***"We are justified by faith alone but not by a faith that is alone."***Sure. It means that whenever faith is present, the virtues given by the Holy Spirit will also be present, because those virtues are a fruit of faith (faith being the presence of the Spirit in the Christian, through Baptism).
Well, first, I think the term “faith” needs to be defined. At least, within the context of justification. Faith is a God given supernatural gift whereby the Christian comes to trust in the promises of God. More specifically, the promises of God that Christ lived, died, and was raised for the forgiveness of our sins and our justification. This faith unites us to Christ and thereby we are given everything that belongs to Him; eternal life, righteousness, etc.If faith is not operating alone, how is sola fide not rendered meaningless?
(Or perhaps I should ask ‘how does faith operate alone if it is not alone?’)
Again, not trying to be antagonistic.
In other words, good works are necessary for salvation…
Agreed
Are you referring to intellectual assent, aka ‘belief’? And is this distinguished from a free gift of grace which can manifest as faith?
All the merits? And how does one avoid the conclusions that faith is all that is necessary for salvation? (Or is that meant/implied by sola fide?)
Is it fair to say that it is not present in such a situation? (ignoring cases where there may not be time or ability for it to appear/mature/etc.)
Intellectual assent can be a part of faith. Faith is not dependent on it, however, since it is a supernatural gift. For example, a baptized infant or mentally handicapped individual possesses the gift of faith without intellectual assent. Intellectual assent by itself is not faith.
Because salvation is more than justification. Justification is a part of salvation. Regeneration, sanctification, and glorification are equal parts of salvation. Sola fide only refers to justification.
In what situation, sorry?
Inasmuch as without faith, works that are done which we perceive as good are, in God’s eyes, not good at all in a spiritual sense. “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”
That is a play o words, for they know that faith alone is outmoded so they put that faith is not alone.
Yes. Just not justification
In other words, faith is the beginning (i.e., the basis) of justification.
No disagreement there…
Justification is the beginning of salvation. Although, one could use them interchangeably, it’s required, in some cases, to narrowly define the terms.
Right.Yes. Just not justification
Yes, either you are saved or you are not saved. Either you are justified or you are not justified. Justification is part of the salvation process. The justified man’s good works are necessary for salvation - the justified man has “a faith that is not alone.”
No, because faith is not the beginning of justification. It doesn’t have a beginning. It either is or isn’t. Through faith, we receive justification in toto.
I might not be understanding you clearly, so forgive me if I didn’t.
Seems we agree
Practically speaking, this makes zero sense from the believer’s perspective.
Did you mean to say that faith is a gift whereby the Christian instantly trusts in the promises of God?
It cannot be quantified by time or amount. Faith, no matter how weak, justifies. “Comes to trust” isn’t a technical theological term
Okay, so half-hearted (weak) faith results in complete, total justification for all eternity…It cannot be quantified by time or amount. Faith, no matter how weak, justifies. “Comes to trust” isn’t a technical theological term
???
Yes, but hold up, lest this be a discussion of the Reformed doctrine of justification. A weak faith must be built up through God’s word and sacraments because faith can be rejected…the goal is not to remain in a weak faith, but to mature. But we measure justification on Christ’s merits, not the merits of faith.
No, because there are any number of people who have a weak faith but produce many works. I believe, help my unbelief.