith is recognized by God after works complete or perfect faith.

Jas 2:21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

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

It is the denial of justification by works that they fall from reality.

Notice that his quote "those works in no sense save them".

Works lead to justification of faith,I do not believe works themselves complete justification toward moral law, that is atoned by Christ. Works do justify toward faith, and this justification is applied in salvation.

Hebrews 11 ties the offering of Abraham's son to faith in God's power and faithfulness in completing the promise. In offering Isaac Abraham received Isaac's resurrection in a figure.

Heb 11:19  Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

Thus Abraham's works did justify faith. Faith was then recognized and applied. Works were part of the process, not the completion of it.

Works justification took place before Abraham was called a friend of God.

Faith only groups will have to acknowledge that works justify or forever be separated from Christ.