Over the next couple of months Peter Horne has coordinated with a great group of church leaders and writers to explore some of the practical applications for individuals and churches of living Inside Out. We believe you’ll be blessed and challenged by their thoughts, so please make an effort to check back to this blog throughout July and August to join this Summer Blog Tour. Ryan Lassiter writes today’s post:
As I observe the Christian world around me (or maybe the entire world around me for that matter), it seems that extremes win the day. I grew up like many Christians have over the past 30 or more years in a faith tradition that was steeped in legalism. God was seen as this angry God who really did not much like his people, but he could be “bought off” with good deeds. As a reaction to that, we lean over into a world of “justification by faith” to talk about the gospel in such a way that it seems like simply an endeavor of the mind. Believe this, think that, say these words, be immersed in water, and you are “good”. The goal is simply to think certain things and confess certain things with your mouth, and then go to heaven when you die. For some reason, we never settle in the middle of these extremes with the biblical view that you are loved by God simply because, and that you are saved by faith alone. Therefore, live out your salvation and embark upon a journey of following Christ. We love the extremes it seems.
There has been a lot of scholarship over the past 30 years that has led us to believe that Paul wasn’t plagued with guilt when he wrote Romans, like say Martin Luther was when he read it. It seems that Paul’s goal was not simply to help get people to heaven when they die (though that is important), but it was to get heaven inside of Christ followers. The gospel was not simply something to be believed, or a formula for salvation from hell at death, but it was a good news event that should dramatically alter the life of those who believe it and follow after this Crucified Christ. To follow Christ is to orient one’s life toward Christ and begin a journey of being formed into His image. It is why Paul would say things about us being transformed from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18).
So I don’t know if you are like me, but I find myself often frustrated. I want to be more patient, loving, kind, gentle, generous, and self-controlled. I want to react differently, or perhaps be less reactionary at times. I wish I was less impatient, less rash, less compulsive, less…well, you name it. It is a bit like my golf game.
I love golf. I don’t think my swing and my game are that bad. In my head, I know how to play the game really well and I can see myself playing well. However, I continually am amazed and frustrated when I go play and I’m not much better than the last time I played. Yet I never think that part of the problem is I don’t practice. And so it is with my faith. I wish I saw more of the fruit of the Spirit pouring forth in my life, but I do nothing toward that goal.
As Paul is concluding his theological masterpiece, he says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2 (emphasis mine). Paul seems to believe we can be different, and that we can be transformed from the inside out by the renewing of our minds. The gospel can and ought to transform us now, not just at the end. The deal is though, it isn’t a magic formula that you believe and confess and all of the sudden your life is dramatically changed. Sure there are these monumental moments in our faith, but more and more I think it is about the daily process of pursuing Christ. And it is into this thinking that I believe the spiritual disciplines call out to us. The spiritual disciplines are no magic formula, but they can position us for the Spirit to do its work.
I love the teaching of people like Dallas Willard and Richard Foster. They have a holistic and full view of salvation that it isn’t simply a one time conversion moment, but it is a journey or a process of transformation. Both of these guys also believe that the spiritual disciplines are the “practice” so to speak of the faith. If we want to see transformation in our lives, if we want to be less compulsive and reactionary and more patient and kind, perhaps we ought to do things that position us for the Spirit to make these changes in our lives. Maybe we incorporate into our daily lives what St. Benedict called a “rule of life”, or “rhythm of life” that practices the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, solitude, silence, hospitality, submission to others, etc. If the goal isn’t simply to get to heaven one day, but to get heaven inside of us, to become people who begin to look and act more like Christ, then maybe these spiritual disciplines are a very practical tool for this inside out transformation, or what Paul calls the “renewing of your mind”.
The western story of Christianity has been hijacked into one that sounds like Jesus came into the world so we could get out of it. The problem is, that is not a very biblical picture of faith. Rather, what if we let go of that story and began seeing that Christ came into this world to get His image inside of it, or inside of us. No we don’t want to conform to the ways of this world, but neither do we want to hide from it. Rather, let us be transformed from the inside out by the renewing of our minds, and through this bear His image to a lost and broken world.
I can guarantee you that practicing the spiritual disciplines will position you for this transformation because I have seen it in my own life. The deal is though, no one can teach you into this change. Rather, you will have to try it. We can talk about the disciplines, but if you really want to see how it might could work in your life, then do it. Slow down, carve out space in your life, and lean into these disciplines. And don’t be surprised if you notice yourself reacting a bit differently, perhaps a bit more like Jesus would react. The Holy Spirit wants to transform you into the image of Christ, but this can only be done from the inside out.
To promote the Summer Blog Tour, we’re also giving away one set of Church Inside Out, both book and workbook. Just leave a comment below then enter over HERE.
