Is it enough to live by faith and good deeds alone?

Question

Is it enough to live by faith and good deeds alone?

I've been struggling with this issue for awhile now. I have to say that Buddhism appeals to me the most.
I just find it hard to believe the Christianity is the only way.

Answer 1

Look at Buddhist monks. They live everyday in prayer and working to help humanity, and I don't think there are any more devout spiritual followers in the world than them. As for myself, I have come into believing Buddhism, even though I was born into a white, Catholic family.

Answer 2

The whole idea of living a "good life" is to do so simply because it is the right thing to do, not for reward.

So, if it is not enough for someone to live by faith and do good in this world, then they would have to ask themselves why is it not enough.

Considering all of the evil in this world, then doing the smallest good deed is considerably more than the vast majority out there are doing.

Answer 3

James 2:24 - the phrase "faith alone" (the Greek "pisteos monon") only occurs once in the Bible. "Man is justified by works and NOT faith alone." Unlike what many Protestant churches teach, no where in Scripture does it say that man is justified or saved by "faith alone." To the contrary, man is not justified by faith alone. In Catholic theology, a person is justified by faith and works acting together, which comes solely from God’s divine grace. Faith alone never obtains the grace of justification (Council of Trent, chapter 8, canon 9). Also, the word “justified” (dikaiow) is the same word Paul uses for justification in Rom. 4:3 in regard to Abraham (so Protestants cannot argue James is not referring to “justification” in James 2:24 unless they argue Paul wasn’t in Rom. 4:3 either).

Heb. 11:6 - faith is indeed the minimum requirement without which we cannot please God. But this is just the beginning of the process leading toward justification. Faith alone does not justify a person. Justification is only achieved by faith and works, as we see below. Also, this gratuitous gift of faith from God also includes the grace of hope and love the moment the person is justified.

Eph. 2:8-9 – Paul teaches us that faith is the root of justification, and that faith excludes “works of law.” But Paul does not teach that faith excludes other kinds of works, as we will see below. The verse also does not say we are justified by “faith alone.” It only indicates that faith comes first. This, of course, must be true, because those who do works outside of faith are in a system of debt, not of grace (more on that later). But faith alone does not justify. A man is justified by works, and not by faith alone. James 2:24.

Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38, 3:19, 17:30 - the faith we have must be a repentant faith, not just an intellectual faith that believes in God. Repentance is not just a thought process (faith), but an act (work) by which we ask God for His mercy and forgiveness.

Psalm 51:17 – this means we need a “broken and contrite heart,” not just an intellectual assent of faith. Faith in God is only the beginning.

John 3:36; Rom. 1:5, 6:17; 15:18; 16:26; 2 Cor. 9:13; 1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:11; 1 Peter 2:7-8; Heb. 5:9; cf. Rev. 3:10; Ex. 19:5 – this faith must also be an “obedient faith” and a “work of faith.” Obedience means persevering in good works to the end.

Answer 4

Faith is the key. You should believe in God. Good deeds are a by-product of your faith, belief, and adoration for God. Good deeds ultimately get you nowhere alone.

Answer 5

Faith and good deeds are already very good.If you search further then,the third aspect of the Buddha's teaching:'Purifying One's Mind is what you need.
That is where the noble 8 folds path comes in.

Answer 6

It is good to live by those but deeds and faith won't get you into heaven. Jesus states that 'the only way to get to the Father is through me'. Your belief in Christ and your asking him to be your saviour is what will get you the ultimate prize.

Answer 7

Well, you have to believe that Jesus died for your sins, ask for forgiveness and let him into your heart. It is that simple. "Whosoever believeth in me shall not parish but have everlasting life. Keep the faith. Good deeds don't get you there but it is always good to do good deeds. I hope this helps

Answer 8

Let the power of my enchanted ring enlighten you...IN THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE, NO. BUT LIVING BY FAITH AND GOOD DEEDS SHOULD APART OF EVERY HUMAN'S DEMEANOR. YOU MAY NOT GO TO HEAVEN FOR FAITH AND GOOD DEEDES ALONE, BUT YOU WILL BE CELEBRATED ON EARTH. SEARCH FOR YOUR OWN PATH...you have been released from my enchanted ring.

Answer 9

Yes. If more people realized this then much of the struggle of the world would end. But your faith must be complete.

Answer 10

Eh... Traditional Christian theology teaches that God elects for Salvation, and there is no free will. After God has infused someone with Grace, then that person has faith, and then can do good deeds. (So: God first, then faith, and then good deeds.)