Faith and Works
1. The Dispute about Faith and Works
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that the difference between the Orthodox and Protestant views lies in the relationship between faith and works. Some Protestants emphasize faith alone, disregarding works, believing that salvation comes merely by believing, without spiritual struggle or obedience to God’s commandments.
2. Judgment According to Works
The Bible clearly teaches that final judgment will be based on works. As Christ said in Matthew 25, “I was hungry, and you gave Me food.” Works reveal living faith, and Christ “will reward each according to his works” (Matthew 16:27, Revelation 22).
3. Faith Without Works Is Dead
St. James teaches that “faith without works is dead,” and that true religion involves merciful deeds, like caring for widows and orphans. St. Paul confirms this: “Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts, but faith working through love.”
4. Types of Works
Pope Shenouda classifies works into six kinds:
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Works of the Law (circumcision, rituals) – cannot save.
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Good Works without Faith – have no saving value.
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Human Works apart from God – are vain and prideful.
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Works in Fellowship with the Holy Spirit – like service and prayer, done through grace.
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Sacramental Works – baptism, repentance, etc., are works of the Holy Spirit Himself.
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God’s Own Works in the Believer – where God acts within the human will to fulfill His purpose.
5. The Error of Rejecting Works
To reject works is to deny the operation of the Holy Spirit, since all good actions result from divine grace. Christ said, “Without Me you can do nothing,” showing that every good deed is cooperation between God and man.
6. Faith Itself Is a Work
Faith itself is an act—a work of the heart and will, not just mental belief. Therefore, faith and works cannot be separated; they coexist in harmony in Christian life.
Conclusion:
True faith is living and active through love, producing works inspired by divine grace. Salvation cannot be achieved by faith alone without deeds, nor by deeds without faith. They are united as expressions of the same divine life in Christ.
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