Monergism or Synergism
Sola Fide (faith alone) is among the Five Solas (Five Pillars) that separate Catholicism and Protestantism. It is commonly agreed by both sides, that the stance on such an issue is what creates an emnity between the two.
General View on Justification
Passages Used To Support Monergism
Passages Used To Support Synergism
Sola Fide is the idea that only faith can save a person. That Jesus's obedience is accounted as their own. Also that nothing (no work) a human can do, no matter how great, can justify a person in The Eyes of God. Upon researching the topic (from a Protestant perspective) one might read about the (incorrect idea) that the Catholic Church has "taught that only by our will co-operating with grace and producing good works was the sinner able to merit salvation."
We should remember and consider when discussing Sola Fide, that the opposing stance to it is not that of Catholics only. The Eastern Orthodox Church has taken an opposing stance as well. Mormonism, which is staunchly opposed to most Catholic ideals, is also opposed to such a concept. The opposition (contrary to popular belief) holds not that only good works can save a person, but faith, obedience, co-operation (through good works, evangelism and charity) are requirements of us in our walk with God. That "God's free initiative demands man's free response for God has created man in His image by conferring on him, along with freedom, the power to know Him and love Him." This is why it is referred to as synergism. It is the co-operation of faith and good works, but also of man co-operating with God. Doing His will out of our own free will. Synergism holds that faith with out works is dead faith, but also works with out faith are dead works. They must be together. Contrary to what many people understand, and Protestants teach the Catholic Church professes, it is not "faith plus works." Synergism is "faith together with works."
Such co-operation can be seen as early as Genesis when God gave Adam the will to chose by making Adam in His Own Image. Also when Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise for their disobedience. This disobedience is what initially disfaced humanity, through original sin. Then again in The 10 Commandments, in which God gave us instructions for how we ought to live. Judaism has taught that there are merits that can save a man from Hell, just as there are sins that can damn a man to it. Remember the words of Jesus when He said (in The Expounding of The Law, Matthew 5:17) "Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill."
To further understand both perspectives, we look to posed scriptural evidence of both.
Psalms 84:12: "O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you."
(May be ennumerated in some Bibles as Psalm 83:13)
This passage says "blessed" not "saved" or "justified." It also says "trusts in you" but makes no mention of faith instead of, or with out works.
2 Chronicles 20:20: "And they rose early in the morning, and went out through the desert of Thecua: and as they were marching, Josaphat standing in the midst of them, said: Hear me, ye men of Juda, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be secure: believe His prophets, and all things shall succeed well."
(May be ennumerated as 2 Paralipomenon 20:20)
This passage was about success in a struggle against enemies in this life, not in that to come.
Matthew 7:22 "Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have not we prophesied in Thy name, and cast out devils in Thy name, and done many miracles in thy name?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity."
This verse in Matthew is between two verses that support synergism.
Luke 5:20:"Whose faith when he saw, he said: Man, thy sins are forgiven thee."
Earlier in this passage, Jesus commanded the man He cured of leprosy, to make an offering in the manner of the old law, thus an action and sacrifice made for his cleansing.
Luke 18:10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give Thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican.
12 I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner.
14 I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather that the other: because every one that exalteth himself, shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted."
All this passage shows is one man exhaulting himself and finding blame in others. The other man humbled himself and accepted his own blame, and asked forgiveness for it. This doesn't mention his faith, only his humility. The passage does proceed with;
Luke 18:22 Which when Jesus had heard, he said to him: Yet one thing is wanting to thee: sell all whatever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Luke 23:40 "But the other answering, rebuked him, saying: Neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art condemned under the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man hath done no evil.
42 And he said to Jesus: Lord, remember me when thou shalt come into Thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said to him: Amen I say to thee, this day thou shalt be with Me in paradise."
We should take note of the scenario. While Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, including those of the penitent thief next to Him, this thief was also by his own admission, crucified for his transgressions. He said "And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds;"
John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in Him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
17 For God sent not His Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by Him.
18 He that believeth in Him is not judged. But he that doth not believe, is already judged: because he believeth not in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
Earlier in this passage, Jesus spoke of the necessity of baptism. While there is a debate about infant and adult baptism, but that is beside the point. It is a sacrament and an action. Jesus also mentions coming into the light so their work may be seen and doing work in God.
