We know that salvation is by faith alone. The New Testament is clear about that, especially Paul’s writings in Romans and Ephesians. In church history, however, that became confused. For some reason the idea that we could work toward our own salvation became rooted in the theology of the Church. Partially because of ignorance – people were unable to read the scriptures for themselves when the Bible was only published in Latin. Partially because of human nature – we are all inclined toward self-reliance. And partially because of the benefits of having people encouraged to work, to do, to act… good people doing good things is good for society. There are probably many other reasons beyond these.
At the time of the Reformation, roughly 500 years ago, Luther and others began – or restored! – the teaching that faith alone saves. The relief that was felt by people was tremendous. No longer were people burdened by wondering if they could or had done enough. No longer were they under the instruction of church leaders to do more and give more in hopes that they could prove their worth. But within a short time there arose, or more accurately returned, the idea that God’s instructions had no place in the lives of people. The term for this is antinomian – from the Greek word nomos which means Law and anti-, well you recognize that.
But Paul’s writing had already addressed this very topic as well. There had been those in the first century with the same thought – that if faith alone saves there is nothing that we need to do. Throughout September, 2020, which appropriately begins with Labor Day weekend, we are going to talk about what we do as followers of Jesus. The messages for the month will focus on our actions that are rooted in our relationship with Jesus. What part does the Law now play in our lives?
Closing his letter to the Romans Paul wrote, “to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith… (Romans 16:25-26).
I’m borrowing those words, “The obedience of faith” as a title for this series. As we live in this world, God calls us to faith in Jesus. And from that faith we are to live lives of obedience – striving to keep the Law, working for the good of our neighbors, being good citizens where we live, displaying the values that God’s word teaches…
I hope you’re there (virtually only until we can re-open) as we explore what God’s word teaches us about how to live as disciples of Jesus. We believe and we are saved. We obey because it’s our calling.