Both Scripture and Ellen White explicitly tell us that we are not saved by “faith alone.” Even so, over the past several decades there has been a growing movement in the Seventh-day Adventist Church promoting the “faith alone” doctrine.

In recent years I have attempted to counterbalance this burgeoning “salvation by faith that is alone” agenda in various Seventh-day Adventist congregations where I’ve attended, by emphasizing the Bible truth that we are “saved through faith that is not alone.” I have done this by teaching Sabbath School classes, meeting with various pastors and church leaders, and writing letters to other prominent advocates of the “faith alone” movement.

In this process, I have encountered many who have aggressively resisted the Biblical message of salvation by a “working faith,” serving God “faithfully,” or “faith that works.” They have vehemently defended the “faith that is alone” belief in a variety of ways.

The following questions and answers relating to this debate reflect information I have gleaned from various encounters with vigorous apologists for the “faith alone” movement, as well as my personal study.

(NOTE: Periodically in this article you will see references to the Appendix with a page and paragraph number. The Appendix is found at the end of this article.)

1. Is the term “faith alone” ever used in Scripture or by Ellen White?

Scripture uses the term “faith alone” or “faith only” once. It is found in James 2:24 (NIV) and reads “You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.” (faith only in NKJV)

To the best of my knowledge, Ellen White uses this precise term within the context of our salvation three times. The most explicit statement is as follows:

“On the other hand, those who claim that their faith alone will save them are trusting to a rope of sand, for faith is strengthened and made perfect by works only.” (Story of Redemption 289.2)

She uses a similar combination of these words in another statement:

If we choose to disobey his commandments, we may cry, “Faith, faith, only have faith,” and the response will come back from the sure word of God, “Faith without works is dead.” (Signs of the Times, June 16, 1890, also Faith and Works 47)

The specific term “faith alone” is also found in another quote from p. 12 of the book Faith and Works.

“The plan for the salvation of lost mankind is based on man’s acceptance by faith alone of Christ’s substitutionary death.” (The Review and Herald, October 5, 1886 reproduced in Faith and Works 12).

Taken by itself, this statement might be construed by some as telling us we are saved by faith alone. Since Ellen White presents the opposing view repeatedly in other passages (see Appendix 3:7; 4:1; also the above statements), it is best to read this sentence precisely and not misinterpret it. The most literal reading is that we must accept the importance and significance of Christ’s death by faith alone, since the only evidence we have is God’s Word, along with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the lives of others. Indeed, “faith is the substance (assurance – ESV) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction - ESV, being certain - NIV) of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1 (KJV)

God’s plan of salvation is based on our acceptance of this vital spiritual fact (Christ’s substitutionary death) by faith, since we don’t have overt proof. In other words, the faith part of our relationship with God, absent explicit evidence, is an integral and essential part of the process of salvation. It is the foundation of a saving relationship. But this doesn’t mean that faith should stand alone. As Ellen White (see A 4:1) and Scripture make clear: “faith without works is dead . . .” James 2:26 (KJV) In other words, faith without corroborative action is dead on arrival.

A second reasonable possibility in understanding this statement is that Mrs. White is using this wording to emphasize that our faith is to be in Christ alone, as emphasized in the last few paragraphs of this section. Another feasible interpretation is to assume that Mrs. White was using the term “faith alone” in a broader inclusive sense as identified by Kevin Paulson in his recent article on ADvindicate (see Kevin Paulson, “What ‘Faith Alone’ Really Means”)

Either way, we can be certain she is not endorsing the view that believing in God, in and of itself, is sufficient for salvation. Our faith in God must be accompanied by the fruit (actions) of devotion and service to God (including the effort to obey), along with ministry to others (the agape principle, “love”), as is made clear in her many other statements (see the Appendix).

The third use of the specific term “faith alone” can be a little more confusing, especially for those looking for confirmation of their assertion that we are “saved by faith alone.” In reading the following statement, notice that it connects “faith alone” to partaking of the “grace of Christ.” One way of reading this statement is to link the words “faith alone” to the reference in the first part of the same sentence referring to a “no less dangerous error.” Even if you read it differently and conclude that the error is defined only in the two other phrases within this sentence, we still don’t have a departure from the many other statements by Ellen White relating to “faith alone” (see Appendix 1-12). This statement refers of course to what others are saying, but even so, it can can still fit the big picture presented by EGW in regard to faith and works.

Read the following quote and we’ll provide additional comment afterwards:

“There are two errors against which the children of God--particularly those who have just come to trust in His grace--especially need to guard. The first, already dwelt upon, is that of looking to their own works, trusting to anything they can do, to bring themselves into harmony with God. . . The opposite and no less dangerous error is that belief in Christ releases men from keeping the law of God; that since by faith alone we become partakers of the grace of Christ, our works have nothing to do with our redemption.”

But notice here that obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of love . . .

“Obedience--the service and allegiance of love--is the true sign of discipleship. Thus the scripture says, "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments." "He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 5:3; 2:4. Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience.

“We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith . . . That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption . . . Where there is not only a belief in God's word, but a submission of the will to Him; where the heart is yielded to Him, the affections fixed upon Him, there is faith--faith that works by love and purifies the soul.” (Steps to Christ 59-64; see also Selected Messages, vol. 1, pp. 380-382)

These paragraphs, which contain what is perhaps the most concise, comprehensive assessment of the plan of salvation in Ellen White’s writings, tell us that we have access to God’s gracious gifts, which include the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf, through our trust (faith) in Jesus alone. We should not trust in ourselves, our effort, our own “goodness,” or any other personal ability or talent. Even so, our works and effort are vital to our redemption (see Appendix 1).

For many this is hard to comprehend. “You mean to say that I have to work, but I don’t earn anything for it?” Indeed, when I work I generally expect to be paid. Even when I do volunteer work, I expect some level of gratitude or favor in return—perhaps just a cookie and orange juice, but something.

How can it be that the work of obedience is a necessary part of the salvation formula, but that there is no merit or reward in our effort to obey? Mrs. White has an interesting perspective in this regard:

“In His divine arrangement, through His unmerited favor, the Lord has ordained that good works shall be rewarded. Although we have no merit in ourselves, in the great goodness and love of God we are rewarded as if the merit were our own.” (AG [God's Amazing Grace] 331, WM [Welfare Ministry] 316)

Yes, effort on our behalf is necessary. We must “work” to follow the teachings of Jesus (see Appendix 1:5-9) including His laws, but genuine obedience and righteousness is not the result of this effort by its self. Genuine obedience only occurs when this essential effort is firmly founded on our faith in Jesus alone, as opposed to feeling a sense of confidence or security in our own “goodness.” It is a matter of attitude, an attitude of “humility (submission to God),” an attitude of relying wholly on Jesus and what He has done as distinct from our effort—even though our effort is a vital part of the salvation formula. True obedience is only generated by a complete trust in God’s gracious plan to save us. Both faith and the works based on our faith are necessary. Genuine faith authenticates our obedience, and our effort to obey validates our faith.

Several other quotes from Ellen White have also emphasized “faith in Jesus alone”:

“The sinner can be justified only through faith in the atonement made through God’s dear Son, who became a sacrifice for the sins of the guilty world. No one can be justified by any works of his own.” Selected Messages, vol. 1 389

“If they do not believe on Jesus as a personal Saviour, they have no promise of salvation; for it is through faith in Christ alone that there is hope for the lost.” Review and Herald, April 25, 1893

“All who are baptized are to give evidence that they have been converted. There is not a point that needs to be dwelt upon more earnestly, repeated more frequently, or established more firmly in the minds of all than the impossibility of fallen man meriting anything by his own best good works. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.” Faith and Works 19

In these three statements Ellen White emphasizes that we are saved by faith in Jesus alone. In other words, we are saved by placing our trust and confidence in the righteous life, death, resurrection, and example of Jesus, as opposed to faith in our personal effort or in the teachings and leadings of the church, preachers, teachers or anyone other than Jesus. Our faith (confidence, conviction, assurance, reliance) is to be in the true Savior and not ourselves or others. These statements are definitely not implying that we are saved by “faith in faith which stands alone.” We can know this because of other explicit statements by Mrs. White.

2. What does “faith alone” mean?

A standard definition of “faith” is: firm belief in something for which there is no proof, something that is believed especially with strong conviction (Merriam-Webster). Additional definitions include: allegiance to duty or a person, belief and trust in and loyalty to God.

If everyone understood Biblical faith to include loyalty (faithful adherence, commitment and obligation, trust and obey) to God, then there would be no need to separate faith from works. However, the proponents of the “faith alone” concept seem to consistently separate works from faith and thus separate loyalty (including obedience) from the concept of faith and the conditions for salvation. They seem to isolate faith as a “firm belief in something” and suggest that the loyalty (obedience) phase may come later as a matter of expressing our gratitude for being saved or the result of some other motivation. But in so doing, they say, we have already been saved by our isolated lonely “firm belief.”

“Alone” means to be “separated from others, isolated, exclusive of anyone or anything else, only, considered without reference to any other.” (Merriam-Webster). When the word “alone” is attached to faith, it emphasizes the intention to separate faith from the possible inclusion of the concurrent trait of loyal obedience or any other attributes. This implies that a “firm belief in something,”—in this case, belief in God—brings us salvation in and of itself.

If the “faith alone” proponents would simply say we are saved by faith, then at least they would allow for the broader concept of faith which includes loyalty (obedience). Instead they insist on the term “faith alone,” which is a term never used in Scripture except to say that we are not saved by “faith alone.” “Faith alone,” by clear definition, means we are saved exclusively by a “firm belief.”

Oddly, some in the “faith alone” community then try to suggest that they don’t really mean we are saved by “faith alone,” since it must be accompanied sooner or later by obedience. If so, why even use the term “faith alone,” which by clear implication is exclusive of other factors? Why say “faith alone” and then try to retract or modify the term “alone?”

Did Martin Luther promote the idea of “faith that is alone”?

Martin Luther advanced the concept of “faith alone” in response to the abhorrent system of indulgences promoted by the papacy. Even so, he apparently recognized the antinomian (anti-law) tenor in the term “faith alone.” It is said that at one point he declared that we are “saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” (note: Possibly this is actually a quote from John Calvin, although Luther apparently made similar statements.) In other words, we are not saved by “faith that is alone.”

In the Augsburg Confession, article VI (see also article XX), based largely on the teachings of Martin Luther, we find a statement that basically says “works are necessary for salvation, but not the cause of salvation.” Even though this assertion is extensively and confusingly qualified and modified in the subsequent somewhat contradictory “Apologies,” “Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord,” and writings in “Defense of the Augsburg Confession,” this simple statement, taken as it reads, is very representative of what the Bible and Ellen White teach. Truth be told, we can also say that faith is necessary for salvation, but not the cause . . . God’s grace is the genesis and generator of our opportunity to be saved. We accept this magnificent gift from God when we cooperate with Him by a working living faith.

“The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. “Believe, believe,” is their cry; “only believe in Christ, and you will be saved. It is all you have to do.” While true faith trusts wholly in Christ for salvation, it will lead to perfect conformity to the law of God. Faith is manifested by works. And the apostle John declares, “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” It is unsafe to trust to feelings or impressions; these are unreliable guides. God’s law is the only correct standard of holiness. It is by this law that character is to be judged.” Review and Herald, Oct 5, 1886

“While good works will not save even one soul, yet it is impossible for even one soul to be saved without good works.” (Letter of reproof to AT Jones from Ellen White – Selected Messages, vol. 1 377)

Part of the problem is that words and phrases have meaning, and when people are taught that we are saved by “faith alone” they tend to take the phrase literally, and assume that we are saved by “a firm belief” in God in and of itself. This is the understanding of many Christians who also assert that the law has been done away with. It was presumably nailed to the cross and thus, so the theory goes, we are no longer under law. Therefore, we are saved by “faith alone.”

But we don’t really mean it!

Other Christians have apparently adopted this popular term and then suggest that they aren’t using it the same way as is meant in the common vernacular. They use the term “faith alone” to emphasize that our works don’t save us. In so doing they seem to be willing to obscure the fact the faith alone doesn’t save us either. At the very least, this group should always qualify the term by explaining that only by a functioning working faith are we able to cooperate with God’s generous plan of redemption. Keep in mind that those who recognize the necessity of works in the salvation formula don’t insist on using the term “works alone” in order to emphasize that we can’t earn our way to heaven by just believing. “Works alone” would also be as inaccurate and misleading as “faith alone.”

Some in this last group possibly mean to convey the idea that our salvation is only through full reliance on what Jesus has done for us. If this is what they mean, why not just say so?