John 5:24: "Amen, amen I say unto you, that he who heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath life everlasting; and cometh not into judgment, but is passed from death to life."
However, John 5:29 says that we will be judged according to our works.
John 6:28 (explaining Matthew 7:21): "They said therefore unto him: What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered, and said to them: This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he hath sent."
John 6:40: "And this is the will of my Father that sent Me: that every one who seeth the Son, and believeth in Him, may have life everlasting, and I will raise him up in the last day."
John 6:47: "Amen, amen I say unto you: He that believeth in me, hath everlasting life."
These passages in John 6 mention that faith is important, but again it is important to remember the context. This passage is also used as a proof of The Holy Eucharist. In this, Jesus said that if we did not eat of The Flesh of The Son Of Man and drink of His Blood, you will not have life with in you. This is a command, an action and thus, co-operation and obedience. As well, this is to attain spiritual sustenance.
Acts 16:31: " But they said: Believe in the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
Note that this passage goes on to mention the baptism of the jailer and all in his house, which is not only mentioned as a probable example of infant baptism, but a sacrament, which is an action. Both on the part of the one ministering and receiving it.
Acts 26:18: " To open their eyes, that they may be converted from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and a lot among the saints, by the faith that is in me."
This is a mention of the faith of Jesus as He appeared before Saul, who would become Paul. This is not the mention of Paul's faith.
Romans 1:17 "For the justice of God is revealed therein, from faith unto faith, as it is written: The just man liveth by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and injustice of those men that detain the truth of God in injustice:"
This passage continues into;
21 "Because that, when they knew God, they have not glorified him as God, or given thanks; but became vain in their thoughts, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 For professing themselves to be wise, they became fools."
They knew God, but didn't give Him thanks. And in professing to be wise, they became fools. We can not be so "wise" to think that anything we do will be our salvation. It also says "The just man liveth by faith." Then should we not have faith when Jesus says that certain things must be done? Shouldn't we live according to our faith?
Romans 3:28: "For we account a man to be justified by faith, without the works of the law."
Note the use of "the law." It specified what works, and not works as a whole. Also important is to note the difference between Christian action and work in general. Such as whatever glory or applause such works might procure from men, they would be of no value in the sight of God. Such as when Jesus spoke of the people who make it widely known they are fasting, and make a show of it. They have received their reward for they wanted the approval of people. Then Jesus said that we should fast in private, so that only God could see. Note this as He talked about an action we should take, and a manner in which we can take it so as not to seek the approval of men but to offer it up to God.
Romans 4:5: "But to him that worketh not, yet believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reputed to justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God."
"To him that worketh"... Vis., as of his own fund, or by his own strength. Such a man, says the apostle, challenges his reward as a debt due to his own performances; whereas he who worketh not, that is, who presumeth not upon any works done by his own strength, but seeketh justice through faith and grace, is freely justified by God's grace.
Let us also remember, God tested Abraham's faith when He asked Abraham to offer his son Isaac up as an offering. Abraham didn't keep his son from God, just as The Father didn't keep His only Son.
Romans 5:1: "Being justified therefore by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ:"
This passage is followed by;
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access through faith into this grace, wherein we stand, and glory in the hope of the glory of the sons of God.
3 And not only so; but we glory also in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience trial; and trial hope;
5 And hope confoundeth not: because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, who is given to us.
There is mention of tribulations. Tribulations is defined as "An experience that tests one's endurance, patience, or faith." Thus there must be co-operation. There must be and will also be action to test faith. It is easy to have faith when you have given nothing for it. Job, for example, was tormented to show that his faith was resolute.
Romans 10:9: "For if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thy heart that God hath raised him up from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Again, the context of this passage must be remembered. This passage dealt with the end of the law is faith in Christ. which the Jews refusing to submit to, cannot be justified. It is discussed that God is the God of the "Jews and the Greeks" for He is Lord of all.
Romans 11:6: "And if by grace, it is not now by works: otherwise grace is no more grace."
"It is not now by works"... If salvation were to come by works, done by nature, without faith and grace, salvation would not be a grace or favour, but a debt; but such dead works are indeed of no value in the sight of God towards salvation. It is not the same with regard to works done with, and by, God's grace; for to such works as these, he has promised eternal salvation.
Romans 14:23: "But he that discerneth, if he eat, is condemned; because not of faith. For all that is not of faith is sin."
