HiIs Faith In Itself Enough To Save Us?
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"For whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved," (Romans 10:13)
Is everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord saved? The answer is yes...and no! Yes, scripture does say that if we call upon His name we will be saved. However, there is much more to this. There are many that have created the god they want and believe in him. How many people have we come upon that say they read the Word of God...but! Meaning, that they will agree with His Word in so much as it justifies their desires, wants, or conformity. Or. "I don't agree with that part". When they cry out to our God will He answer? "And not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the Will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 7:21). And what is one important thing the will of the Father produce in our lives? WORKS! "So as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:26). "You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24).
When anyone truly calls upon the name of the Lord, they will indeed be saved. At that same time, His Holy Spirit will come upon them. All real Christ likeness in us is the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in, and through us. "But the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, peace, forbearance, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23). His 'fruit' will be seen outwardly in our lives as how we conduct our lives, based on our belief and conviction. In our faith we are compelled by His Holy Spirit, in not only producing works, but with great joy and zealousness. These works define our faith and are the result of our faith. "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?' (James 2:14). Works in our lives will be the result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our faith and commitment to our Father in Jesus Christ. They will always go hand-in-hand and cannot be separated in the committed believer.
Our works demonstrate to the unbelieving, and believing world, who we are and who we belong to. So works will reveal the true believer, and unbeliever. "By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles." (Matthew 7:16). "In the same way, let you light shine before others, so they may see your good works, and give glory to your father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16). We must ask ourselves: Do we let His light shine through us?
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