APM - What's the difference between Sola Fide and Faith Plus Works

[Robert_in_SD]

As a Catholic, I’m already convinced that the doctrine of Sola Fide (Faith Alone) is flawed. But as a practical matter (“APM”) does the belief really change how a follower of Christ acts.

This is my thinking:

As a practical matter, a Christian who believes in the doctrine of Sola Fide will still engage in good works to build up the “body of Christ” whether or not they believe in the necessity of works for salvation. They would say - presumably - that the works they do are evidence of their salvation.

A Catholic Christion would do the same charitable work, believing that they are efficacious and pleasing to God, and that the salvific effect of those acts is made possible only because they are acts made possible solely by the Grace of God.

But in either case, Christians are engaged in good works. So, where’s the real harm in believing one doctrine over another?

I have a thought on this, but I’d like to see some other responses to my question first.

-Peace

 

[Steven_Merten]

hello Robert,

I can’t quote, maybe someone else can, Martin Luther once said, once I am in Christ through faith, I could murder, rob and commit adultery and nothing will seperate me from Christ. Do you see any harm in this type of teaching? Can you see how this conflicts with Christ’s message that if we wish to enter into life we should choose to obey the Commandments and feed the poor?

What about those Christians who “accept Jesus as their Saviour”, then they believe that their actions are now controlled, not by free will but by Christ’s will, and then they commit even a small sin? Why would Jesus elliminate thier free will and then control them to sin?

The way people go to heaven is through Jesus, the reason people go to heaven is because they love God and love for God is accomplished through free from the will of God obedience to the will of God.

NAB MAR 10:17

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**“Good Teacher, what must I do to share in everlasting life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments:
**'You shall not kill;
You shall not commit adultery;…”

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NAB MAT 25:31

**
**Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’ And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, a stranger and you gave me no welcome, naked and you gave me no clothing, ill and in prison, and you did not care for me.’ Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’ He will answer them, ‘Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me.’ And these will go off to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

NAB JOH 14:21

"He who obeys the commandments he has from me is the man who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father. I too will love him and reveal myself to him."

NAB REV 2:22

"I mean to cast her down on a bed of pain; her companions in sin I will plunge into intense suffering unless they repent of their sins with her, and her children I will put to death. Thus shall all the churches come to know that I am the searcher of hearts and minds, and that I will give each of you what your conduct deserves."Peace in Christ,
Steven Merten
www.ILOVEYOUGOD.com

 

[Tom]

Robert in SD:

as a practical matter (“APM”) does the belief really change how a follower of Christ acts.

It does change how we act. If I firmly believe that performing “acts” is not necessary for my salvation, only faith, then those performing those acts do not trust the grace of God. They are trying to “earn” their way into heaven. I’ve actually been told that, believe it or not.
Robert in SD:

As a practical matter, a Christian who believes in the doctrine of Sola Fide will still engage in good works to build up the “body of Christ” whether or not they believe in the necessity of works for salvation.

Not necessarily, why would I do anything if I firmly believe in Sola Fide? Do I not trust God? Do I think I need to earn my salvation? Do I think the sacrifice of Jesus is insufficient? All arguments I’ve actually heard.
Robert in SD:

They would say - presumably - that the works they do are evidence of their salvation.

Some actually say performing “works” proves you’re not saved and will never be.
Robert in SD:

A Catholic Christian would do the same charitable work, believing that they are efficacious and pleasing to God, and that the salvific effect of those acts is made possible only because they are acts made possible solely by the Grace of God.

Catholics do good deeds because Jesus teaches us to, and we’re simply following the teachings of our Lord.
Robert in SD:

But in either case, Christians are engaged in good works. So, where’s the real harm in believing one doctrine over another?

That’s the whole argument. If I believe in Sola Fide, I need do nothing, if I do anything it’s only because God is making me do it; it’s not really my free will.