It is important to include the entire passage, for again, it sets context. This was again to show things must be done with faith. All this (along with many of the other passages) has done is establish the need for faith. It says that good works alone can not save a man, but neither does this passage establish that faith alone can.
Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God;
9 Not of works, that no man may glory.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus in good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them."
"Not of works"... as of our own growth, or from ourselves; but as from the grace of God. The passage also mentions that we were saved through Christ's grace.
Philippians 3:9: "And may be found in him, not having my justice, which is of the law, but that which is of the faith of Christ Jesus, which is of God, justice in faith:"
This speaks of the works of the law, not of works in general.
Galatians 2:16: "But knowing that man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ; we also believe in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified."
Galatians 2:21: "I cast not away the grace of God. For if justice be by the law, then Christ died in vain."
This chapter was about the gentiles and how they were not to be constrained to the observance of the law. This passage was about, again, works of the law and not works in general. Context is very important.
Galatians 3:1 "O senseless Galatians, who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been set forth, crucified among you?
2 This only would I learn of you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are you so foolish, that, whereas you began in the Spirit, you would now be made perfect by the flesh?
8 And the scripture, foreseeing, that God justifieth the Gentiles by faith, told unto Abraham before: In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 Therefore they that are of faith, shall be blessed with faithful Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law, are under a curse. For it is written: Cursed is every one, that abideth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11 But that in the law no man is justified with God, it is manifest: because the just man liveth by faith.
12 But the law is not of faith: but, He that doth those things, shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written: Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus: that we may receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.
21 Was the law then against the promises of God? God forbid. For if there had been a law given which could give life, verily justice should have been by the law.
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise, by the faith of Jesus Christ, might be given to them that believe.
23 But before the faith came, we were kept under the law shut up, unto that faith which was to be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our pedagogue in Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after the faith is come, we are no longer under a pedagogue."
How can one live in faith, with out doing that which our faith requires us? Again, this passages speaks of the works of the law, not of works in general.
Galatians 5:4 "You are made void of Christ, you who are justified in the law: you are fallen from grace.
5 For we in spirit, by faith, wait for the hope of justice."
Continue with verse 6 "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision: but faith that worketh by charity."
Discussed is an action or "inaction" that matter not, but an expression of faith that works through charity. Note work, faith and charity in one sentence.
Titus 3:5: "Not by the works of justice, which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and renovation of the Holy Ghost;"
All this states is that Jesus came for the sinner as well as the saint. To save all men, for all time. Also that this was done out of love for man. One may think that its foolish and even arrogant to think that works will save them. How than can one put that measure on their faith? Is that not also arrogant? To think that your faith is so great that it washes away everything you've done and made you worthy. Note 1 Corinthians 10:12. The truth is, God loved the world so much He sent His only Son, Jesus, to save it. Love. That is a key word. Both monergism and synergism agree that nothing a man can do would ever make themselves worthy. We all deserve condemnation for our sin. It is only through God that a man can be saved. And The Father loved the world so much He sent His only Son Jesus to do exactly that. Yes, you must have faith, but you must also love God with all your heart. You must love each other as you love yourself, and obey the word of God. As St. Cyprian said "No one is safe by his own strength, but he is safe by the face and mercy of God."
How can you do any of these things, if you are not willing to do anything to show this love and obedience? Only God can save us, but it is clear that God does require things from us.
Note should be taken of John 8. Particularly verse 54 "Jesus answered: If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father that glorifieth me."
Ecclesiastes 12:14 "And all things that are done, God will bring into judgment for every error, whether it be good or evil."
Jeremias 17:10 "I am the Lord who search the heart and prove the reins: who give to every one according to his way, and according to the fruit of his devices." (also like Jeremias 32:19)
Matthew 5:15 "Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house.
16 So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 5:48 (part of the Expounding of the Law within the Sermon on the Mount): "Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect."
Matthew 6:1 "Take heed that you do not your justice before men, to be seen by them: otherwise you shall not have a reward of your Father who is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou dost an almsdeed, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honoured by men. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward.
3 But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth.
4 That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee.
5 And when ye pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, that love to stand and pray in the synagogues and corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men: Amen I say to you, they have received their reward.
6 But thou when thou shalt pray, enter into thy chamber, and having shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee."
