Doctrinal differences with Protestants in terms of works
This lecture addresses the issue of the relationship between faith and works, presenting the balanced Coptic Orthodox understanding, away from extremism or mutual cancellation between them.
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that denying the value of works is a misunderstanding of the Holy Scripture, because the Bible links living faith with fruitful works.
He confirms that divine judgment will be “according to works,” as stated in the teachings of the Lord Christ about the Second Coming, where the righteous and the wicked are judged based on what they have done.
He clarifies that the works attacked by Saint Paul were the works of the Law, such as circumcision, sacrifices, and Jewish rituals, because they cannot grant salvation without the redemption of Christ.
He also explains that works without faith do not save a person, and likewise works done for vain glory or self-righteousness have no spiritual value.
On the other hand, he emphasizes the importance of works that are the fruit of faith, performed in partnership with the Holy Spirit, because “faith without works is dead.”
The lecture explains that the church sacraments are not ordinary human works, but rather the work of the Holy Spirit Himself: in Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, Eucharist, and Priesthood.
It affirms that the Church is not a separated mediator from God, but the vessel and instrument through which the Holy Spirit works within believers’ lives.
His Holiness concludes by affirming that true faith is “faith working through love,” and that salvation is a living partnership between God’s grace and the effort of the faithful believer.
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