Faith That Obeys Is Not Faith Only

The Bible is literally filled with the fact that one must have faith or trust in The Almighty God! The writer of Hebrews makes this very clear in chapter eleven, verses six and seven. There we note that without faith it is, and always has been, impossible to please God.  By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear.  In spite of the fact  that there had never been  a flood  upon the earth, and not even any rain that would enable Noah to accept God’s statement by human reason. But, Noah believed what God said! This characteristic is essential if we are to show our trust in God. People who do not believe what God says on any subject have no right to claim they trust Him. The fact that God says a thing is sufficient reason for our faith to act upon His promise by obeying Him without question. The Bible makes clear that Noah had no doubt, and therefore moved with fear or reverence. The underlying reason for the apostasy of the Jewish nation is stated in these words: “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Rom.3:18). People today must have a great faith in God and His word, and to be afraid when they violate His divine law. We need, very much, to show reverence and consider the terrible consequences of sin.

            When God  says we are to be buried with him in baptism and that it is for the remission of sin, we ought to be afraid to substitute sprinkling or teach one can be saved without obeying the command to be baptized. His word has not changed and we find the commandment to be obeyed in order to be saved. “He that beleiveth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that beleiveth not shall be damned.” (Mk.16:16). We must also note what God has said about the day of worship, and that it is the first day of the week. There must be gladness in that day and a terrible fear of the consequence when we choose not to assemble for  worship. It is a thing of the heart and shows a distrust in the Holy One of Heaven when we simply lay out.

            To have faith does not mean we are to have faith alone. Faith that does not obey is a dead faith, therefore, no faith at all! Did Noah build the ark by just believing it should be done without labor?  No!!        Friends, to teach faith in God is to teach the truth, and of which no man can deny. However, to teach faith without works of obedience to His loving commandments is a doctrine of man, and therefore a false doctrine which will cause untold numbers to be lost eternally.  Have faith (Heb.11:6), but not faith only (Jas.2:24).

. . . . Fred  House