1 "Your justice"... that is, works of justice; viz., fasting, prayer, and almsdeeds; which ought to be performed not out of ostentation, or a view to please men, but solely to please God.
Matthew 7:16 (part of the Sermon on the Mount) "By their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and shall be cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 7:24 (part of the Sermon on the Mount): "Every one therefore that heareth these my words, and doth them, shall be likened to a wise man that built his house upon a rock,
25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell not, for it was founded on a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these my words, and doth them not, shall be like a foolish man that built his house upon the sand,
27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall thereof."
Matthew 10:38 "And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth Me, is not worthy of Me.
39 He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for Me, shall find it."
Matthew 12:36 "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall render an account for it in the day of judgment.
37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Matthew 12:50 "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father, that is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother."
Matthew 16:24 "Then Jesus said to his disciples: If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
25 For he that will save his life, shall lose it: and he that shall lose his life for My sake, shall find it.
26 For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul?
27 For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels: and then will He render to every man according to his works."
Matthew 19:17: "Who said to him: Why asketh thou me concerning good? One is good, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
Matthew 21:28 "But what think you? A certain man had two sons; and coming to the first, he said: Son, go work today in my vineyard.
29 And he answering, said: I will not. But afterwards, being moved with repentance, he went.
30 And coming to the other, he said in like manner. And he answering, said: I go, Sir; and he went not.
31 Which of the two did the father's will? They say to him: The first. Jesus saith to them: Amen I say to you, that the publicans and the harlots shall go into the kingdom of God before you.
32 For John came to you in the way of justice, and you did not believe him. But the publicans and the harlots believed him: but you, seeing it, did not even afterwards repent, that you might believe him.
This passage was important for Jesus at the time was speaking to chief priests and ancients. They type of people who were expected to have faith, and be righteous. This passage shows the first son saying he will not do his father will but later repents as does as he was asked. The second saying he will, but does not. This clearly illustrates the difference between claiming to be one who does The Father's will, and one who actually does.
Matthew 24:10 "And then shall many be scandalized: and shall betray one another: and shall hate one another.
11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall seduce many.
12 And because iniquity hath abounded, the charity of many shall grow cold.
13 But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom, shall be preached in the whole world, for a testimony to all nations, and then shall the consummation come.
15 When therefore you shall see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place: he that readeth let him understand.
16 Then they that are in Judea, let them flee to the mountains:
17 And he that is on the housetop, let him not come down to take any thing out of his house:
18 And he that is in the field, let him not go back to take his coat.
19 And woe to them that are with child, and that give suck in those days.
20 But pray that your flight be not in the winter, or on the sabbath."
Matthew 25:16-30 (excerpts)
20 And he that had received the five talents coming, brought other five talents, saying: Lord, thou didst deliver to me five talents, behold I have gained other five over and above.
21 His lord said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant, because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 But he that had received the one talent, came and said: Lord, I know that thou art a hard man; thou reapest where thou hast not sown, and gatherest where thou hast not strewed.
25 And being afraid I went and hid thy talent in the earth: behold here thou hast that which is thine.
26 And his lord answering, said to him: Wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sow not, and gather where I have not strewed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have committed my money to the bankers, and at my coming I should have received my own with usury.
In this parable a master had given money to three of his servants to tend to. Two of them did well with what they were given, and they were rewarded and invited to share in their masters happiness. The third, hid the money. The servant returned only that which was given to him by the master, not having even placed it in the bank for interest. He was punished. If we keep to ourselves what The Lord has shown and given to us, we will be like this servant. Many of us speak, or speculate about what we did if we had the means. We over look the fact that God has already placed us in charge of a few things. Evangelism and good works are like the first two servants, who took what was given to them and found a way to make what was given to them grow. Keeping it to themselves and assuming simply returning what was given will be enough would be like the third servant, who knew that his master reaped where nothing was sown and did nothing. We have all been placed in charge of few things. Perhaps some more than others, but let us take what we were given and be faithful with it.
Matthew 25:31 "And when the Son of man shall come in his majesty, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit upon the seat of his majesty.
32 And all nations shall be gathered together before him, and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left.
34 Then shall the king say to them that shall be on his right hand: Come, ye blessed of My Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me to drink; I was a stranger, and you took Me in:
36 Naked, and you covered Me: sick, and you visited Me: I was in prison, and you came to Me.
37 Then shall the just answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and fed thee; thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 And when did we see thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and covered thee?
