Why do some believe they are saved by faith alone?

Question

With all of the suffering in the world, how can one actually believe that if they just sit around a pray for others that that is all they should be doing? Jesus historical life (as much as we actually know about it) was lived by taking actions that helped others. Darfur is a disaster, tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians are dead, thousands of American soldiers are dead, civil rights and human rights are being severely threatened. What do you believe right action is regardless of your belief system?
I am a Buddhist and in my dharma practice we act because it is right not because of the fruits of any possible reward. Thoughts? Namaste people.

Thanks tagan, but I was raised Catholic and stayed Catholic for 27 years and I still never thought that faith alone was good enough.

Answer 1

I totally agree with you!

I think that people misunderstand what the Christian doctrine of salvation by faith means. It does not mean that you can just sit around and do nothing. Is it the book of James that says "Faith without works is dead"? I know it's in the NT somewhere!

I know that many churches do take actions and help people as much as they can. My family's church is a great example of that. I am proud that they use their resources to help society. I wish more churches were like that.

I also feel that my own people do not do enough. But maybe no one really does enough. But we should certainly try.

Answer 2

In Christianity we do not believe that we are saved by faith, we believe that we are saved by grace through faith. Also in Christianity no one that I know of believes that if they just sit around and pray for others that that is all they should be doing. Jesus life was a life of teaching truth and he said that we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. What our responsibility is as Christians is to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world so that they may be delivered from this evil world and taken to a place where there are no disasters and and they can live without suffering for eternity. That is not to say that Christians do not get involved in the issues of this world but we always remember what our primary focus is.

Answer 3

James 2:26; In deed as the body without spirit is dead so also faith without works is dead.
Jeremiah 10:23; I well know O Jehovah that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.

I feel that the only hope for the future isn't by relying on what man can do. (man is the reason this world is the way it is now.) The only sure way is by putting my trust in Jehovah and by trying to do the work that he laid out for all of us to do by following the foot steps of Jesus. (not that I'm perfect) Jesus was hear to teach us how to live. So if we all could follow his path then we wouldn't have to worry about our human rights being threatened. But this isn't going to happen in this system that is ruled by Satan.
1 John 5:19; we know we originate with God,but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.

Answer 4

Let's differentiate between salvation and active faith. Salvation is personal between the one person and God. We are saved from eternal damnation and given eternal life with God. Paul says we are saved by grace alone so that none may boast about his deeds.

James wrote that faith without works is dead. What he meant was that once we have received salvation, we are to do God's work here on Earth. As Jesus said, whatever ye do for the least of these, ye do for me. In other words, we aren't supposed to just sit around and pray for people. We are to be led by the Holy Spirit to act to help people. So we do what we can to feed and cloth the poor, to promote peace, stop global warming, whatever we feel we can best accomplish. You are exactly right when you say that Jesus was active and in the middle of things. And he expects us to do so as well.

Answer 5

None can do works good enough to pay for their sin and the worst sin is to deny the salvation God has provided in Jesus.
Faith is what unites us to Him and His sacrifice for sin and also gives us His perfect righteousness. So unless you can be as righteous as Jesus and have no sin you have no hope on judgment day.
Now the faith God gives is a living faith that does go out and do good but we are not saved by doing good, only be Jesus. Those who say they have faith but don't have any works to prove it are deceived.

Answer 6

I believe that we are saved by believing that the Lord Jesus Christ died for my sins. He was buried and took my sins away and He rose again the third day for my justification. I believe that He did it all for me because His Words tells me so. 1 Corinthians 15: 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 1 Corinthians 15: 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 4: 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. There is nothing you can do in your flesh that will please God but believe which is not a work.

Answer 7

Well, Catholics believe in faith and works. That if you actually have faith it's going to show up in your life and you're actions are going to show this.

Christians (along with Catholics) do not believe that you have to earn your way into heaven. Hence the 'by faith alone'. This should not excuse them from practicing and showing their faith in everyday life.

Answer 8

I think if you have faith, the right action is to show that faith through your works. Christians are supposed to follow Jesus. He gave of Himself in every way possible for everyone. We should do our best to follow that.

May God Bless you.

Answer 9

Faith wears overalls - it will be found working - without it - it's dead faith it cannot save you or help others

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Answer 10

You can work and worship idols all you want, which is totally useless and man-made. Jesus wants your >heart< and to believe in him, and accept him. Faith is believing what you don't see and accepting that the Holy Spirit will fill your soul. Jesus said "whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my father who is in heaven". ( Matthew 10: 33)
Mans transgressions is upon >himself< and not the will of
God, for God is love. The proper action is for mankind to put aside his selfish ambitions and pride, the weapons of war, help each other and as Jesus told us to "love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another". (John 13: 34)
As for any "rewards" (Matthew 6: 19-21)
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where theives break in and steal; 20) but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21) for where you treasure is, there your heart will be also. I pray this helps :)