Closely related to the doctrines of justification and sanctification is
the subject of good works. One of the most common objections raised by
critics of the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone is
this: “If we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, on account
of Christ alone, what place does that leave for good works?” Even
apostle Paul had heard a similar objection from Christians in Rome.
“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may
abound? (Romans 6:1)”
Questions like this one arise from the concern that if God’s grace is
stressed too much, Christians will become lazy and indifferent to the
things of God. It is feared that Christians might rely too much upon
grace and not demonstrate a sufficient zeal for good works. After all,
what incentive remains to do those works God commands us in his word, if
our standing before God depends upon the good works of another–Jesus
Christ? Even worse, as the critics contend, if the doctrine of
justification is true, and we are justified sinners even after we become
Christians, then why do good works at all, since they are still tainted
by our sin?
Paul’s answer to these questions in Romans 6 is emphatic. In response
to the charge that stress upon grace makes Christians indifferent about
how they live, Paul writes, “By no means!” The apostle’s explanation is
simple. “How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know
that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized
into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death,
in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of
the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:2-4). Continue at Kim Riddlebarger
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