39 Or when did we see thee sick or in prison, and came to thee?
40 And the king answering, shall say to them: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me.
41 Then he shall say to them also that shall be on his left hand: Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels.
42 For I was hungry, and you gave me not to eat: I was thirsty, and you gave me not to drink.
43 I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you covered me not: sick and in prison, and you did not visit me.
44 Then they also shall answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to thee?
45 Then he shall answer them, saying: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it not to one of these least, neither did you do it to me.
46 And these shall go into everlasting punishment: but the just, into life everlasting."
Matthew 28:19 (part of the Great Commission): "Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world."
Mark 8:34 "And calling the multitude together with his disciples, he said to them: If any man will follow me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
35 For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel, shall save it."
This is like in Matthew 10. Jesus has instructed us to take up our cross. Now this can be taken literally or figuratively. Figuratively would be more likely in todays age. It still shows that Jesus has commanded us to take action. What could possibly be meant by taking up a cross? Given that Jesus would take up a cross (more literally) and suffer for our sins, this can be taken that we in turn must do something and even suffer. Even if it is only in spirit rather than in our physical bodies. And how would this happen? Jesus died for the sin of the world. How would we take up a cross? Perhaps through action? Perhaps though stead fast faith. Evangelism. Alms giving and deeds. Refusal to compromise in our Christian dignity. All of these are works.
Luke 8:21: "Who answering, said to them: My mother and My brethren are they who hear the word of God, and do it."
Luke 10:25 "And behold a certain lawyer stood up, tempting him, and saying, Master, what must I do to possess eternal life?
26 But he said to him: What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 He answering, said: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said to him: Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live."
This passage in Luke is of particular note for it continues with the parable of The Good Samaritan. In this parable a man is robbed, stripped and beaten half to death and left on the side of the road. A Levite and a priest, both people who would have been expected to help the man, pass him and leave him there. Only the Samaritan helps the man. At the end of the parable, Jesus asked the lawyer who he thought was the one who had done the right thing. When the lawyer answered "He that shewed mercy to him" Jesus told the lawyer to "Go, and do thou in like manner." This passage is important for many reasons, but it also illustrates a point. Both the Levite and preist were those expected to do right, but did not. The Samaritan, the person with a differing view of Jewish law, and looked down upon by the people did what is right. If we truly believe that only our faith is needed, we can separate ourselves from the charity and the desire to do what is right, and risk becoming like the first two men in the parable.
Luke 19:6 "And he made haste and came down; and received him with joy.
7 And when all saw it, they murmured, saying, that he was gone to be a guest with a man that was a sinner.
8 But Zacheus standing, said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wronged any man of any thing, I restore him fourfold.
9 Jesus said to him: This day is salvation come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world, to judge the world, but that the world may be saved by him.
18 He that believeth in him is not judged. But he that doth not believe, is already judged: because he believeth not in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the judgment: because the light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light: for their works were evil.
20 For every one that doth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, that his works may not be reproved.
21 But he that doth truth, cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, because they are done in God."
John 3:16 is often used as proof for monergism, but John 3 does go on to speak of a man's works. Here we have the discussion of those who love the light, and thus do their work in God. Thus if you believe in God, you should do good works in Him.
In verse 18 "Is not judged"... He that believeth, viz., by a faith working through charity, is not judged, that is, is not condemned; but the obstinate unbeliever is judged, that is, condemned already, by retrenching himself from the society of Christ and his church. In verse 19 "The judgment"... That is, the cause of his condemnation.
Here there is mention of works. "He that doth truth"... that is, he that acteth according to truth, which here signifies the Law of God. Thy law is truth. Psalm 118:142. Also there is mention doing works in God.
John 5:29: "And they that have done good things, shall come forth unto the resurrection of life; but they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment."
John 14:15 "If you love me, keep my commandments."
Romans 2:13 "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified"
Romans 2:6 "Who will render to every man according to his works.
7 To them indeed, who according to patience in good work, seek glory and honour and incorruption, eternal life:
8 But to them that are contentious, and who obey not the truth, but give credit to iniquity, wrath and indignation.
9 Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that worketh evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek.
10 But glory, and honour, and peace to every one that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
12 For whosoever have sinned without the law, shall perish without the law; and whosoever have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law.
