In the warmly lit living room of Barbara’s home, where a collection of well-worn Bibles and theological books adorned the shelves, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Barbara gathered for their weekly Bible study. The topic today was a contentious one: the doctrine of salvation by faith alone, a concept widely debated across denominations and centuries.
Jeremiah, always keen to delve into doctrinal history, opened the discussion. “The doctrine of salvation by faith alone, famously propelled by figures like Billy Graham, suggests that merely accepting Christ is sufficient for salvation,” he explained, adjusting his glasses. “But this simplifies and, indeed, misrepresents the holistic scriptural demands of faith and obedience.”
Ezekiel, who had been quietly listening, leaned forward. “It’s interesting because Martin Luther himself said, ‘We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.’ It seems even he wrestled with the balance between faith and works.”
Barbara, pouring some tea, nodded thoughtfully. “Yes, and there’s a stark reminder in James 2:17 where it’s clearly stated, ‘Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.’ It’s the only place where ‘faith’ and ‘alone’ appear together in the Bible, emphasizing that faith without works is ineffective.”
Jeremiah, feeling energized by the conversation, continued, “Exactly, Barbara! And it’s puzzling how some can adhere so rigidly to this doctrine when the entirety of Scripture advocates a faith that acts, that works through love.”
Ezekiel, always one to bring historical context into their discussions, added, “Luther was reacting against the works-based salvation of the Roman Catholic Church of his time. Unfortunately, this has led to an overcorrection in some evangelical circles.”
Barbara, always the hostess, offered more tea and a reflective question. “How do we then live out our faith in a way that aligns with Scripture, acknowledging that faith initiates our relationship with God but is also supposed to transform how we act?”
Jeremiah picked up a Bible and flipped it open to the Acts of the Apostles. “Let’s consider the examples of conversion here. None were merely by an acknowledgment of faith alone. They involved repentance, baptism, and a commitment to a new way of life.”
Ezekiel chimed in, his voice firm but gentle, “And let’s not forget Paul’s words to Timothy about the peril of itching ears that turn from truth to fables. It’s a stark warning against the alluring simplicity of ‘faith alone’ that neglects the comprehensive call of the gospel.”
The room fell into a contemplative silence, each absorbing the gravity of their study. Barbara finally broke the silence with a hopeful note, “It’s about daily picking up our cross, isn’t it? Living a life that continuously seeks to reflect Christ in action and truth.”
The afternoon waned as they continued to discuss, each story from Acts highlighting a facet of faith lived out in action, grounding their understanding in the solid framework of Scripture. Their conversation was a testament to their commitment to understanding and living the full gospel, not just a fraction of its truth.