Synergism, Cooperation Theology, Concordant Behavior, and Monergism

Synergism is a theological term applied to the belief that mankind must actively cooperate with God in the plan of salvation. This view is shared in one way or another by Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Methodists, Pentecostals, and possibly some other denominations with a more blurred or nuanced soteriology. Arminianism is similar to Synergism in many ways. Traditional Adventism would definitely be included in this category of belief.

The details of this “cooperation theology” may vary from group to group. Some may be more effort-oriented and others more faith-directed. Some seem to assert that the only form of “cooperation” necessary is to believe in Jesus, while others emphasize personal effort to obey as part of the salvation formula. The truth is that there needs to be a balance between faith and works.

“Faith and works will keep us evenly balanced, and make us successful in the work of perfecting Christian character.” (ST June 16, 1890)

“The testimony of the word of God is against this ensnaring doctrine of faith without works. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions upon which mercy is to be granted, it is presumption; for genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.” (The Great Controversy 472-473)

“We are to do all that we can do on our part to fight the good fight of faith. We are to wrestle, to labor, to strive, to agonize to enter in at the strait gate.” (Signs of the Times, June 16, 1890)

Monergism is a term that applies to denominations that deny any role for man in the plan of salvation. These groups include Lutherans, Reformed/Calvinist Christians, and Presbyterians. Monergism, in general, rejects the notion that mankind participates or contributes in any way to the process of salvation, although some may believe man has the ability to reject God’s gift. All the work is done by an all-powerful sovereign God who saves whomever He pleases. God’s choice of whom He saves has nothing to do with our actions or inactions. As one Calvinist friend of mine explained, God’s decisions about who to save are completely and unequivocally random.

The distinction between the synergists and monergists who share the concept of “salvation by faith alone” is a bit muddied. Monergists I know claim we are saved by faith alone, which is solely a gift of God and not something we do. The synergists suggest that we contribute, at least in some small way, to our decision to believe, and thus we are doing something to cooperate with God.

In contrast, Ellen White emphasizes the importance of human effort as a matter of co-laboring with God, as portrayed in the following statements:

“Let no one say that your works have nothing to do with your rank and position before God. In the judgment the sentence pronounced is according to what has been done or to what has been left undone (Matthew 25:34-40).

. . . Effort and labor are required on the part of the receiver of God's grace; for it is the fruit that makes manifest what is the character of the tree. Although the good works of man are of no more value without faith in Jesus than was the offering of Cain, yet covered with the merit of Christ, they testify [to] the worthiness of the doer to inherit eternal life.” (Selected Messages, vol. 1 380-382).

Concordant Behavior

Traditional SDA teaching, in harmony with both Scripture and Ellen White, has emphasized a balance between faith and effort in order to work in harmony with God’s instructions. Perhaps the term “Concordant Behavior” could be applied to this fundamental Adventist teaching.

As an orthopedic surgeon with an interest in spine problems, I used to perform discometric evaluations. In an effort to identify the source of back pain in various patients, I would inject fluid under pressure into the suspect disc space. If this reproduced their back pain symptoms, it was considered a “concordant” response that would verify the probable source of pain. The patient would groan and move slightly and say something like “that’s the pain.” If the injection did not reproduce the symptoms, the result was considered “discordant.”

When genuine faith in God controls our life, concordant behavior (“symptoms” or response) will validate and verify the quality of our faith. In the plan of salvation these deeds cannot be separated from the faith that produces them. Faith that is “alone” doesn’t result in salvation any more than the presence of an injected fluid in a disc space “alone” means that the disc is abnormal. The saving characteristic of our faith is determined by the actions (“symptoms”) it produces.

Another apt illustration is that of a coin. Without its two sides, is it a coin? Without faith and the works of faith, can we be saved? I tend to use the contracted term “FaithWorks” to show that faith and works cannot be separated in the salvation formula. In a sense, they are “inextricably intertwined.” Faith authenticates our works of obedience and obedience validates the quality of our faith. In Newtonian physics, F=ma (force = mass x acceleration) is a fundamental equation relating to the laws of motion. What happens to this formula if we remove one of the factors, such as mass or acceleration? Is the equation still useful? Likewise, we can’t remove the factor of work from the salvation formula (S=FW [salvation = faith x work or faith “that” works]) any more than we can remove the factor of faith.

This illustration, attributed to Martin Luther, is also helpful in making this point:

“Thus, it is just as impossible to separate faith and works as it is to separate heat and light from fire!” (The Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord, IV, section 9 quoted from the Preface to St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans by Martin Luther)

The same reference also states: “But he who does not do such works is void of faith”

A well-known pastor/evangelist once said that if you’re sitting in a comfortable chair and you hear that lightning will strike the chair in less than a minute, if you really believe it, you will move and probably move quickly. Similarly, if we really believe in God, we will move dramatically to follow His teachings.

As we embrace God’s grace through faith, we are compelled to make “every effort” (Luke 13:24 NIV) in order to serve Him. This concordant (harmonious) behavior is the standard by which we are judged. If all we have is “faith alone” or “isolated faith,” we are as good as dead. We are no more than dead people walking (James 2:26).

Since the Bible and Ellen White say clearly that we are not saved by “faith alone” or “faith only,” isn’t it best not to say that we are? To say the least, the term is misleading and needs to be qualified. Most of the time the term is used in a way that is downright erroneous. A much better course is to accept the authority of all Scripture and adopt less confusing terminology, such as substantive faith, productive faith, and concordant behavior. How about teaching that we are saved by a working faith, faith that works, serving God faithfully, or simply using the contracted word “FaithWorks.”

Other Options

Another option is to just stick to the broader term used in the Bible which is “righteousness by faith.” At least that allows for the more comprehensive concept of faith that includes loyalty and devotion to God.

A helpful friend of mine recently suggested wording along these lines: “We qualify for heaven by faith alone, but the standard of salvation is our obedience.” While I think I understand his point, possibly the following language would be more accurate: “Our qualification for heaven is through complete reliance on the grace and power of Jesus alone, but we are judged worthy of heaven by our cooperative (corroborative) effort to obey the teachings of Jesus which is the evidence of the genuine life changing quality and depth of our faith.”

Recently, my four-year-old grandson, Timmy, wanted to go miniature golfing. I assured him that I would take him, then teasingly suggested that I would drop him off and he could golf by himself. I would then come back later and pick him up. He thought a very short moment and said, “But, I don’t want to be alone.”

Just as with my grandson, saving faith not only doesn’t want to be alone; it must not be alone. Saving faith must associate (keep company) with the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God the Father. It must also be accompanied by our actions of prayer, repentance, conversion, and our every effort (2 Peter 1:5) to follow the teachings of Jesus.

For those who are compelled to use the words “faith” and “alone” in the same sentence, the more accurate and less confusing formulation would be that “we are saved by faith in Jesus alone” or “we are saved by faith which is not alone.” Ultimately, the best summary of the salvation formula is that we must “trust and obey.” IS THIS REALLY SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND?

3. If “faith alone” saves us, do we ever need to obey?

According to the doctrine of “faith alone” as taught by some in contemporary Adventism, we are saved by just believing in Jesus. Subsequent obedience may be a nice and even desirable accouterment, but it supposedly has nothing to do with our salvation because we are already saved by our belief. One Adventist preacher emphasized this point in a Sabbath sermon by playing Bobby McFerrin’s popular song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He encouraged his listeners to quit trying to be good. God would bring them to obedience in His time. Righteous living would come when the Holy Spirit decided to achieve it in their lives. Don’t rush the Holy Spirit. (Note: These are not direct quotes, but are my summary and description of the points presented by this pastor based on my conversation with him after the sermon as well as his statements during the sermon.)

Another pastor emphasized over and over in his sermons that there is no effort on our behalf in the plan of salvation. The work is all done by God. This pastor told me later that he believes everyone will be saved (except for possibly “legalists” by his account - I kid you not) because God loves us so much.

The following words are taken from an editorial published in a prominent SDA periodical a few years ago:

“A number of years ago I wrote an article for _________ in which I said that obedience is not a condition of salvation. One reader took strong exception to this statement. He said that faith and obedience are like Siamese twins. If we separate them, we destroy both . . .

. . . So, is obedience a condition—a requirement—that we must meet before God can save us?

. . . My response is No. Obedience is something we do after we are saved, not what we do in order to be saved. And the reason is quite simple. While true obedience includes our outward deeds, it is not just our outward deeds. True obedience is both the outward deed and the inner motive that prompts the deed.”

Ellen White seems to have addressed this point of view in 1893 when she addressed similar statements presented by A. T. Jones.

“Brother A. T. Jones,

I was attending a meeting, and a large congregation were present. In my dream you were presenting the subject of faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ by faith. You repeated several times that works amounted to nothing, that there were no conditions. The matter was presented in that light that I knew minds would be confused, and would not receive the correct impression in reference to faith and works, and I decided to write to you. You state this matter too strongly. There are conditions to our receiving justification and sanctification, and the righteousness of Christ. I know your meaning, but you leave a wrong impression upon many minds. While good works will not save even one soul, yet it is impossible for even one soul to be saved without good works. God saves us under a law, that we must ask if we would receive, seek if we would find, and knock if we would have the door opened unto us.” (Selected Messages, vol. 1 377: Napier, New Zealand April 9, 1893)

Here we see that, despite God’s unconditional love, our salvation is conditional and based on our working faith.

If those who advance the “faith alone” dogma would consistently include statements such as “but faith that is not alone,” or “obedience is necessary, but not the basis of our salvation,” at least they would rehabilitate to some degree this otherwise untenable assertion. In reality, both faith and works are a necessary part of salvation, but not sufficient in and of themselves.

4. Does “faith alone” do away with the law?

For many Christians, possibly most, the “faith alone” concept coincides with the view that God’s Ten Commandment law has been eliminated. “We are no longer under law!” We are saved by just believing in God. Hooray! Besides, we are sinners and can’t help sinning. (Think about it . . . doesn’t this imply that all Christians will be saved - see Matthew 7:21-23)

For many “believers” the laws of God represent a tremendous burden. They are overjoyed to hear that they no longer have to worry about God’s precepts. “After all,” they say, “we have all sinned and most certainly we will always be sinners. We can’t overcome sin.” Only the annoying, aggravating “perfectionists” and “legalists” believe we can and need to overcome sin. Without a doubt, this message of salvation by “faith alone” is very pleasing to their itching ears. (see 2 Timothy 4:3)

A couple of Christian friends have described to me the tremendous sense of relief they experienced once they concluded they no longer needed to worry about obedience. A great burden was lifted from their proverbial shoulders when they determined that there is no effort required of them in the plan of salvation. “God does all the work,” they insist.

Some SDA proponents of the “faith alone” view apparently can’t quite let go of the importance of God’s law. Instead, they adopt the “vegetarian” version of the “no longer under law” concept by stating that yes, the law still applies, but we just can’t keep it, so we are saved by faith alone. All we need to do is just believe. Then Jesus’ righteousness covers up our sins.

Another variation of this theme is that once we are saved by believing, we are then so grateful for our salvation that we want to obey, but our obedience has nothing to do with our salvation.

No matter how this soteriology (doctrine of salvation) is twisted or tangled, it is incorrect and misleading.

The fallacy in this line of reasoning involves not only the “faith alone” error, but the idea that God’s laws are a burden and serve as hurdles to salvation. The view that God’s precepts are a hindrance is a successful distortion of spiritual reality. Truth be told, there is great value in the decalogue and other guidance from God. Together they function like an instruction manual, teaching us how to repair our sin-broken lives. God’s laws present not only an explanation of the natural and spiritual laws of the universe, but serve as a road map showing us how to get to heaven from where we presently are. They also function like a diagnostic tool that reveals to us the cause of spiritual malfunction in our lives. When we recognize the great value of God’s laws, we can enthusiastically and appreciatively embrace God’s guidebook through faith in Him. (read Psalm 119)

If you were lost in the wilderness, would you consider a map showing the way out as a “burden?” If your car breaks down, would you think of the repair manual as a “hurdle” or interference? Just as the map and repair manual are of great assistance, so it is that God’s instructions and directions are of immense value, especially when followed through the cooperation of human and divine effort.

5. A Twist of Faith: Is there a difference between righteousness by faith and salvation by faith alone?

Faith matters! It is a vital foundational part of the salvation formula. But it is not the only component. God’s part is referred to as grace, and includes His all-out effort to save us. God’s role includes the righteous life of Jesus, His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His continued work on our behalf in heaven. God also sustains our lives in order to give us the opportunity to repent, convert, and follow His teachings. He gives us free will and the power of will to overcome sin by cooperating fully with Him as well as the energy to act accordingly.

