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These two concrete words, faith and works, need to be freed from their age-old mooring, aired out and re-evaluated in the light of their true and intertwined meaning.
The Manner in Which We are SavedOne of the main sources of contention between Catholics and Protestants is the argument concerning the manner in which people are saved. The misunderstanding arises when the issue of faith versus works is raised; there is a fundamental misconception of the Catholic meaning of the word 'works', and of the basis of the statement, "Faith alone". Protestants believe that man is saved by faith alone, and that once saved, he has gained his place in heaven. Although most protestants will claim that being 'saved' will keep them from living a sinful life, when questioned further as to what happens if they do stray from their faith, there is simply a denial: if one is truly saved, he will not stray. On the flipside, Protestants falsely accuse Catholics of claiming that they are saved by works alone. The fallacy rests on this point: the interpretation of the word 'works'. What are works, by the Catholic definition? Works are the manifestation of faith, enhanced by God's grace. This gift enriches those who ask for it, enabling them to perform good works, or charity. "...true biblical faith is not passive. It is active, dynamic and alive. That's why St. James says that faith without works is dead" (James 2:24-26) explains Dr. Marcellin D'Ambrosio in 'Faith vs. Works'. Free Will Makes Salvation a Daily EffortOnly God can look into the heart and see what motivates each individual. One could be a poster child for philanthropy, a champion of the poor, and have no love in his heart. An informed Catholic would say this was not enough. On the other hand, there are many who claim to be saved by faith alone - who believe they have secured their salvation - who live lives of sin and lovelessness. Christ alone has redeemed mankind, and God has given people free will with which they can and do make daily decisions that directly affect their relationship with God and acceptance or rejection of Christ's mercy. Appeal to the Bible"We are said to be justified by grace because nothing that precedes justification, whether faith or works, merits the grace of justification. For 'if it is by grace, it is no longer by works; otherwise,' as the apostle says, 'grace is no more grace' [Rom. 11:6]" according to Jimmy Akin in "Faith and Works". "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law." Rom. 3:28-30 These bible verses are used as the foundation for the case of 'faith alone'. But what Paul is speaking of is the initial acceptance of Christ and His Church. People cannot 'earn' God's acceptance, they must make the leap of faith. And their justification is the fact the God is there to catch them, giving them the responsibility of continuing on their journey with faith and charity. The justification is simply the jumping-off point. The Apostle states that 'We are said to be justified by grace because nothing that precedes justification, whether faith or works, merits the grace of justification.' This means only the grace of God can save people in the beginning; from then on faith and faith-inspired works will define salvation.
The copyright of the article Faith vs. Works in Protestantism is owned by Juliette Riitters. Permission to republish Faith vs. Works in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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