Ryan Lassiter is the preaching minister at the Hunter Hills Church of Christ in Prattville AL. Prior to that he served as a minster at the Golf Course Road Church of Christ in Midland TX, and he and his wife Sarah have also spent time as missionaries. Ryan graduated with his masters in Missional Leadership from Rochester College and his passion is helping people join God in his mission of redemption and restoration. He blogs at www.ryanlassiter.com.
We are not saved by “faith alone”. James said, “Faith without works is dead, being alone.” (James 2:17), He also wrote, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (James 2:24).
Wes, thank you for the reply. I agree and disagree. I think we are saved by faith alone, but then again we’re not. I know that sounds crazy, but I think to try and pick one way or the other is to minimize the story of salvation and is too reductionist. Paul seems clear that faith in Christ (or perhaps the faithfulness of Christ depending on where you fall on the discussion of Galatians 2:16) is what saves us, but a full view of salvation says that this has to be shown by a life lived. James would agree, as you’ve pointed out. So I think we probably agree, and that is kind of what I was hoping to bring about with this post. It seems there are two extremes to the conversation, but I’m wanting us to settle somewhere in the middle.
Wes, I believe that we are saved by faith alone. But it is an active faith, like that described by James, not the solely intellectual faith which Ryan clearly rejects in the article he wrote.
It’s helpful to note how Paul and James use the terms “faith” and “works” differently. Otherwise we end up pitting New Testament writers against one another.
We are not saved by works. We are not saved by mere intellectual belief. We are saved by faith, belief in action, lives that respond to God’s love.
Tim and Ryan,
I do note that Ryan has already mentioned obedience in baptism in order to belittle it as an extreme that requires an angry God. While Tim insists that the faith of Paul was different than the faith of James.
If it is the faith of the of God as taught in the Bible it is the same faith. The entire Bible teaches obedient faith. None of us are good, just forgiven, but forgiveness requires faith, repentance, and baptism (Mark 16:15-16: Acts 2:38). You are also forgetting that we must confess Christ to be the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33; Acts 2:38). That’s not a one time confession but a continuing confession in our imitation of his kind and obedient life, teaching only that revealed in the Word of God. We can not do this by teaching the doctrines of men like “faith alone”. That phrase is not in the Bible. Martin Luther, not God, invented that doctrine. Obedience is as necessary as faith.
Faith alone, which you are teaching is one extreme. Salvation by works alone is the other extreme. Faith coupled with works is the New Testament teaching. I hope both of you will turn away from this doctrine. If you do not, I have done my duty in warning you from the Word of God.
Wes, I don’t mean to be rude, but you aren’t even trying to read what Ryan wrote. You read “faith alone,” supplied your own definition, then compared Ryan’s teaching with Martin Luther’s. You’re not arguing with Wes, nor with me, but with some straw man of your own creation.
As for Paul and James, when Paul talks about “the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works,” he is either contradicting James, or he is using the term in a different way.
If you believe in salvation by works, then you disagree with what is posted here. If you believe in salvation by intellectual belief, you disagree with what is posted here. From what you’ve said over the years, I think you reject those two extremes. As does Ryan.
Tim,
Salvation by faith alone is not in the New Testament. We are saved by faith coupled with works. These are works laid down in the New Testament. They are not works of the Law of Moses, which is what Paul was talking about in Roman 4:6. I can only assume this is the verse you are talking about since neither you or Ryan back up your statements with scripture references and expect people to take your word for it. Paul is not talking about a different faith, but different works. We are saved by faith coupled with the works taught in the Law of Christ, not those of the Law of Moses. James, talking about faith shows that even Abraham had to to do the works that God commanded in order to be justified even though he was not under the Law of Moses “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” (James 2:19-24).
As for supplying the definition of faith alone, Martin Luther and his followers supplied it along time ago from his marginal notes. It means in every instance faith only, no works of any kind. That is never taught in the Bible. It is taught by a lot of other churches, but until recently has never been taught by the churches of Christ, and never has and never will be taught in the Word of God. We can not change the gospel to satisfy men. As follower of the Lord, I have fulfilled my duty to you. If you will not hear, I must shake off the dust of my feet and move on to others who will hear.
Wes, I don’t want to drag this out, but I do want to make a couple of points. You’ve recognized that Paul uses “works” differently than James. As for faith, note James 2:19. As part of his rebuttal of “faith alone,” James refers to the belief that demons have. That’s not the “faith of the Bible” that you mentioned before. That’s mere intellectual belief, which we both agree does not save.
One reason that many have felt the need to fight against salvation by faith is they classify baptism as a work, something that the Bible never does. It is a work of the Holy Spirit, not a human work.
The best example I know is Acts 16. The Philippian jailor is told, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then later, Luke notes, “he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.” Luke didn’t have to say, “He believed and was baptized”; baptism is a natural part of saving faith. If you don’t obey God, you don’t believe in him. Baptism isn’t a work; it’s what faith does.
Christians will perform good works, but not in an effort to earn salvation. As James notes, they are a sign of a living faith.
Grace and peace.