Obedience also matters! Our part is to trust in Jesus so much that we do all that we can to follow His instructions and cooperate fully with His plan for us. We must co-labor with Him as the Holy Spirit concurrently works in our lives. We will never be alone in this effort, even though at times it may feel like we are. Thus Ellen White declares: “We are to do all that we can do on our part to fight the good fight of faith . . . In one way we are thrown upon our own energies, we are to strive earnestly to be zealous and to repent.” (Faith and Works 48). Elsewhere she writes:

“Human effort avails nothing without divine power; and without human endeavor, divine effort is with many of no avail. To make God's grace our own, we must act our part. His grace is given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort.” (Prophets and Kings 486-487)

There are many Bible texts that emphasize the importance of faith in God, just as there are many that underscore the vital need for obedience (see Appendix 13-16).

It isn’t spiritually wise to use only one set of passages and ignore the others.

Righteousness by faith means we become righteous because we rely wholly on the substitutionary and exemplary life of Jesus as our Savior, as we do all that we can to follow His teachings.

Righteousness by faith includes the full meaning of faith explained under question #2 above. It describes a confidence in God that is so strong and complete that we give Him our full allegiance, loyalty, and yes, obedience. We cooperate with Him to the fullest extent by making every effort to follow His instructions. We are thus righteous (obedient) as a result of this compelling relationship with God (see Appendix 3:2,3; Mount of Blessing, p. 146).

“Faith alone” (as noted under question #2) excludes the aspect of loyalty (obedience) by definition. The literal meaning of “faith alone” is that we simply believe and do nothing else. For those who insist that they are referring to a “more inclusive faith,” one that is inclusive of obedience and other necessary characteristics of the saved, they should be well advised to change their terminology from this misleading and inaccurate term, by saying something like “we are saved thru faith that works by God’s gracious gifts alone.” Choosing the shortcut term “faith alone” is too confusing for most listeners since the term has its own independent stand-alone meaning.

Righteousness by faith is not exclusive of the other factors of salvation, such as obedience, prayer, and study. In fact, to be righteous means that we are obedient (acting in accord with divine or moral law – Merriam Webster). Therefore, righteousness by faith means we have an obedience which is founded on faith. Righteousness by faith doesn’t imply that we are saved by “faith alone,” but it can convey the understanding that we are saved through faith in Jesus alone as we follow His instructions.

6. Since “salvation by faith that is alone” is incorrect, why are so many enthusiastically endorsing this point of view?

It appears that some SDA leaders, preachers, and teachers, as well as members, have swallowed this popular concept “hook, line, and sinker.” Admittedly, the idea that we are saved through belief alone is just as appealing as it is unbiblical. It is a message that people can embrace enthusiastically since it removes personal responsibility and effort from the salvation process. If we accept the literal concept of “faith alone,” we can feel very comfortable about our own saved state while we relax in sin.

Several years ago my oldest grandson, Samuel, age four at that time, was told not to do something by his father. He went ahead and did it anyway. His father emphatically challenged him with the question, “Why didn’t you obey me?” He pondered for a few moments, a very serious look on his face as he considered the possible pending discipline, then earnestly responded, “Sometimes it’s so hard to obey.”

In a similar way, many Christians consider God’s instructions as difficulties, as a burden, and as hurdles . . . it is “so hard to obey.” They are attracted to the teachings of an easier religion that doesn’t require obedience. Mrs. White addressed this urge to find an effortless path to heaven by writing the following statement:

“The desire for an easy religion that requires no striving, no self-denial, no divorce from the follies of the world, has made the doctrine of faith, and faith only, a popular doctrine; but what saith the word of God? Says the apostle James: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? . . . Wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? . . . Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." James 2:14-24.

A second group proposes that belief alone saves us, but apparently they can’t quite abandon the need for obedience. So they add on the view that once you’re saved, you are so grateful for your salvation that you then want to obey and try to follow the commandments. Another variation of this theme is that we are saved just by our belief in God and that the righteousness of Jesus then “covers up” our sins, and we are thus perceived as righteous/obedient by God even though we continue falling into sin. According to this scenario the Holy Spirit, in His time, will bring us to the degree of obedience He intends for us. In a sense, righteousness occurs spontaneously, somewhat like spontaneous combustion.

Proponents of these views often emphasize that we should not try to be good, since that can only mean that we are trying to save ourselves on our own terms. They also suggest that we can’t overcome sin, so we shouldn’t worry about it. This teaching is also very appealing, since it again negates the need to obey God in order to be saved, but is just as wrong and deceitful as the misguidance presented by the first group mentioned above.

A third group asserts that what they really mean by “faith alone” is that the term “faith” is inclusive of an effort to obey God. In other words, faith isn’t really alone and the words “faith alone” shouldn’t be taken literally. They seem to use this phraseology as a short hand way of saying “See, I don’t believe we can earn our way to heaven!”

SDAs are particularly vulnerable to the accusation of faith in works since we traditionally have emphasized the importance of obeying God’s laws. By using the popular and pervasive term “faith alone,” some of us seem to think that we can distance ourselves from guilt by association with the “legalists.” Like Peter denying Christ, it appears that these individuals don’t want to be entangled with someone or something that seems unpopular. In this instance, the unpopular truth is that we are saved only when we “trust and obey” God.

In short, some embrace the false teaching that we are saved by “faith alone” because it is so popular and appealing. They try to actualize their wishful desire “for an easy religion that requires no striving, no self-denial, no divorce from the follies of the world” by sheer force of insistence and assertion and a misuse of Scripture and Ellen White. They appear to ask, “What is the least I must do to be saved?” and try to construct a broad easy road to heaven. (Matthew 7:13-14)

Others claim that the phrase “faith alone” doesn’t mean what it says and appear to use the terminology in an effort to separate themselves from the appearance of legalism.

No matter what the reasoning and motivation, the teaching that we are “saved by faith alone” is not only deceptive, but also inaccurate and should be avoided. Instead of saying we are saved by “faith alone,” we should use more accurate terminology such as we are saved by “faith that is not alone,” we are saved by a “working faith,” we are justified “through faith in Jesus alone,” or other similar wording that allows for and includes the obedience that is necessary for salvation. Teaching accurate salvation theology is very important, and the truth should be explained in clear and concise words which don’t misdirect or confuse the listeners.

7. We all know that there is no merit in works. Is there merit in faith?

“There is danger in regarding justification by faith as placing merit on faith. When you take the righteousness of Christ as a free gift you are justified freely through the redemption of Christ. What is faith? "The substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). It is an assent of the understanding to God's words which binds the heart in willing consecration and service to God, Who gave the understanding, Who moved on the heart, Who first drew the mind to view Christ on the cross of Calvary. Faith is rendering to God the intellectual powers, abandonment of the mind and will to God, and making Christ the only door to enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Faith and Works 25 – Manuscript 36, 1890)

The concept of “no merit” in our effort or faith should be counterbalanced by the realization that we must meet the conditions of salvation in order to be saved. Even though we can’t pay the price for eternal life, our salvation costs everything we have. (Matthew 16:24; 19:21) Also, we shouldn’t confuse merit with how valuable we are. Remember that God saw such great value in each of us that, even while we were yet sinners, He sent Jesus to die in our place. (Romans 5:8). Thus Ellen White declares: “In His divine arrangement, through His unmerited favor, the Lord has ordained that good works shall be rewarded. Although we have no merit in ourselves, in the great goodness and love of God we are rewarded as if the merit were our own” (God’s Amazing Grace 331; also in Welfare Ministry 316). In other statements she echoes these same sentiments:

“If we do God's will, we may accept large blessings as God's free gift, but not because of any merit in us; this is of no value.” Faith and Works 28

“Although the good works of man are of no more value without faith in Jesus than was the offering of Cain, yet covered with the merit of Christ, they testify [to] the worthiness of the doer to inherit eternal life.” Selected Messages, vol. 1 380-382

8. The false binary choice: Are “faith alone” and salvation by works (legalism) the only options? Do we have to choose between one or the other?

Those who promote the “faith alone” concept tend to imply that the only other option is to have faith in our own works. They indicate that those who reject the “faith alone” teaching have to be “works oriented” and trust in themselves. I well recall an angry, red-faced pastor yelling at me as he shook an accusing finger in my face. Since I was pointing out the error of the “faith alone” construct, he shouted that I just wanted to rely on myself for my salvation. I wanted to do it my way and take all the credit. Is it possible that he really didn’t realize that there is as least one other option?

The Biblical truth is that we are saved when we cooperate with God in every way we can. This includes a faith-based effort to obey His instructions while trusting completely in Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are fully reliant on God while we do all we can, based on our God-given powers, to co-labor with Him in the plan of salvation. This is concordant behavior, without which we cannot be saved. Simply believing is not enough on the judgment day.

“God has given men faculties and capabilities. God works and cooperates with the gifts He has imparted to man . . . The Lord does not propose to do the work He has given man powers to do. Man’s part must be done. He must be a laborer together with God, yoking up with Christ . . . There must be a co-partnership.” (Faith and Works 26)

“As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.” (Christ’s Object Lessons 333)

“Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, "Without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God”. (Selected Messages, vol. 1 380-382)

Why is it that the proponents of “salvation by faith alone” seem to overtly ignore the option of a salvation through a faith-based cooperative working relationship with God? Is it possible that they realize that they can’t win this Biblical debate? Instead, they set up the straw-man alternative view of salvation by works alone and isolated personal effort and use that as their punching bag. They then can say, “Obviously we aren’t saved by our works, therefore we must be saved by faith alone.”

The gutter metaphor applies here. It tells us that each road has two gutters which need to be avoided as you travel up the highway to eternal life. In this case the gutter on the right is the “works alone” method of salvation. And, yes, the gutter on the left is “faith alone.” The middle way is the Biblical way in which we cooperate with God in every way (complete synergism). We must do our part.

Another fitting metaphor refers to a swinging pendulum. Indeed, there have been times when Seventh-day Adventists have been much too works-oriented. Currently, at least in Western Adventism, there is almost complete emphasis on faith to the absolute neglect of our vital work in the plan of redemption. Now this pendulum, in response to a perceived works-orientation, has swung much too far to the other side. The truth is that both faith and works are needed in order to cooperate with God.

9. Can we overcome sin?

A common xohort of the “faith alone” movement is the idea that we can’t fully overcome sin. The Bible is very clear in regard to the expectation and promise that we will be overcomers, but that is a topic for another day. Ellen White also has a lot to say, but for the purposes of this presentation I’ll present just two quotes:

“Before the believer is held out the wonderful possibility of being like Christ, obedient to all the principles of the law. But of himself man is utterly unable to reach this condition. The holiness that God's Word declares he must have before he can be saved, is the result of the working of divine grace, as he bows in submission to the discipline and restraining influences of the Spirit of truth. Man's obedience can be made perfect only by the incense of Christ's righteousness, which fills with divine fragrance every act of obedience. The part of the Christian is to persevere in overcoming every fault. Constantly he is to pray to the Savior to heal the disorders of his sin sick soul. He has not the wisdom nor the strength to overcome; these belong to the Lord, and he bestows them on those who in humiliation and contrition seek him for help.” {RH, September 19, 1912}

“He who has not sufficient faith in Christ to believe that he can keep him from sinning, has not the faith that will give him an entrance into the kingdom of God.” {Review and Herald, March 10, 1904; see also Selected Messages vol. 3 360}

It is as amazing as it is disappointing, considering all the truth available, to see so many SDAs underestimate what the power of God can accomplish in their lives. When I’m told that we can’t overcome sin, I frequently respond with the question “What sin is so great that God, working in our lives, can’t overcome?” As you might imagine, there is no answer except “none.” Indeed, if we can’t, through God’s grace, overcome all sin, doesn’t that justify sin? (The Great Controversy 493 – if sin can be excused, it is no longer sin)

Despite the clear Biblical teaching in this regard, when this point is explained the swift sword of demagoguery strikes. Through ad hominem attacks folks are promptly given the dreaded label “Perfectionist,” forced perhaps to wear the scarlet “P” everywhere they go!

But the Biblical call to “perfection” is a beckoning to overcome the pattern or habit of sin in our lives. We no longer “continue” to sin, or sin habitually (1 John 5:18), but if we do there is a rapid resolution (1 John 2:1-3).

10. What “works”? (What are the works of faith? How does Faith Work?)

Great confusion exists over what our work is in the plan of salvation. In the book of Galatians we see that a group of early Christians thought it was necessary to be circumcised and follow the Old Testament ceremonial laws in order to be saved.