13 For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Galatians 6:7: "Be not deceived, God is not mocked.
8 For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap. For he that soweth in his flesh, of the flesh also shall reap corruption. But he that soweth in the spirit, of the spirit shall reap life everlasting.
9 And in doing good, let us not fail. For in due time we shall reap, not failing.
10 Therefore, whilst we have time, let us work good to all men, but especially to those who are of the household of the faith."
1 Corinthians 10:12 "Wherefore he that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall."
1 Corinthians 13:1 "If I speak with the tongues of men, and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And if I should have prophecy and should know all mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."
2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all be manifested before the judgement seat of Christ, that every one may receive the proper things of the body, according as he hath done, whether it be good or evil."
Titus 1:16 "They profess that they know God: but in their works they deny him; being abominable, and incredulous, and to every good work reprobate."
Titus 3:8 "It is a faithful saying: and these things I will have thee affirm constantly: that they, who believe in God, may be careful to excel in good works. These things are good and profitable unto men."
Titus 3:14 "And let our men also learn to excel in good works for necessary uses: that they be not unfruitful."
James 1:21 "Wherefore casting away all uncleanness, and abundance of naughtiness, with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if a man be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he shall be compared to a man beholding his own countenance in a glass.
24 For he beheld himself, and went his way, and presently forgot what manner of man he was.
25 But he that hath looked into the perfect law of liberty, and hath continued therein, not becoming a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; this man shall be blessed in his deed."
James 2: (The entire book.)
(excerpts from James 2): "... What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? ... 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? ... Ye see then how that by works a man is justified,
James 4:17 "To him therefore who knoweth to do good, and doth it not, to him it is sin."
Phillipians 2:12 "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, (as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but much more now in my absence,) with fear and trembling work out your salvation.
13 For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to accomplish, according to His good will."
1 Peter 1:17: "And if you invoke as Father him who, without respect of persons, judgeth according to every one's work: converse in fear during the time of your sojourning here."
1 Peter 4:8 "But before all things have a constant mutual charity among yourselves: for charity covereth a multitude of sins.
9 Using hospitality one towards another, without murmuring,
10 As every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another: as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If any man speak, let him speak, as the words of God. If any man minister, let him do it, as of the power, which God administereth: that in all things God may be honoured through Jesus Christ: to whom is glory and empire for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Dearly beloved, think not strange the burning heat which is to try you, as if some new thing happened to you;
13 But if you partake of the sufferings of Christ, rejoice that when his glory shall be revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
14 If you be reproached for the name of Christ, you shall be blessed: for that which is of the honour, glory, and power of God, and that which is his Spirit, resteth upon you.
15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a railer, or a coveter of other men's things.
16 But if as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.
17 For the time is, that judgment should begin at the house of God. And if first at us, what shall be the end of them that believe not the gospel of God?
18 And if the just man shall scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them also that suffer according to the will of God, commend their souls in good deeds to the faithful Creator."
1 John 2:3 "And by this we know that we have known him, if we keep his commandments.
4 He who saith that he knoweth him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
5 But he that keepeth his word, in him in very deed the charity of God is perfected; and by this we know that we are in him.
6 He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also to walk, even as he walked.
7 Dearly beloved, I write not a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you have heard."
"If we keep his commandments"... He speaks of that practical knowledge by love and affection, which can only be proved by our keeping his commandments; and without which we can not be said to know God as we should do.
Jude 1:15 "To execute judgment upon all, and to reprove all the ungodly for all the works of their ungodliness, whereby they have done ungodly, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against God."
While this passage speaks of the ungodly sinner being judged according to works, not Christians, it is important to consider the fact that this mentions ungodly sinners. Judaism preaches that being a pagan or of a different faith is not damnable. This passage shows that someone who doesn't believe will be held accountable for sinful actions. Regardless of our faith, dead or alive, we all belong to God. And as such we are all given a conscience to guide our actions. Thus a non-believer can be held accountable for their actions, even though they had no faith.
Revelation 20:12 "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing in the presence of the throne, and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged by those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and hell gave up their dead that were in them; and they were judged every one according to their works."
If you believe in, and have faith in Christ, then you should believe when He said that you must take action. John Calvin, who was a proponent of sola fide, said that good works were a fruit of faith. Even here we can see that it is believe that faith and good works can not be separated in our Christian life.