Tim you are so steeped in the denominational doctrine of faith only that I doubt that I can do anything to help. You said the the jailer found joy in believing but, the fact is, there was no salvation until he obeyed God as he did the same hour of the night. If baptism is so useless as you and Ryan imply then why did he do it the same hour of the night and why did Luke record that. You once believed the Bible rather than commentaries and college professors. Faith must precede baptism but there is clearly no salvation until repentance, confession, and baptism are completed. In fact, according to both Paul and James we can depart from the faith especially if we expect to be saved without doing the work of the Lord as revealed in the New Testament. This is the faith that the demons in James 2:19 have. It is faith, but is not saving faith because they do not obey to be saved. I feel sorry for you and Ryan and hope that you will repent before it is to late. I also feel sorry for all those led astray by the doctrine of faith alone. I pray that the Lord will have mercy, but I really don’t expect any if I ignore his simple commands.
As Paul wrote to Timothy: ” I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (II Timothy 4:1-8).
I don’t believe you understand work. Repentance, faith, and baptism are all works commanded by God. If it was a natural part of faith the devils could have obeyed and been saved, but they did not.
Tim, It is not I who have changed. I still preach the same doctrine of Christ that I always preached. Please reject the human doctrine of faith alone and return to the Lord. There are those in our area too who have begun to go astray from the New Testament. I am making some progress with them and I said must use what time I have to reach them.
Wes, you have seriously misjudged me and what I’ve said. I’m not sure why you have chosen to misrepresent my views, but so be it. If you ever meet that straw man which you have created, please tell him I said hello. Tell him also that he and I do not agree on much of anything.
If your slander about my considering baptism to be useless were not so offensive, it would be laughable. Take the time to read through the 48 posts I’ve written that talk about baptism, then tell me that I think it’s useless: http://www.timothyarcher.com/kitchen/category/baptism/ Sheesh! I helped 30 people be baptized for the remittance of their sins last week; how’s your July going?
I’m tired of defending what others have written, so I’ll let you argue with Luke about the motives for the Philippian jailer’s rejoicing. Luke said it was because he had believed; I merely repeated what Luke said. Go argue with him. And the Holy Spirit, while you’re at it.
Now, let’s say that someone was interested in knowing what I actually believe on this subject. Then I would explain to them what I’ve written elsewhere:
I might also share what I often share in campaigns. If I say “I believe in my doctor,” what am I saying? That I believe his diploma is real. That’s part of it. But if my doctor prescribes medicine, recommends tests, and gives advice, and I refuse to follow any of it, can I really say I believe in my doctor? If I believe in him, I’ll do what he says; if I don’t do what he says, I don’t believe in him.
If I believe in God, truly believe, I will repent. I will be baptized. I will dedicate my life to Christ. If not, I don’t truly believe. There is no saving faith if that faith is not accompanied by actions, what James calls works (not what Paul calls works). They aren’t works in the sense that Paul speaks of works; anyone who seeks to be saved through works will stumble as the Jews did (Romans 9:30-32; the King James adds “of the Law,” which confuses the discussion).
Wes, it is not I who have changed. I still preach the same doctrine of Christ that I always preached. I neither teach salvation through a faith that doesn’t work or salvation obtained by works instead of faith. I continue to teach salvation through a faith that works.
Since you accused me of slander, I had to go back and read exactly what I said. I said that you implied that baptism is useless. I did not say that is what you believe. My point is that when the majority of people, see the words “saved by faith alone”, it is understood to mean without repentance, confession, baptism, or anything else. I am sure that you believe baptism is useful, but if I did not know it is necessary to salvation your explanations would leave me confused about what the use is. I do not know of anyone who claims to follow Christ who would not declare faith to be necessary, but the majority of the religious world declares baptism unnecessary except for church membership and then begin to argue over exactly what baptism is. To the everyone I know, faith alone, means merely believing that Jesus is the Christ and to some just believing there is a God of some kind. You said you mean active faith that includes repentance, confession, and baptism; but the fact is that faith alone is inactive and as James says dead. If you say faith and works are necessary everyone understands that repentance, confession, baptism and following the Lord to the best of our ability are all included. Neither faith alone or works alone is acceptable, but works of obedience coupled with our faith saves. That’s what the Bible says and is as clear as I can make it. I have found no one who seems to misunderstand what this means until now. Say what you will, I will not be back here. I pray God will have mercy because I don’t believe you understand what faith alone really means.
Wes, you might look up the meaning of the word “imply.” To imply something is an intentional act of communication, expressing something in an indirect way. If you say that I implied baptism is useless, then you have said that I said it, just not directly. While you might say that your previous post wasn’t slander (we could debate that), it was undeniably offensive in tone and substance.
I fully understand what faith alone means. I know that there can be some confusion if that phrase is used out of context, but in this context there should have been no such confusion. We both can read what Ryan wrote and know that when he says “faith alone,” he isn’t referring to the very thing he condemned in the previous sentence. It only takes a basic level of English reading ability to grasp that.