Traditionally, many Seventh-day Adventists have found a sense of security by “keeping” the Sabbath and adhering to the other nine commandments. For some the key to salvation is “obedience.”

In John 14:15 Jesus says “if you love me, keep my commandments.” (imperative mood in the Greek – not indicative) In 1 John 2:4 John says:

He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:4-6 NKJV)

The Greek word translated “commandment” in these texts is the word “entole” which refers to the “teachings of a rabbi or authority.” In this case the Rabbi or Teacher is Christ Himself. With this in mind, I have researched the teachings of Jesus and listed His “Ten Commands.” This list (Appendix 17) represents a summary of the major principles presented by Christ and a basic summary of His teachings. Rather than just using my list, you may benefit from researching the teachings of Jesus on your own and making your own list. Initially I listed 20 teachings, but condensed the list down to 10 to fit on a single page.

I have also included a separate list (Appendix 18) of suggestions of what our daily work is like as we cooperate with Jesus in the plan of salvation.

When we really believe in the substitutionary life of Christ we will make every effort to follow His teachings. This is our work in the plan of salvation.

When our confidence in God is strong enough to compel us to cooperate with Him to the fullest extent we have “saving faith.” (Review and Herald Oct 5, 1886) Following His instructions is a daily pursuit as we are convinced that Jesus died, was raised, and lives on our behalf, enabling us to recognize the great advantage of following Him. Saving faith is the motivation to work on God’s behalf for the benefit of others.

11. Do Works Need a “Faith Lift”? Is it all about attitude?

One pastor challenged me with the following question: “Are we saved by faith that works or faith and works?” I thought briefly, and said “both.” He then announced that I was a Catholic (perhaps thinking I was one of the dreaded Jesuits infiltrating the church) Note: Article XX of the Augsburg confession refers to the “faith and works” formulation as a more “tolerable” doctrine which “can afford more consolation than their (the papacy’s) old doctrine.”

In reality, this seems to be a matter of quibbling over semantics, but here is an explanation for those who are interested. Our faith and our works don’t literally save us. However, our genuine faith combined with our trust based effort to follow the teachings of Jesus is how we cooperate with God’s plan for our salvation. Faith alone or works alone won’t facilitate our salvation.

We most certainly shouldn’t have faith or confidence in our works to save us. Our faith is in Jesus alone as our Savior. Our reliance is on Jesus. Likewise, we shouldn’t trust in “faith that is alone” to save us. We must trust God so much that we are compelled to follow His instructions as we search for His truth with all our hearts. True faith in God is the impetus to genuine obedience. This faith-based obedience then serves as the standard by which we are judged. The righteousness of Jesus doesn’t “cover-up” anything but our past sins, but it also fills us with His righteous life as we, through faithful confidence in Him, make every effort to follow His instructions.

“Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” There are many in the Christian world who claim that all that is necessary to salvation is to have faith; works are nothing, faith is the only essential. But God’s word tells us that faith without works is dead, being alone. Many refuse to obey God’s commandments, yet they make a great deal of faith. But faith must have a foundation. God’s promises are all made upon conditions. If we do his will, if we walk in truth, then we may ask what we will, and it shall be done unto us. While we earnestly endeavor to be obedient, God will hear our petitions; but he will not bless us in disobedience. If we choose to disobey his commandments, we may cry, “Faith, faith, only have faith,” and the response will come back from the sure word of God, “Faith without works is dead.” [Morning talk at Basel, Switzerland, September 17, 1885.] ST June 16, 1890 – Faith and Works 47

“. . . Faith without works is dead, being alone. Faith will never save you unless it is justified by works. God requires of you to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for yourselves a good foundation against the time to come, that you may lay hold on eternal life.” (Testimonies vol. 2 159).

In a sense, our works must be “lifted” or “bolstered” by our faith in Jesus. If this “faith” is not leading to an all-out effort to obey the teachings of Jesus, “it is dead, being alone.” Indeed, the attitude of complete trust in God is an essential part of our faithful service to the Creator. We need to avoid the “attitude of me” and embrace the “attitude of WE” and trust in Him as we co-labor with God in the plan of salvation.

12. What difference does it make? Is this a distinction without a difference? Is this just an intellectual debate? Is it really this complicated?

Indeed, for those of us involved in the effort to expose the “faith alone” fallacy, it is easy to become wearied by the process. The intellectual gymnastics involved frequently include dealing with changing definitions and shifting arguments. Frequently we are told by the “faith alone” zealots that we are “works-oriented” and trying to earn our way to heaven. This demagoguery can be just as personally debilitating as it is untrue.

Despite the mind-fatigue that sets in and the recurrent mischaracterizations of the Bible truths we defend along with the ad hominem attacks, it is a vital and necessary endeavor. The “faith that is alone” movement represents a beguiling, persuasive, yet misleading teaching, with potentially devastating effects on those who accept, teach, and live it.

It may very well be that this specious doctrine is a major factor in why we are still here on this earth. Could this be the great apostasy of the end-time?

There is a critical difference between the Biblical teaching of righteousness by faith that works and the unbiblical teaching of “salvation through faith that is alone.” (see question #5 above) Despite the strong head winds, the effort to emphasize the Bible truth in this regard is a noble cause and well worth it.

Indeed, considering the discussion above, this can seem to be very complicated. For those who seek the simple truth, just remember the words of the song “Trust and Obey.”

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Yes, the Bible truth relating to salvation is this simple, but don’t confuse simple with “a popular, easy religion . . .”

13. What happened to Jones and Waggoner?

(Much of the following commentary relating to the righteousness by faith movement in the late 1800s is taken from the book “Thirteen Crisis Years 1888-1901” by A.V. Olson.)

The early Advent movement was regarded with contempt by the popular churches of the mid and late 1800s. Followers were thought to be deluded enthusiasts and it was assumed that these eager devotees would soon disappear. Instead, the movement began to spread vigorously and became a genuine threat to mainstream Christianity. As the remnant people became more influential, they became the target of major criticism and denunciation. The Sabbath and law-keeping became a focus of public ridicule.

In response, Adventist ministers and writers were called upon to respond to these spurious attacks against the law and law-keeping. They became very adept at debating and teaching the subject of the law. Unfortunately, as they persuasively defended the commandments of God, they spoke less of Jesus and His grace—whether forgiving or empowering. Even though early Adventists were very aware of righteousness by faith in Jesus’ work for and in the believer, the emphasis seemed to be on law-keeping. The balance between Christ’s vital work on our behalf and cooperative obedience appeared to have been lost as great emphasis was placed on following God’s laws.

At the 1888 General Conference session in Minneapolis, A.T. Jones and E.J. Wagonner presented topics related to righteousness by faith which revitalized attention on trust in Jesus alone and not faith in our works. Unfortunately, as time went on, Jones and Waggoner began to diminish the role of our need to co-labor with Christ by obeying His teachings. By 1893, as we have seen already, Ellen White was cautioning, even reprimanding Elder Jones. She wrote:

Brother A. T. Jones, (Selected Messages vol. 1 377 - Napier, New Zealand April 9, 1893)

“I was attending a meeting, and a large congregation were present. In my dream you were presenting the subject of faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ by faith. You repeated several times that works amounted to nothing, that there were no conditions. The matter was presented in that light that I knew minds would be confused, and would not receive the correct impression in reference to faith and works, and I decided to write to you. You state this matter too strongly . . .” (see under question #3 above for more detail)

By 1894 (personal research) Jones was using the term “faith alone.”

“This is justification by faith alone. This is justification by faith, without works. And faith being the gift of God, coming by the word of God, and itself working in you the works of God needs none of your sinful work to make it good and acceptable to God. Faith itself works in you that which is good, and is sufficient of itself to fill all your life with the goodness of God, and does not need your imperfect effort to give it merit.” (The Present Truth 6/21/1894 as quoted in Living by Faith 55).

In 1903, as Jones was planning to affiliate with J.H. Kellogg, Mrs. White counseled him not to become closely involved with Dr. Kellogg. Mrs. White observed of Jones that his “perceptions were becoming confused . . . “ and commented on how “the enemy works in a strange, wonderful way to influence human minds” (A.V. Olson, Thirteen Crisis Years, 1888-1901: 315).

Soon Jones was in bitter opposition to his brethren and to the Spirit of Prophecy. In 1905 Mrs. White wrote: “My heart was filled with sorrow because of the course that J.H. Kellogg is following. And A.T. Jones is following the same course and voicing the same sentiments (Thirteen Crisis Years: 318).

During 1907 Jones’ ministerial credentials were rescinded and in 1909 he was dropped from the membership roll of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At some point he joined the People’s Church, an offshoot from the Seventh-day Adventist movement.

In a similar yet different way, E. J. Waggoner eventually began to “agitate strange theories” and promote “dangerous misleading fables.” In a letter dated October 2, 1903 Mrs. White counseled him by writing “It is those who have had the most light that Satan seeks the most assiduously to ensnare.” (Thirteen Crisis Years 1888-1901 p322-323) In 1906, after divorcing his wife in order to marry another woman, Elder Waggoner’s connection with the church was terminated.

14. Personal Note:

Over the years, as I have tried to present the “salvation by faith that is not alone” message, I have been labeled a “legalist” and even a “perfectionist.” While the name- calling can be hurtful, my greater concern involves the collateral damage resulting from the “faith that is alone” movement.

Without delving into the sordid details, I’d like to share some personal observations related to the effects of the “faith that is alone” message on those who believe it. It is, to say the least, a beguiling message, especially when taken literally as so many do.

Many years ago, I listened to a series of sermons by a pastor who emphasized that we need to stop trying to be good. God will take care of that for us, he claimed. “Don’t worry, be happy.”

For me this was a very appealing message, but it just didn’t ring true. As I studied in depth, I recognized that there is much effort (“struggle, wrestle, strive” Luke 13:24 NIV, KJV, Ephesians 6:12) on our behalf in order to cooperate with God’s plan to save us. Even though this effort “is without merit,” it is necessary.

As I tried to share this Biblical truth with various pastors and in Sabbath School classes I taught, I was informed that I believed in “salvation by works” and was trying to save myself under my own power and terms. When I would ask for the opportunity to study this further with various church leaders I was told, “You can prove anything from the Bible or EGW,” with the apparent assumption that there was no need to study the subject further.

Sadly, I have personally witnessed the devastating effects and the collateral damage resulting from the “faith that is alone” message. So many Christians and Seventh-day Adventists who have embraced this teaching seem to sooner or later conclude that their effort is no longer necessary. Besides, as they have also been taught, “we can’t overcome sin,” so why worry?

As a result, many have appeared to become very comfortable with sin. Many have embraced theater attendance and have come to enjoy watching every form of sin portrayed on large and small screens. They became entangled in the full spectrum of worldly entertainments on television, in later years using other electronic means to experience such use of leisure time. They adopted secular standards of worship and adornment and regularly wove the pleasures of this world into their daily lives. Biblical standards of Sabbath-keeping and personal conduct were ridiculed and abandoned. Some concluded that the Bible was inaccurate in many ways, including the creation account. At least one pastor became a universalist, teaching that God loves us so much that everyone will eventually be saved. More and more members, including elders and committee chairmen, took up such practices as alcohol consumption and dancing. Illicit drug use became a significant problem among the youth.

Eventually, as one non-Adventist friend of mine observed, there seemed to no longer be a difference between those attending the Adventist church and the rest of the local community.

Ellen White warns of great apostasy in the church in the last days. Could this be it?

15. Are we justified by faith alone?

Often the point is made that we are justified by faith (Romans 3:28 – “without the deeds of the law,” See also Romans 5:1, Hebrews 10:38), and then the word “alone” is added. For some reason, those who provide this emphasis almost always neglect to mention other Bible texts that indicate that we are justified by our “words” (Matthew 12:37), “by what we do” (Romans 2:13, James 2:24 – “and not by faith alone”), and by our “works” (James 2:21). With these facts in mind, is it possible that the concept of “justification by faith that is alone” is a human devising and a distortion of the truth?

Considering the length of this article already, I won’t at the present time delve into the details of justification and sanctification. Suffice it to say that when we are justified, we have every intention of following God’s instructions, and when given the opportunity we will make “every effort” to follow the teachings of Jesus. (See the next question for a discussion of the status of the thief on the cross.)

16. What must I do to be saved?

This question is raised in various ways many times in Scripture. Answers include “keep my commandments” (Matthew 19:17), “sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Matthew 19:21), love (Luke10:25-28), repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38), be converted (turn around - Matthew 18:3,Mark 4:12, Acts 3:19), believe (John 3:16, Acts 16:31), call on the name of the Lord (Romans 10:13, Acts 2:21), confess (1 John 1:9) and “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

Notice what is missing. Nowhere in the Bible does it say we are saved by “faith alone.” Nowhere in Scripture are we told to quit trying to be saved or that salvation is effortless.

