There has long been a debate within Christianity about how important our works (or actions) are compared to simply believing. In other words, how much do we contribute to the salvation process vs. what Jesus puts into it? After salvation, how much of our work and effort goes into being disciples? As I understand Scripture, the debate over belief and works suggests we are looking at it the wrong way. It’s not a matter of what we put into faith but, rather, what faith produces in us. That’s why the book of James challenges us in the area of faith and works.

Over the course of the next two weeks, we are going to look at this question of works vs. belief through the lens of Jesus declaring himself to be the bread of life. We will see Jesus telling the people to eat his flesh and drink his blood. Was he speaking literally? No. So what was he talking about? That’s what we will learn in these next two lessons. And what we learn should lead to a clear understanding of the works vs. belief conundrum.

 

 

Posted on: November 19, 2023