The Fruit of Faith: Understanding the Role of Works in the Christian Life
> The question of the role of works in the Christian life has been a subject of theological discussion and debate throughout church history. While the evangelical tradition firmly holds that salvation is by grace through faith alone and not by works, it also teaches that good works have a significant place in the life of a believer.
This article will examine the evangelical view on the role of works in the Christian life, emphasizing that they are a natural outflow of a genuine faith and a response to God’s grace.
The Evangelical Perspective on Salvation and Works
Evangelicals maintain that salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned through human effort or good deeds. This conviction is rooted in biblical passages such as Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that it is by grace that we have been saved, through faith—and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast. From this perspective, good works are seen as the fruit of salvation, a natural consequence of a transformed life, and a way to express gratitude for the grace that has been received.
Good Works as the Fruit of Salvation
The New Testament is replete with teachings that underscore the importance of good works in the life of a believer. One of the most compelling is found in James 2:17, which declares, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” This passage highlights that while works cannot save, a faith that does not produce good works is considered lifeless or inauthentic. Good works, therefore, are not the root of salvation but its fruit—they are evidence of a living and active faith.
Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, famously said, “Good works do not make a good man, but a good man does good works.” This quote encapsulates the evangelical understanding that good works are the natural byproduct of a heart that has been changed by God’s grace. A true Christian, transformed by the Holy Spirit, will naturally exhibit the fruits of that transformation in acts of love, charity, and service to others.
Resource for Further Study
For those interested in a more detailed examination of the relationship between faith and works in the context of evangelical theology, “Faith Alone: The Evangelical Doctrine of Justification” by R.C. Sproul is an invaluable resource. Sproul’s work provides an in-depth look at the doctrine of justification by faith and its implications for the Christian life, including the role that good works play in the believer’s journey.
Conclusion
In the evangelical view, works are not a ladder to climb to reach salvation; rather, they are the tracks that a saved life leaves behind. Evangelicals believe that good works are an integral part of the Christian life, serving as a tangible response to God’s grace and a witness to the transformative power of the gospel. While these works contribute nothing to salvation itself, they are essential for spiritual growth, for serving others, and for glorifying God. The presence of good works in the life of a believer is a testament to the authenticity of their faith and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within them. In this way, evangelicals affirm that while we are saved by faith alone, the faith that saves is never alone—it is always accompanied by the evidence of good works.