Considering this spectrum of responses to this crucial question: Is it our place to pick and choose the single answer we like best? Or should we find the common thread that binds the various answers together?

Obviously we should find the unifying principle and live our lives around that plan. Perhaps one of the simplest ways of describing the fundamental formula relating to our salvation is that we need to “trust and obey.” God has done all He can to save us through the many facets and expressions of His grace. Our response must be to “trust and obey, for there’s no other way . . .”

For those who want to highlight faith as the basis of salvation, don’t forget that the effort to obey is also a necessary part of our cooperation with God. Don’t leave the impression that obedience doesn’t matter. For those who emphasize the importance of work, don’t overlook the true foundation which is genuine faith. The best way to answer this question is to encourage harmony between faith and works.

Jesus never said we are saved by “faith alone.” Neither did Peter, John, Jude, or any other Bible writer. Even Paul with his emphasis on righteousness by faith (Rom. 1:16-17; 3:28, Gal. 3:11, Eph. 2:6-8. See also Rom 2:13; 6:1-2 and 15-16, 1 Cor. 7:19.) never spoke of “righteousness by faith alone” or “faith that stands alone.” In fact, Paul frequently emphasized the concurrent importance of obedience (see Appendix 13-16).

If all that we need in order to be saved is to have “faith that is alone,” doesn’t it seem reasonable that the Bible would say so, at least once? If this were the single requirement of salvation, shouldn’t Scripture say it over and over and over? Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for the Bible writers to list multiple other requirements for salvation if all we needed was to “believe?”

What the Bible teaches about our role in salvation is that faith without the fruit (works) of our faith is lifeless and will not result in eternal life. Saving faith exists only when there is concurrent/concordant behavior. The two cannot be separated in the salvation formula. Faith authenticates our obedience, and obedience validates our faith.

The example of the thief on the cross is brought up occasionally as an example of how obedience isn’t necessary for salvation. Keep in mind that, even though the thief on the cross couldn’t do more than confess his guilt, demonstrate simple loyalty to Jesus by speaking in His defense, and request admission into heaven (Luke 23:41-42), we can be certain that, given the opportunity, he would have been a follower of Christ and His teachings. God, knowing his heart (I Kings 8:39), recognized this primitive form of genuine intentional obedience and his commitment as genuine saving faith which wasn’t alone. His belief in Christ wasn’t the vacuous belief of the people described in John 2:23-25, but was living faith that would work, if and when given the opportunity. As a metaphor, think of an electric outlet or a dam full of water as having “potential energy.” When given the opportunity, electric current or water will flow, causing a specific effect. Just as surely, saving faith—given the opportunity—will do the work that it is intended to do. Saving “pristine” faith will “work” when given a chance.

As a metaphor, think of an electric outlet or a dam full of water as having “potential energy.” When given the opportunity, electricity or water will flow, causing a specific effect. Just as surely, saving faith (given the opportunity) will do the work that it is intended to do. Saving, “pristine” faith will “work” when given a chance.

If someone is convinced on a Monday that the Sabbath is the correct day of worship, then makes plans to keep the next Sabbath holy, but dies on Wednesday, does that mean that they are guilty of not keeping the Sabbath holy?

If we aren’t given the opportunity to demonstrate a certain form of obedience to God, we aren’t held responsible for not obeying that command unless it was our intention not to. Likewise, if the clear pattern of our lives is that of obedience, but we happen to fail temporarily at some point(s), we have an advocate on our behalf and are forgiven. (1 John 2:1-2; 5:18) Thus Ellen White says, “While we cannot do anything to change our hearts or to bring ourselves into harmony with God; while we must not trust at all to ourselves or our good works, our lives will reveal whether the grace of God is dwelling within us. A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits. The contrast will be clear and decided between what they have been and what they are. The character is revealed, not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds, but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts”. Steps to Christ 58-59.

For those who are interested, here is a link to a sermon presented by Dr. Van Dolson relating to the subject of "How to Get to Heaven from Your House."

https://livestream.com/pucchurch/events/8371668/videos/180332754?fbclid=IwAR0ig_iSOug_0_HQna8wiHNw0dKIRx4b2oA61vk4jJULVKR5JovJ3jSjUCk

Conclusion

The trouble with the term “saved by faith alone” is not just that both the Bible and Ellen White explicitly state that we aren’t saved by “faith alone.” Another major problem is that, unfortunately, many take the term literally rather than recognize it for the mirage it is.

For many, salvation by “faith alone” means that we are saved simply by believing in Jesus. For some, the term is a way to express their rejection of the concept of salvation by works. However, when used as a repudiation of works-oriented salvation, the term is misleading, since it strongly implies that the works of faith are not necessary.

The truth is that when we firmly take hold of the magnificent gift of salvation, our trust in Jesus is so great that it finds distinct expression in our daily life as we make every effort to serve Him faithfully. One way to put it simply is that our faith in God authenticates our obedience, and our obedience validates our faith.

This can occur on a primitive level as with the thief on the cross. Simply his few words and certain intentions were enough for him to be granted salvation. For those who live long enough to act out their faith, they will be judged by their faith-generated deeds. (Romans 2:13

Keep in mind that the work of obedience isn’t instantaneous; in fact, it takes a lifetime. It is the inevitable trend towards the Christ-like character that continues to justify and sanctify the overcomer.

“When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man's best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with His own divine merit. But He will not accept those who claim to have faith in Him, and yet are disloyal to His Father's commandment. We hear a great deal about faith, but we need to hear a great deal more about works. Many are deceiving their own souls by living an easygoing, accommodating, crossless religion. But Jesus says, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."--Signs of the Times June 16, 1890.

“By taking one step after another, the highest ascent may be climbed, and the summit of the mount may be reached at last. Do not become overwhelmed with the great amount of work you must do in your lifetime, for you are not required to do it all at once. Let every power of your being go to each day's work, improve each precious opportunity, appreciate the helps that God gives you, and make advancement up the ladder of progress step by step. Remember that you are to live but one day at a time, that God has given you one day, and heavenly records will show how you have valued its privileges and opportunities.” (My Life Today 100)

In Mark 9:14-29 we read about a man who approached Jesus, pleading with Him to heal his demon-possessed son. Jesus responds by asserting that “all things are possible to him who believes.” (vs. 23 NKJV) The man replies: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Vs 24 NKJV)

Ellen White says, “‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.’ John 6:37. Cast yourself at His feet with the cry, ‘Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.’ You can never perish while you do this—never” (The Desire of Ages 429),

How much belief does it take to be saved? In John 2:23-25 we read about a group of people who had a flimsy belief and Jesus could not trust them. In Matthew 17:20 Jesus says that if we have the faith of a “mustard seed, we can move mountains, but then Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:2 “ . . . and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” (KJV)

Wow! Even if we have enough faith to move a mountain, if it is alone, if it isn’t accompanied by acts of charity (“love”), it is “nothing.” How can anybody really believe that Paul recommends a faith that is alone? Is he really telling us that we should be nothing by doing nothing?

“. . . and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” No matter how high his profession, he whose heart is not imbued with love for God and for his fellow men is not a disciple of Christ. Though he should possess great faith, and even have power to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless.” Testimonies vol. 5 168

Salvation Summary Notes:

Our good works (serving God and others, charitable activity) and our effort to obey God have no saving merit. In the words of the modern prophet: “No work of man can merit for him the pardoning love of God, but the love of God pervading the soul will lead him to do those things which were always required of God and that he should do with pleasure. He has done only that which duty ever required of him.” Faith and Works 23

Thus we have seen the following counsel from the inspired pen: “In His divine arrangement, through His unmerited favor, the Lord has ordained that good works shall be rewarded. Although we have no merit in ourselves, in the great goodness and love of God we are rewarded as if the merit were our own” (God's Amazing Grace 331; also in Welfare Ministry 316

Our faith (believing in God) has no saving merit. Again we note the following inspired statement:“There is danger in regarding justification by faith as placing merit on faith. When you take the righteousness of Christ as a free gift you are justified freely through the redemption of Christ.” Faith and Works 25

Without faith based good works and our effort to obey we cannot be saved.

“The Lord does not propose to do the work He has given man powers to do. Man's part must be done. He must be a laborer together with God, yoking up with Christ . . . God works and man works.” Faith and Works 26

“God’s grace provides us with the opportunity of salvation, sustains our lives, and provides us the means and energy (power of the will) to access the “gift” of salvation.

“All things come of God. From the smallest benefits up to the largest blessing, all flow through the one Channel . . . the life of God in His Son.” Faith and Works 22.

Even so, it requires great effort on our part to “cooperate” with God and thus enable the “all powerful” God to save us.

“The law of the human and the divine action makes the receiver a laborer together with God.” Faith and Works 27

While all our abilities to function are God given, it is up to us through the gift of “free will” to determine in what way we use these gifts from God.

“We are to do all that we can do on our part to fight the good fight of faith . . . In one way we are thrown upon our own energies, we are to strive earnestly to be zealous and to repent.” Faith and Works 48

“Many are inquiring, "How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?" You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.

“Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians. Steps to Christ 46-48.

We cannot purchase salvation because the cost is “infinite.” The cost of salvation is so great, that only God could pay it . . . and it cost Him everything. (Matthew 27:46, John 3:16)

“Eternal life is an infinite gift. This places it outside the possibility of our earning it, because it is infinite. It must necessarily be a gift.” Faith and Works 27.

God’s “free” gift of salvation is a gift that costs us everything, but the price we pay is without saving merit since all we have is from God even though our free will (power of choice Appendix 2:3) determines how we use it.

“Should faith and works purchase the gift of salvation for anyone, then the Creator is under obligation to the creature” Faith and Works 20.

God in His full wisdom established the conditions of salvation which are for the sinner to “trust and obey.” The sinner must meet these conditions in order to cooperate with God.

“Divine power and the human agency combined will be a complete success, for Christ's righteousness accomplishes everything.” Faith and Works 27.

“Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, ‘Without me ye can do nothing’ (John 15:5). From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God.” Selected Messages, vol. 1 382.

“ . . . many are struggling in their own finite strength to win salvation by good works. Jesus, they think, will do some of the saving; they must do the rest. They need to see by faith the righteousness of Christ as their only hope for time and for eternity.” Faith and Works 26.

Finally

Faith and works are necessary for salvation, but have no saving merit or value in and of themselves. Salvation is fully the result of God’s grace.

Saving faith must include our all-out effort to serve and obey God by choosing to use our God given energy and ability (Philippians 2:12-13) to do the works that justify us (James 2:21-24) as we rely fully on the substitutionary death of Jesus. (Faith and Works 12.2)

Salvation is a “free gift” since there is no way we can pay the cost. Only God could do that. But it does cost us everything we have. The “condition” by which we receive this gift is that we must give all that God has given us back to Him by placing it under His control. Everything we do or think must be in the context of God’s presence and will.

We receive the wonderful gift of eternal life when we secure it by faith in Jesus alone. This faith in Him must be so great that it results in the dedicated intention, effort, and action of following His teachings.

“Where there is not only a belief in God's word, but a submission of the will to Him; where the heart is yielded to Him, the affections fixed upon Him, there is faith--faith that works by love and purifies the soul.” (Steps to Christ 63)

REMEMBER, this “free gift” cost Jesus everything, and costs us all that we have.

One More Thought: It may very well be that some proponents of the “faith alone” movement believe they should work hard to follow the teachings of Jesus despite the inaccurate semantics they use. Perhaps they are even striving and struggling to do God’s will, but claim that it is God working in them and not the result of their God-given ability to choose to work in cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Despite the apparent confusion in their terminology, perhaps they are doing the things they need to do to be saved. Even so, certainly they don’t want to misdirect others with false instructions. Hopefully, these individuals will carefully consider these words:

“We are to strive, wrestle, agonize, watch, pray, lest we shall be overcome by the wily foe. For the power and grace with which we can do this comes from God, and all the while we are to trust in Him . . . Never leave the impression on the mind that there is little or nothing to do on the part of man; but rather teach man to cooperate with God, that he may be successful in overcoming.

“Effort and labor are required on the part of the receiver of God's grace; for it is the fruit that makes manifest what is the character of the tree. Although the good works of man are of no more value without faith in Jesus than was the offering of Cain, yet covered with the merit of Christ, they testify [to] the worthiness of the doer to inherit eternal life.” Selected Messages, vol. 1 380-382.