We need to ask ourselves, if only faith is needed;
- Why do we have The commandments? Why did God command us to do certain things and not to do others? Why, during His ministry on Earth, did Jesus gives us these commandments "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbour as thyself." Particularly since Jesus was just asked "Master, what must I do to possess eternal life?"
- What of prayer? Is prayer needed if we are to believe that only faith is required? Isn't prayer an action, thus a work? Isn't praying for anything reduntant since everything is in truth, up to the decision of God?
- What need of we of forgiveness for our sins? What need have we of defining what is and isn't a sin? If the only faith will save us, or lack of faith be our damnation, what point is there in defining other misdeeds as sinful? Note John 8:34 "Jesus answered them: Amen, amen I say unto you: that whosoever committeth sin, is the servant of sin."
- Why did Jesus rebuke the authorities for hypocrisy? Such as the Pharisees? They clearly had faith in God. Why then rebuke them?
- Why have the sacraments? Such as Baptism? Or Penance? They are common through out most Protestant denominations. If faith is all that is required, why have a sacrament (or ordinance as they may be known in some denominations) that is for the removal of personal or original sin?
- Why have the of authority of clergy? In most Christian denominations there is an established line of clergy that ministers to the laity. If only faith is required, why have this authority at all? Isn't our own faith all that matters? Not to be clouded by the judgment, guidance or perception of others. Biblical evidence however has proven there is a need, and has been established, such authority and guidance.
- What of the demons? Biblical evidence has shown that "the devils also believe and tremble." (James 2)
- What of evangelisation? That is a commandment and duty of all Christians. Refer to The Great Commission. (Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, Acts 1) Jesus instructed the disciples to go out and spread the good word. Note as well this passage;
Romans 10:14 "How then shall they call on him, in whom they have not believed? Or how shall they believe him, of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear, without a preacher?"
Thus we must preach and evangelise. That is an action. What of all those who died with out hearing the word of God? What of those, who lived according to the conscience God provided them, lived good lives, but died not knowing of God? Shall we truly believe that since they hadn't faith, they will go to hell?
Gal 3:11 "But that in the law no man is justified with God, it is manifest: because the just man liveth by faith.
12 But the law is not of faith: but, He that doth those things, shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written: Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus: that we may receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.
15 Brethren (I speak after the manner of man,) yet a man's testament, if it be confirmed, no man despiseth, nor addeth to it."
Here we can see the distinction made between the works of law and of faith. This distinction is necessary to set context in which we are to conduct ourselves and to interpret other passages.
John 13:16 "Amen, amen I say to you: The servant is not greater than his lord; neither is the apostle greater than he that sent him."
If Jesus died for our sins, how then can we honestly believe that we are better? That there will not be any requirement of us? In Matthew 10, Matthew 16 and Mark 8, Jesus said we are required to take up our cross.
Adam's sin, is our sin. Original sin was inherited by all of us but Jesus, Mary and John The Baptist. Adam felt remorse for his wrong doings. He still believed in God, yet he was still required to leave Eden.
An opposition to synergism is posed, that if deeds are required, how will we know what deeds are needs or what quantity? To answer this we look to the parable of The Labourers in the Vineyard.
Matthew 20:11 "And receiving it they murmured against the master of the house,
12 Saying: These last have worked but one hour, and thou hast made them equal to us, that have borne the burden of the day and the heats.
13 But he answering said to one of them: Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny?
14 Take what is thine, and go thy way: I will also give to this last even as to thee.
15 Or, is it not lawful for me to do what I will? is thy eye evil, because I am good?"
In this parable, all the workers were paid the same. What was important was that they came to work. This can be applied to the equity of grace and mercy provided to all who come to God. Who come to believe and come to do His work.
It should be noted that the words "faith only" or "faith alone" do not appear together, except in James 2:24 in which it says "Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only?" This can be seen by a simple search of a Bible, which can also be done one various online Bibles such as Douay-Rheims Bible.
Here is other reading material to read and consider;
- Faith verses Works - Justification by faith alone - An article by David MacDonald
- Aren’t We Saved by Faith Alone - An article by Kenneth J. Howell on Catholic.com
- Faith and Works - An article by Jimmy Akin on Catholic.com
Contact me at thedialecticmethod@hotmail.com
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