Galatians 2:16 (Faith vs. Works)
“…nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”
Paul makes it overly plain in verse 16 that Faith, not Works is what saves. This is the difference between Biblical Christianity and all other beliefs in the world (Judaism, Islam, Catholicism, the various Christian sects, Buddhism, Hinduism, and yes, even Humanism.) They teach a faith that requires people to do certain things in order to be considered worthy or good.
Religion condemns. The relationship with God through Jesus, however, frees. We are declared holy through His efforts. We are changed. We do behave differently, but not because we earn merit through behavior, but rather because we are different.
Tim Keller has highlighted the various differences between this relationship and all religion-based beliefs. Among them the idea that we obey based on the fact we are accepted, not to be accepted, that we are motivated by joy and not fear. One’s whole worldview is determined by whether one begins with behavior or being. Legalistic, religious belief—even in Christianity—creates a self-centered and idolatrous morality; the Gospel allows us to focus on God.
Paul makes it overly plain in verse 16 that Faith, not Works is what saves. This is the difference between Biblical Christianity and all other beliefs in the world (Judaism, Islam, Catholicism, the various Christian sects, Buddhism, Hinduism, and yes, even Humanism.) They teach a faith that requires people to do certain things in order to be considered worthy or good.
Religion condemns. The relationship with God through Jesus, however, frees. We are declared holy through His efforts. We are changed. We do behave differently, but not because we earn merit through behavior, but rather because we are different.
Tim Keller has highlighted the various differences between this relationship and all religion-based beliefs. Among them the idea that we obey based on the fact we are accepted, not to be accepted, that we are motivated by joy and not fear. One’s whole worldview is determined by whether one begins with behavior or being. Legalistic, religious belief—even in Christianity—creates a self-centered and idolatrous morality; the Gospel allows us to focus on God.
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