Imagine

What if our preachers and teachers would persistently and consistently teach us the truth about salvation and how to balance faith and works in our daily lives?

What if there were a constant emphasis on living, dynamic faith, with frequent guidance on how to obey God faithfully, to follow the teachings of Jesus while relying on the strength of the Holy Spirit, and to observe Biblical standards (safeguards) of daily conduct?

What if our parents, teachers, and pastors could and would provide careful instruction about how to do our part and let God do His part in our redemption?

What if all Adventists really trusted and obeyed God?

Is it possible that a people of this kind would reproduce Christ’s character and finish His work on earth? (Christ’s Object Lessons 69).

Appendices

Page 1

- EGW and Works -

1. As the will of man co-operates with the will of God, it becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished in His strength. All His biddings are enablings. COL 333

2. Every converted soul will, like Zacchaeus, signalize the entrance of Christ into his heart by an abandonment of the unrighteous practices that have marked his life. Conflict and Courage 302

3. God has given men faculties and capabilities. God works and cooperates with the gifts He has imparted to man . . . The Lord does not propose to do the work He has given man powers to do. Mans part must be done. He must be a laborer together with God, yoking up with Christ . . . There must be a co-partnership. Faith and Works 26

4. We are to do all that we can do on our part to fight the good fight of faith . . . In one way we are thrown upon our own energies, we are to strive earnestly to be zealous and to repent. Faith and Works 48.

5. Selected Messages I p 380-382

Let no man present the idea that man has little or nothing to do in the great work of overcoming; for God does nothing for man without his cooperation. Neither say that after you have done all you can on your part, Jesus will help you. Christ has said, "Without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5). From first to last man is to be a laborer together with God.

6. We are to strive, wrestle, agonize, watch, pray, lest we shall be overcome by the wily foe. For the power and grace with which we can do this comes from God, and all the while we are to trust in Him . . . Never leave the impression on the mind that there is little or nothing to do on the part of man; but rather teach man to cooperate with God, that he may be successful in overcoming.

7. Let no one say that your works have nothing to do with your rank and position before God. In the judgment the sentence pronounced is according to what has been done or to what has been left undone (Matthew 25:34-40).

8. Effort and labor are required on the part of the receiver of God's grace; for it is the fruit that makes manifest what is the character of the tree. Although the good works of man are of no more value without faith in Jesus than was the offering of Cain, yet covered with the merit of Christ, they testify [to] the worthiness of the doer to inherit eternal life.

9. When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man's best service, and He makes up for the deficiency with His own divine merit. But He will not accept those who claim to have faith in Him, and yet are disloyal to His Father's commandment. We hear a great deal about faith, but we need to hear a great deal more about works. Many are deceiving their own souls by living an easygoing, accommodating, crossless religion. But Jesus says, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."--The Signs of the Times, June 16, 1890.

10. Prophets and Kings p486-487 Human effort avails nothing without divine power; and without human endeavor, divine effort is with many of no avail. To make God's grace our own, we must act our part. His grace is given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort.

11. In His divine arrangement, through His unmerited favor, the Lord has ordained that good works shall be rewarded. Although we have no merit in ourselves, in the great goodness and love of God we are rewarded as if the merit were our own. AG (God's Amazing Grace) 331, WM (Welfare Ministry) 316

EFFORT texts: Luke 13:24, Col 1:29, Phil 2:12-13, Hebrews 4:11;12:14, 2 Peter 1:5; 3:14

Page 2

- EGW and No Works -

1. MB 62 If you cling to self, refusing to yield your will to God, you are choosing death. To sin, wherever found, God is a consuming fire. If you choose sin, and refuse to separate from it, the presence of God, which consumes sin, must consume you. . .

2. It will require a sacrifice to give yourself to God; but it is a sacrifice of the lower for the higher, the earthly for the spiritual, the perishable for the eternal. God does not design that our will should be destroyed, for it is only through its exercise that we can accomplish what He would have us do. Our will is to be yielded to Him, that we may receive it again, purified and refined, and so linked in sympathy with the Divine that He can pour through us the tides of His love and power. However bitter and painful this surrender may appear to the willful, wayward heart, yet “it is profitable for thee.”

3. SC 47-48 Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.

Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.

4. SC 65 And if you will but yield yourself to Him, He that hath begun a good work in you will carry it forward to the day of Jesus Christ. Pray more fervently; believe more fully. As we come to distrust our own power, let us trust the power of our Redeemer, and we shall praise Him who is the health of our countenance.

5. SC 71-72 Many who are really conscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads to dwell upon their own faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating them from Christ he hopes to gain the victory. We should not make self the center and indulge anxiety and fear as to whether we shall be saved. All this turns the soul away from the Source of our strength. Commit the keeping of your soul to God, and trust in Him. Talk and think of Jesus. Let self be lost in Him. Put away all doubt; dismiss your fears. Say with the apostle Paul, “I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.

6. SC 43 The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but the soul must submit to God before it can be renewed in holiness.

7. SM 1 p353-354 Repentance, as well as forgiveness, is the gift of God through Christ. It is through the influence of the Holy Spirit that we are convicted of sin, and feel our need of pardon. None but the contrite are forgiven; but it is the grace of God that makes the heart penitent. He is acquainted with all our weaknesses and infirmities, and He will help us.

a. Some who come to God by repentance and confession, and even believe that their sins are forgiven, still fail of claiming, as they should, the promises of God. . . They do not look to God, to be kept by His power, but depend upon watchfulness against temptation, and the performance of certain duties for acceptance with Him. There are no victories in this kind of faith. Such persons toil to no purpose; their souls are in continual bondage, and they find no rest until their burdens are laid at the feet of Jesus.

b. There is need of constant watchfulness, and of earnest, loving devotion; but these will come naturally when the soul is kept by the power of God through faith. We can do nothing, absolutely nothing, to commend ourselves to divine favor. We must not trust at all to ourselves nor to our good works; but when as erring, sinful beings we come to Christ, we may find rest in His love. God will accept every one that comes to Him trusting wholly in the merits of a crucified Saviour. Love springs up in the heart. There may be no ecstasy of feeling, but there is an abiding, peaceful trust. Every burden is light; for the yoke which Christ imposes is easy. Duty becomes a delight, and sacrifice a pleasure. The path that before seemed shrouded in darkness becomes bright with beams from the Sun of Righteousness. This is walking in the light as Christ is in the light.

c. When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he deserves, and treats him as though he had not sinned, He receives him into divine favor, and justifies him through the merits of Christ’s righteousness. The sinner can be justified only through faith in the atonement made through God’s dear Son, who became a sacrifice for the sins of the guilty world. No one can be justified by any works of his own. He can be delivered from the guilt of sin, from the condemnation of the law, from the penalty of transgression, only by virtue of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ. Faith is the only condition upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes not only belief but trust.

EGW - Discipleship and Obedience

1. Obedience--the service and allegiance of love--is the true sign of discipleship. Thus the scripture says, "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments." SC 60 (1 Jn 5:3)

2. Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing Page 146 A mere profession of discipleship is of no value. The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. "Believe, believe," they say, "and you need not keep the law." But a belief that does not lead to obedience is presumption. The apostle John says, "He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:4. Let none cherish the idea that special providences or miraculous manifestations are to be the proof of the genuineness of their work or of the ideas they advocate. When persons will speak lightly of the word of God, and set their impressions, feelings, and exercises above the divine standard, we may know that they have no light in them.

3. Obedience is the test of discipleship. It is the keeping of the commandments that proves the sincerity of our professions of love. When the doctrine we accept kills sin in the heart, purifies the soul from defilement, bears fruit unto holiness, we may know that it is the truth of God. When benevolence, kindness, tenderheartedness, sympathy, are manifest in our lives; when the joy of right doing is in our hearts; when we exalt Christ, and not self, we may know that our faith is of the right order. “Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.” 1 John 2:3.

4. My Life Today p 100

By taking one step after another, the highest ascent may be climbed, and the summit of the mount may be reached at last. Do not become overwhelmed with the great amount of work you must do in your lifetime, for you are not required to do it all at once. Let every power of your being go to each day's work, improve each precious opportunity, appreciate the helps that God gives you, and make advancement up the ladder of progress step by step. Remember that you are to live but one day at a time, that God has given you one day, and heavenly records will show how you have valued its privileges and opportunities.

5. Prophets and Kings p486-487 Human effort avails nothing without divine power; and without human endeavor, divine effort is with many of no avail. To make God's grace our own, we must act our part. His grace is given to work in us to will and to do, but never as a substitute for our effort.

6. In His divine arrangement, through His unmerited favor, the Lord has ordained that good works shall be rewarded. Although we have no merit in ourselves, in the great goodness and love of God we are rewarded as if the merit were our own. AG (God's Amazing Grace) 331, WM (Welfare Ministry) 316

7. On the other hand, those who claim that their faith alone will save them are trusting to a rope of sand, for faith is strengthened and made perfect by works only. SR 289.2 (Story of Redemption)

8. See Steps to Christ p57-65 The Test of Discipleship

Page 3

THE TROUBLE WITH "FAITH ALONE" - EGW

1. [Morning talk at Basel, Switzerland, September 17, 1885.] ST June 16, 1890 - Ellen White

“Without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” There are many in the Christian world who claim that all that is necessary to salvation is to have faith; works are nothing, faith is the only essential. But God’s word tells us that faith without works is dead, being alone. Many refuse to obey God’s commandments, yet they make a great deal of faith. But faith must have a foundation. God’s promises are all made upon conditions. If we do his will, if we walk in truth, then we may ask what we will, and it shall be done unto us. While we earnestly endeavor to be obedient, God will hear our petitions; but he will not bless us in disobedience. If we choose to disobey his commandments, we may cry, “Faith, faith, only have faith,” and the response will come back from the sure word of God, “Faith without works is dead.”

We are to do all that we can do on our part to fight the good fight of faith. We are to wrestle, to labor, to strive, to agonize to enter in at the strait gate. We are to set the Lord ever before us. With clean hands, with pure hearts, we are to seek to honor God in all our ways (par 2)

If we are to have pardon for our sins, we must first have a realization of what sin is, that we may repent, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance. We must have a solid foundation for our faith; it must be founded on the word of God, and its results will be seen in obedience to God’s expressed will. Says the apostle, “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” Faith and works will keep us evenly balanced, and make us successful in the work of perfecting Christian character. Jesus says, “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (par 4)

There is no excuse for sin, or for indolence. Jesus has led the way, and he wishes us to follow in his steps. He has suffered, he has sacrificed as none of us can, that he might bring salvation within our reach. We need not be discouraged. Jesus came to our world to bring divine power to man, that through his grace, we might be transformed into his likeness. When it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man’s best service, and he makes up for the deficiency with his own divine merit. But he will not accept those who claim to have faith in him, and yet are disloyal to his Father’s commandment. We hear a great deal about faith, but we need to hear a great deal more about works. Many are deceiving their own souls by living an easy-going, accommodating, crossless religion. But Jesus says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” ST June 16, 1890, par. 6 (also found in Faith and Works p47)

2. Story of Redemption p 288-289

Many refuse to receive the light which the providence of God sends them, and, as an excuse for so doing, quote the words of Peter to Cornelius and his friends: “But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” They maintain that it is of no consequence what men believe, so long as their works are good. Such ones are wrong; faith must unite with their works. They should advance with the light that is given them. If God brings them in connection with His servants who have received new (SR 288.2)

truth, substantiated by the Word of God, they should accept it with joy. Truth is onward. Truth is upward. On the other hand, those who claim that their faith alone will save them are trusting to a rope of sand, for faith is strengthened and made perfect by works only. SR 289.2

3. Manuscript 36 There is danger in regarding justification by faith as placing merit on faith. When you take the righteousness of Christ as a free gift you are justified freely through the redemption of Christ . . .When men learn they cannot earn righteousness by their own merit of works, and they look with firm and entire reliance upon Jesus Christ as their only hope, there will not be so much of self and so little of Jesus. Souls and bodies are defiled and polluted by sin, the heart is estranged from God, yet many are struggling in their own finite strength to win salvation by good works. Jesus, they think, will do some of the saving; they must do the rest. They need to see by faith the righteousness of Christ as their only hope for time and for eternity.

Page 4

4. The Great Controversy p 472-473

The desire for an easy religion that requires no striving, no self-denial, no divorce from the follies of the world, has made the doctrine of faith, and faith only, a popular doctrine; but what saith the word of God? Says the apostle James: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? . . . Wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? . . . Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." James 2:14-24.

The testimony of the word of God is against this ensnaring doctrine of faith without works. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions upon which mercy is to be granted, it is presumption; for genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.

Let none deceive themselves with the belief that they can become holy while willfully violating one of God's requirements.

5. 2 Testimonies p 159 (also p 167)

. . . Faith without works is dead, being alone. Faith will never save you unless it is justified by works. God requires of you to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for yourselves a good foundation against the time to come, that you may lay hold on eternal life. 2T 159.2

6. 5 Testimonies p 168

. . . and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” 5T 168.1

No matter how high his profession, he whose heart is not imbued with love for God and for his fellow men is not a disciple of Christ. Though he should possess great faith, and even have power to work miracles, yet without love his faith would be worthless.

7. Steps to Christ p60-64

p60 There are two errors against which the children of God--particularly those who have just come to trust in His grace--especially need to guard. The first, already dwelt upon, is that of looking to their (p61) own works,

. . . The opposite and no less dangerous error is that belief in Christ releases men from keeping the law of God; that since by faith alone we become partakers of the grace of Christ, our works have nothing to do with our redemption.

But notice here that obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of love . . .

Obedience--the service and allegiance of love--is the true sign of discipleship. Thus the scripture says, "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments." "He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 5:3; 2:4. Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, (p61) and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience.

We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith . . .

That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption . .

Where there is not only a belief in God's word, but a submission of the will to Him; where the heart is yielded to Him, the affections fixed upon Him, there is faith--faith that works by love and

8. RH Oct 5, 1886

The faith in Christ which saves the soul is not what it is represented to be by many. “Believe, believe,” is their cry; “only believe in Christ, and you will be saved. It is all you have to do.” While true faith trusts wholly in Christ for salvation, it will lead to perfect conformity to the law of God. Faith is manifested by works. And the apostle John declares, “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” It is unsafe to trust to feelings or impressions; these are unreliable guides. God’s law is the only correct standard of holiness. It is by this law that character is to be judged.

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9. Christian Experience and Teaching p126 - Ch 21: Prayer and Faith

I have frequently seen that the children of the Lord neglect prayer, especially secret prayer, altogether too much; that many do not exercise that faith which it is their privilege and duty to exercise, often waiting for that feeling which faith alone can bring. Feeling is not faith; the two are distinct. Faith is ours to exercise, but joyful feeling and the blessing are God’s to give. The grace of God comes to the soul through the channel of living faith, and that faith it is in our power to exercise. CET 126.1

True faith rests on the promises contained in the word of God, and those only who obey that word can CET 126.4

claim its glorious promises. “If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”John 15:7. “Whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22. CET 127.4

10. A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White, p59

The grace of God comes to the soul through the channel of living faith, and that faith it is our power to exercise. ExV 59.1

11. Our Father Cares p 68

Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. Romans 3:31. OFC 68.3

Faith is not an opiate, but a stimulant. Looking to Calvary will not quiet your soul into nonperformance of duty, but will create faith that will work, purifying the soul from all selfishness. OFC 68.4

12. Faith and Works p 12

The plan for the salvation of lost mankind is based on man’s acceptance by faith alone of Christ’s substitutionary death. This lesson was taught at the gate of Eden as Adam and his descendants slew the sacrificial lamb. It was taught in the wilderness as the brazen serpent was elevated by Moses, and the people with the venom of the poisonous serpents in their veins were restored by looking in faith at the saving symbol. It was taught by the sacrificial system given to Israel. It was taught by prophets and apostles. Again and again we are taught that salvation is by grace through faith, and at the same time we are made to understand: FW 12.1

While true faith trusts wholly in Christ for salvation, it will lead to perfect conformity to the law of God. Faith is manifested by works (The Review and Herald, October 5, 1886 -see EGW - RH . . . ). FW 12.2

13. Steps to Christ p 46-48

It is a mistake to entertain the thought that God is pleased to see His children suffer. All heaven is interested in the happiness of man. Our heavenly Father does not close the avenues of joy to any of His creatures. The divine requirements call upon us to shun those indulgences that would bring suffering and disappointment, that would close to us the door of happiness and heaven. The world's Redeemer accepts men as they are, with all their wants, imperfections, and weaknesses; and He will not only cleanse from sin and grant redemption through His blood, but (47) will satisfy the heart-longing of all who consent to wear His yoke, to bear His burden. It is His purpose to impart peace and rest to all who come to Him for the bread of life. He requires us to perform only those duties that will lead our steps to heights of bliss to which the disobedient can never attain. The true, joyous life of the soul is to have Christ formed within, the hope of glory.

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(13 -continued SC 46-48 continued) Many are inquiring, "How am I to make the surrender of myself to God?" You desire to give yourself to Him, but you are weak in moral power, in slavery to doubt, and controlled by the habits of your life of sin. Your promises and resolutions are like ropes of sand. You cannot control your thoughts, your impulses, your affections. The knowledge of your broken promises and forfeited pledges weakens your confidence in your own sincerity, and causes you to feel that God cannot accept you; but you need not despair. What you need to understand is the true force of the will. This is the governing power in the nature of man, the power of decision, or of choice. Everything depends on the right action of the will. The power of choice God has given to men; it is theirs to exercise. You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give to God its affections; but you can choose to serve Him. You can give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony with Him.

Desires for goodness and holiness are right as (48) far as they go; but if you stop here, they will avail nothing. Many will be lost while hoping and desiring to be Christians. They do not come to the point of yielding the will to God. They do not now choose to be Christians.

Through the right exercise of the will, an entire change may be made in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, you ally yourself with the power that is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from above to hold you steadfast, and thus through constant surrender to God you will be enabled to live the new life, even the life of faith.

14. RH 11 14 99 When, as a people, our appreciation for the souls for whom Christ died is proportionate to the value of the reward we hope to gain,—eternal life,—we shall make more earnest efforts to do Christian work. We shall appreciate the sacrifice made by the Son of God to save souls from destruction. Let us teach the truth by practising it. Let us deny self that we may have money to give to the Lord’s work. The Lord will greatly bless those who work in faith.

15. RH 4 25 93 Concerning the advent of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” Now read carefully, that you may discern what is the work of the Holy Spirit. “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believed not on me.” If they do not believe on Jesus as a personal Saviour, they have no promise of salvation; for it is through faith in Christ alone that there is hope for the lost. “Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more.” From the time he ascended to his Father, he has represented man, as his surety and substitute. The Father looks upon the Son in the perfection of his character, as one who has borne the penalty for sin, and has wrought perfect righteousness for the repenting soul, and he is reconciled to all who believe in Christ as one fully able to save from sin. RH April 25, 1893, par. 3

16. My Life Today p 100

By taking one step after another, the highest ascent may be climbed, and the summit of the mount may be reached at last. Do not become overwhelmed with the great amount of work you must do in your lifetime, for you are not required to do it all at once. Let every power of your being go to each day's work, improve each precious opportunity, appreciate the helps that God gives you, and make advancement up the ladder of progress step by step. Remember that you are to live but one day at a time, that God has given you one day, and heavenly records will show how you have valued its privileges and opportunities.

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Texts that Confuse us about Faith and Works

1. Romans 3:24,28, 30-31(NKJV) 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

2. SDA Bible Commentary (Vol 6): Romans p 503 Being justified freely - "Since men have nothing by which they may set themselves right with God, justification must come as a free gift."

3. p504 justified freely by His grace - "The … grace in the NT … is that of the abundant, saving love of God toward sinners as revealed in Jesus Christ. . . wholly undeserved and unmerited by sinful man.

4. p 508 justified by faith - That justification is by faith clearly implies that justification is no mere impersonal adjustment of a man's legal status in the sight of God. Faith in Christ involves a personal relationship with the Redeemer. It implies an attitude of love and gratitude toward the Savior in response to His love for us sinners. It is based on profound admiration of Jesus for all that He is, with a sincere desire to know Him better and become like Him. It means a trust and confidence in Christ that is so entirely without reservation that we are willing to take Him fully at His word and follow His directions where ever He may lead. . . justification cannot be separated from the transforming experiences of conversion, rebirth, and subsequent growth in sanctification.

5. Romans 4:3 (NKJV) 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." . . . 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,

6. SDA BC p512 Abraham believed God - The fact that Abraham's faith was reckoned to him as righteousness does not mean that faith possesses in itself some merit that can earn justification (EGW Supplementary Material p 1073). . . Such faith is a relation, an attitude, a disposition of a man toward God. It implies a readiness to receive with joy whatever God may reveal and to do with joy whatever God may direct. Abraham loved and trusted and obeyed God because he knew Him and was His friend (James 2:21-23). His faith was a genuine relationship of love, confidence, and submission.

7. p513 does not work - "That is the person who does not attempt to purchase justification by his works." . . . "Again the word 'faith' implies, not merely a legal adjustment, but the beginning of a new life of love, obedience, and transformation."

8. Galatians 2:16(NKJV) 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

9. SDA BC p 949 not justified by the works of the law but by faith - "Paul here refers not so much to the ritual observances of the ceremonial law alone as to the Jewish concept that a man could save himself by meticulously keeping the law (see 2 Cor 3:3-9)."

10. James 2:14-26(NKJV) 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? . . . 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? . . . 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. . . . 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

11. SDA BC p 520-524 (Vol 7) - "Faith which does not result in good works is worthless." . . . "Faith that does not find expression in habitual good deeds will never save any man, but neither will good deeds without genuine faith." . . . "Faith and Works cannot be separated . . ." Good works accompany faith and prove the validity of the faith by which a man is justified." ". . . apart from works genuine faith does not exist."

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Ellen White and "Faith Alone"

By Mrs. E. G. White RH April 25, 1893

Concerning the advent of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said, “It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” Now read carefully, that you may discern what is the work of the Holy Spirit. “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believed not on me.” If they do not believe on Jesus as a personal Saviour, they have no promise of salvation; for it is through faith in Christ alone that there is hope for the lost. “Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more.” From the time he ascended to his Father, he has represented man, as his surety and substitute. The Father looks upon the Son in the perfection of his character, as one who has borne the penalty for sin, and has wrought perfect righteousness for the repenting soul, and he is reconciled to all who believe in Christ as one fully able to save from sin. RH April 25, 1893, par. 3

While true faith trusts wholly in Christ for salvation, it will lead to perfect conformity to the law of God. Faith is manifested by works (The Review and Herald, October 5, 1886). FW 12.2

Justified by Faith

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1, 2.

When God pardons the sinner, remits the punishment he deserves, and treats him as though he had not sinned, He receives him into divine favor, and justifies him through the merits of Christ’s righteousness. The sinner can be justified only through faith in the atonement made through God’s dear Son, who became a sacrifice for the sins of the guilty world. No one can be justified by any works of his own.

The faith that is unto salvation is not a casual faith, it is not the mere consent of the intellect, it is belief rooted in the heart, that embraces Christ as a personal Saviour.... When the soul lays hold upon Christ as the only hope of salvation, then genuine faith is manifested. This faith leads its possessor to place all the affections of the soul upon Christ; his understanding is under the control of the Holy Spirit, and his character is molded after the divine likeness. His faith is not a dead faith, but a faith that works by love, and leads him to behold the beauty of Christ, and to become assimilated to the divine character.21

This text is from the devotional book That I May Know Him by Ellen G. White. To view more books by Ellen G. White, or to download this devotional book, visitegwwritings.org

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Two Errors:

“There are two errors against which the children of God--particularly those who have just come to trust in His grace--especially need to guard. The first, already dwelt upon, is that of looking to their (p60) own works, trusting to anything they can do, to bring themselves into harmony with God.

. . . The opposite and no less dangerous error is that belief in Christ releases men from keeping the law of God; that since by faith alone we become partakers of the grace of Christ, our works have nothing to do with our redemption.

But notice here that obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of love . . .

Obedience--the service and allegiance of love--is the true sign of discipleship. Thus the scripture says, "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments." "He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 5:3; 2:4. Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, (p61) that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience.

We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith . . .

That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption . . .

(p63) Where there is not only a belief in God's word, but a submission of the will to Him; where the heart is yielded to Him, the affections fixed upon Him, there is faith--faith that works by love and purifies the soul.” (Steps to Christ 59-64)

“Brother A. T. Jones,

I was attending a meeting, and a large congregation were present. In my dream you were presenting the subject of faith and the imputed righteousness of Christ by faith. You repeated several times that works amounted to nothing, that there were no conditions. The matter was presented in that light that I knew minds would be confused, and would not receive the correct impression in reference to faith and works, and I decided to write to you. You state this matter too strongly. There are conditions to our receiving justification and sanctification, and the righteousness of Christ. I know your meaning, but you leave a wrong impression upon many minds. While good works will not save even one soul, yet it is impossible for even one soul to be saved without good works. God saves us under a law, that we must ask if we would receive, seek if we would find, and knock if we would have the door opened unto us.” (SM I p377 Napier, New Zealand April 9, 1893)

There is danger in regarding justification by faith as placing merit on faith. “When you take the righteousness of Christ as a free gift you are justified freely through the redemption of Christ . . .When men learn they cannot earn righteousness by their own merit of works, and they look with firm and entire reliance upon Jesus Christ as their only hope, there will not be so much of self and so little of Jesus. (Manuscript 36)

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An Easy, Popular Religion

Many are continually saying, “All that we have to do is to believe in Christ.” They claim that faith is all we need. In its fullest sense, this is true; but they do not take it in the fullest sense. To believe in Jesus is to take him as our redeemer and our pattern. If we abide in him and he abides in us, we are partakers of his divine nature, and are doers of his word. The love of Jesus in the heart will lead to obedience to all his commandments. But the love that goes no farther than the lips, is a delusion; it will not save any soul. Many reject the truths of the Bible, while they profess great love for Jesus; but the apostle John declares, “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” While Jesus has done all in the way of merit, we ourselves have something to do in the way of complying with the conditions. “If ye love me,” said our Saviour, “keep my commandments.” Historical Sketches p 188 – 189

A Progressive Faith: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6.

The time has come when we are to expect large blessings from the Lord. We must rise to a higher standard on the subject of faith. We have too little faith. The Word of God is our endorsement. We must take it, simply believing every word. With this assurance we may claim large things, and according to our faith it will be unto us....

The work of faith means more than we think. It means genuine reliance upon the naked word of God. By our actions we are to show that we believe that God will do just as He has said. The wheels of nature and of providence are not appointed to roll backward nor to stand still. We must have an advancing, working faith, a faith that works by love and purifies the soul from every vestige of selfishness. It is not self, but God, that we must depend upon. We must not cherish unbelief. We must have that faith that takes God at His word....

True faith consists in doing just what God has enjoined, not manufacturing things He has not enjoined. Justice, truth, mercy, are the fruit of faith. We need to walk in the light of God’s law; then good works will be the fruit of our faith, the proceeds of a heart renewed every day. The tree must be made good before the fruit can be good. We must be wholly consecrated to God. Our will must be made right before the fruit can be good. We must have no fitful religion. “Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

O what a field is opened before me! Our people must have the deep working of the Spirit of God every day. They must have a faith that works by love, a faith that emanates from God. There must not be a thread of selfishness drawn into the fabric. When our faith works by love, just such a love as Christ revealed in His life, it will be of a firm texture; it will be the fruit of a will subdued. But not until self dies can Christ live in us. Not until self dies can we possess a faith that works by love and purifies the soul.11

This text is from the devotional book That I May Know Him by Ellen G. White. To view more books by Ellen G. White, or to download this devotional book, visitegwwritings.org

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More Faith and Works quotes:

1. “If we accept Christ as a Redeemer, we must accept Him as a Ruler. We cannot have the assurance and perfect confiding trust in Christ as our Saviour until we acknowledge Him as our King and are obedient to His commandments. Thus we evidence our allegiance to God. We have then the genuine ring in our faith, for it is a working faith.” FW p16

2. “All who are baptized are to give evidence that they have been converted. There is not a point that needs to be dwelt upon more earnestly, repeated more frequently, or established more firmly in the minds of all than the impossibility of fallen man meriting anything by his own best good works. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.” FW p 19

3. “No work of man can merit for him the pardoning love of God, but the love of God pervading the soul will lead him to do those things which were always required of God and that he should do with pleasure. He has done only that which duty ever required of him.” FW p23

4. “I ask, How can I present this matter as it is? The Lord Jesus imparts all the powers, all the grace, all the penitence, all the inclination, all the pardon of sins, in presenting His righteousness for man to grasp by living faith—which is also the gift of God. If you would gather together everything that is good and holy and noble and lovely in man and then present the subject to the angels of God as acting a part in the salvation of the human soul or in merit, the proposition would be rejected as treason.” FW 24

5. “There can be no true conversion without the giving up of sin, and the aggravating character of sin is not discerned. With an acuteness of perception never reached by mortal sight, angels of God discern that beings hampered with corrupting influences, with unclean souls and hands, are deciding their destiny for eternity; and yet many have little sense of what constitutes sin and the remedy.” FW p 25

6. “Faith is rendering to God the intellectual powers, abandonment of the mind and will to God, and making Christ the only door to enter into the kingdom of heaven.” FW p25

7. “ . . . many are struggling in their own finite strength to win salvation by good works. Jesus, they think, will do some of the saving; they must do the rest. They need to see by faith the righteousness of Christ as their only hope for time and for eternity.” FW p26

8. “There must be a co-partnership in which all the power is of God and all the glory belongs to God” FW p26-27

9. “The reason so many fail to be successful laborers is that they act as though God depended on them, and they are to suggest to God what He chooses to do with them, in the place of their depending on God. They lay aside the supernatural power and fail to do the supernatural work.” FW p27

10. “Eternal life is an infinite gift. This places it outside the possibility of our earning it, because it is infinite. It must necessarily be a gift. As a gift it must be received by faith, and gratitude and praise be offered to God. Solid faith will not lead anyone away into fanaticism or into acting the slothful servant. It is the bewitching power of Satan that leads men to look to themselves in the place of looking to Jesus.” FW p27

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OBEY Texts

Genesis 26:4-5 (New International Version) 4 I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws."

Exodus 16:27-28 (New International Version) 27 Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. 28 Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?

Deuteronomy 28:1 (New International Version) 1 If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.

Psalm 103:20 (New International Version) 20 Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.

1 Samuel 15:22 (New International Version) 22 But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NKJV) 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.

Matt7:21-23 21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Greek: antinomious = law breakers)

Matt 16:26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

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Matthew 23:23-28 (New International Version) 23"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Matthew 28:19-20 (New International Version) 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (also believe, repent, be baptized - Mk 16:16, Lk 24:47)

Luke 11:28 (New International Version) 28He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

John 14:15 (KJV) 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. (NIV) 15"If you love me, you will obey what I command.

John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."

John 15:14 And you are my friends, if you obey me.

Romans 1:5 New King James Version (NKJV) 5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,

Romans 2:13 (New International Version) 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.

Romans 16:26 (Contemporary English Version) 26but now at last it has been told. The eternal God commanded his prophets to write about the good news, so that all nations would obey and have faith.

Hebrews 5:9 (New International Version) 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

James 1:22 (Contemporary English Version) 22 Obey God's message! Don't fool yourselves by just listening to it.

1 John 2: 3We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.

Revelation 14:12 (New International Version) 12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus.

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MORE EMPHASIS ON OBEDIENCE

Proverbs 28:13 (NKJV) 13 He who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.

Matthew 3:1-3 (NKJV) 3 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

Matthew 19:16-17 (NKJV) 16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good[e] Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good?[f] No one is good but One, that is, God.[g] But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

Romans 2:12-16 (NKJV) 12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; 14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them) 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

Romans 6:15-23 (NKJV) 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness . . . 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Revelation 12:17 (NKJV) And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring (remnant - KJV), who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 14:4-5 (KJV) 4 These (144,00) are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

Revelation 14:6-12 (NKJV) 9 Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out full strength into the cup of His indignation. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever; and they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.”

12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

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Paul and the law

Those who are "doers of the law" will be declared righteous Romans 2:13 (NKJV)

12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;14 for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them)

Circumcision of No Avail - those who are not circumcised are circumcised by keeping the law Romans 2

25 For circumcision is indeed profitable if you keep the law; but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26 Therefore, if an uncircumcised man keeps the righteous requirements of the law, will not his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision? 27 And will not the physically uncircumcised, if he fulfills the law, judge you who, even with your written code and circumcision, are a transgressor of the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in he letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

Does faith nullify the law? OF COURSE NOT! It upholds the law. Romans 3:31 (NKJV)

31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.

Because of grace, should we continue to sin (disobey the law)? By no means. Romans 6:1-2 (NKJV)

6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? (Sin is transgression of the law 1 John 3:4)

Can we now sin (break the law) since we are not under the law? No! You must continue the obedience that leads to righteousness. Romans 6:15-16 (NKJV)

15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?

The law and commandments are holy, righteous, and good. Through the commandments sin becomes utterly sinful. Romans 7:12-13 (NKJV)

12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. 13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.

I delight in God's law Romans 7:16-22 (NKJV)

16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good.22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man.

God sent His Son so that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us if we don't walk according to the flesh. Romans 8:3-6 (NKJV)

3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Circumcision doesn't matter; keeping God's commands is what counts. 1 Corinthians 7:19 (NKJV)

19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. (see also Romans 2:25-29, Galatians 5:6, 6:13,15 and many more)

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FAITHWORKS

(following the Commands of Jesus - exercising faith)

1. Deny yourself, take up your cross, follow Me.

(Guard your heart. Don’t conform to the world. Love not the world. Matt 16:24, Lk 9:23, Lk 14:27; 19:23, Phil 4:8, Heb 12:1, 1Jn 2:15-17, Prov 4:23; 22:3. ALSO: born again, die with Christ, Christ in you, you in Christ.

2. Seek first the kingdom of God . . . Search with all your heart. Clear Priority of God in your life. Matt. 6:33, Matt 6:19-24; 10: 37-39; 13:44-45;19: 29-30, Lk 17:26 27,33; Deut 4:29,Jer 29:13, Heb 11:6, Rev. 14:7.

3. Always acknowledge Him, meditate day and night, pray without ceasing.

Lk 21:36, Col 3:1-2, 1 Thess 5:17, Heb 11:25, James 4:4-5, Ps 119:97, Prov. 3:6, Is 26:3.

4. Repent - (confess, be converted) - change one’s mind for the better, turn around.

Matt 4:17; 13:15; 18:3, Mark 6:12, Lk 13:3, Jn 12:40, Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9 Lev 5:5, Prov 28:13.

5. Forgive - Matt 6:14-15; 18:21-35, Lk 6:37 and Lk 17:3.

6. Accountability for others ("rebuke", admonish)

Ez 3:18-19, Lev 19:17-18, Lk 17:3, Gal 6:1, 2 Tim 4:2, Titus 2:15, Js 5:20.

7. Make every effort . . . struggle, strive.

Lk 13:24, Col 1:29, Heb 4:11, 12:14, 2 Pet 1:5; 3:14 (all in NIV).

8. Follow (obey) the Instruction Manual commands Deut 6:25, 1 Sam 15:22, Ps 103:20, Matt 7:21-24; 28:19-20, Lk 6:46-47, Lk 11:28, John 14:15; 15:7-14, Rom 1:5; 2:13; 16:26, James 1:22-25, 1 John 2:3; 5:1-3, Rev 14:12, and of course Ex 20:3-20.

9. Share . . .“think poor” Lev 25:35, Prov 28:27, Matt 5:3; 19:16-22, 2 Cor 8:1-15, Gal 2:10, 1 Tim 6:17-19, James 1:27.

10. Spread the good news. Matt 24:13-14, Matt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Jn 4:35-38.

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Our Daily Work . . .

Consider GRACE: Devotional time in consideration of God’s gift of salvation and the power He offers to overcome sin.

Bolster FAITH: Consider the reality of God's existence and presence . . . reaffirm your conviction that He is who He says He is. Commit yourself to His service as well as the service of others and confirm your intent to live a righteous life.

Take ACTION:

Search with all your heart - daily inquisitive/devotional study of God's Word

Commit Scriptures to memory.

Pray without ceasing . . . designated prayer time and continual 24/7 attitude of prayer and communication with God.

Prayer topics and themes: praise, confession, forgiveness, supplication,

Take away selfishness

I give all to Jesus - spirit of submission

All decisions shared with God

Every day review:

What sins are in my life and how to gain victory over sin - how will I stand in the judgment. How can I be more selfless

How will I minister to my spouse and family

How will I minister to my neighbors, fellow church members, world mission

How to appropriate the Lord's assets - money, time, talents

What are my priorities - God is always first

What am I doing for the poor, needy, sick

Avoid interference / Distractions - exposure to worldly propaganda

Entertainments, Internet, certain types of Music, Amusements, Sports . . .

Prepare for the Sabbath each day of the week and keep the Sabbath holy

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Practical Application:

Full reliance on Jesus sacrifice for us - mind set of confidence and gratitude

Think Poor / Attitude of Poverty - all belongs to God

Trusting Jesus so much that you follow His teachings (instructions) . . . Discipleship

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Leo Van Dolson is a retired physician and writes from Vancouver, Washington.