Please be respectful ~ do all things for the Glory of God
A crucial theological point is the relationship between faith and works. While the Sermon on the Mount presents ethical instructions, it’s not viewed as a means of earning salvation. Instead, it’s seen as a guide to righteous living for those who’ve received God’s grace through faith in Christ.
This understanding reconciles Christ’s teachings with the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. The Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:8-9 affirm this harmony: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
The Sermon on the Mount, far from advocating a merit-based salvation, underscores that our salvation is a gracious gift, unearned and unmerited. It shifts our focus from self-reliance to dependence on God’s grace, while simultaneously motivating us to live out our faith through obedience to Christ’s teachings.
You've brought up an essential theological point regarding the relationship between faith and works, which is indeed a critical aspect of Christian doctrine. The passage you cited from Ephesians 2:8-9 in the New Testament perfectly aligns with this understanding of salvation by grace through faith. It emphasizes that our salvation is a gift from God and not something we can earn through our own efforts.
This principle of grace is also reflected in the Old Testament, particularly in Isaiah 64:6, which says, "All our righteous acts are like filthy rags." This verse underscores that even our best efforts fall short of God's perfect standard, highlighting our need for His grace.
The Sermon on the Mount, as you mentioned, serves as a guide for righteous living for those who have received God's grace through faith in Christ. It reminds us that while we cannot earn our salvation through works, our faith should naturally lead to a life of obedience and adherence to Christ's teachings, out of gratitude for the unmerited gift of salvation we have received.
Thank you, Pastor Frank, for your thoughtful exploration of the relationship between faith and works. You’ve highlighted a fundamental truth in our faith that resonates deeply: our salvation is indeed a gift from God, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:8-9. This reminder of grace is crucial in understanding our identity as believers.
I appreciate your reference to Isaiah 64:6, which poignantly illustrates our need for God’s grace. It’s humbling to recognize that even our best efforts are insufficient to meet His perfect standard. This truth drives us to rely wholly on His mercy and love.
The connection to the Sermon on the Mount is particularly insightful. It serves as a powerful reminder that while our works do not earn us salvation, they are a natural response to the grace we’ve received. Living out our faith through obedience and good works reflects our gratitude and transforms our hearts to align more closely with Christ’s teachings.
I’d love to hear from others in our community: How have you experienced the interplay of faith and works in your own life? In what ways do you see your faith motivating you to act in love and service?
Blessings,
Pastor Edward
Dear Pastor Edward,
Thank you for your thoughtful and gracious response to Pastor Frank’s reflection on faith and works. You rightly highlighted the central truth found in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage beautifully reinforces that salvation is a divine gift, not something earned, and your emphasis on our total dependence on God's mercy is a powerful reminder of the humility we must carry in our walk with Christ.
An additional verse that deepens this understanding is James 2:17: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” While Ephesians affirms that salvation is by grace, James highlights that genuine faith produces visible fruit. Works are not the root of salvation, but they are certainly the fruit. They flow naturally from a heart transformed by grace, proving the sincerity and maturity of our faith.
This balance of grace and action invites us into a vibrant, responsive relationship with God. When we truly grasp His love and forgiveness, we’re moved to serve, love, and obey—not out of obligation, but out of joy and gratitude. From volunteering in our communities to showing kindness in everyday encounters, our faith becomes evident in how we live. The Sermon on the Mount, as you referenced, offers a practical blueprint for this kind of faithful living—one that seeks not to earn God’s favor, but to honor the One who has already given it freely.
You asked, “How have you experienced the interplay of faith and works in your own life? In what ways do you see your faith motivating you to act in love and service?” These are rich and important questions. Personally, I’ve found that moments of quiet surrender to God often lead to a renewed desire to serve others—not to prove my worth, but to reflect His. Faith gives birth to action when we allow God’s love to flow through us to those in need.
Here’s a question to reflect on: What is one act of love or service you’ve done recently that you felt was directly motivated by your faith?
Blessings to you my friends,
Pastor King
Hi Pastor Adam,
Thank you for bringing up this important topic. Your explanation of the relationship between faith and works is both clear and insightful. I completely agree that the Sermon on the Mount serves as a guide for righteous living rather than a blueprint for earning salvation.
The emphasis on grace through faith, as highlighted in Ephesians 2:8-9, indeed reaffirms that our salvation is a gift from God. It’s reassuring to understand that our efforts to live according to Christ’s teachings are responses to the grace we've already received, rather than attempts to earn God's favor.
This perspective helps us maintain a proper balance between grace and works. It’s crucial for our faith journey to recognize that while we strive to live out our beliefs, our ultimate reliance is on God's grace, which motivates our actions and shapes our character.
Looking forward to further discussions on how we can practically live out these principles in our daily lives.
Blessings,
Pastor Bill
Pastor Adam, thank you for shedding light on the vital relationship between faith and works. I completely agree that the Sermon on the Mount serves as a guiding framework for righteous living rather than a checklist for earning salvation. The emphasis on grace, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9, beautifully illustrates that our salvation is indeed a gift from God, reinforcing the truth that we are saved not by our efforts but through faith in Christ. This understanding encourages believers to live out their faith authentically, reflecting Christ’s teachings in our daily lives.
It’s important to remember that while our works are not the basis of our salvation, they are a natural response to the grace we have received, allowing us to participate in God’s mission in the world. Thank you for this essential reminder of the harmony between faith and obedience.
In Christ,
Pastor Nick
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection on the relationship between faith and works, especially in the context of the Sermon on the Mount. I agree wholeheartedly that Jesus’ ethical instructions are not intended as a means of earning salvation but as a guide for righteous living, grounded in the grace we’ve already received through faith in Christ.
The distinction you’ve made between salvation by grace and the call to live righteously is essential for understanding the full scope of the Gospel. As you mentioned, Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:8-9 are a clear reminder that salvation is a gift, not something we can achieve through our own efforts. This grace, freely given, transforms us and empowers us to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ.
I also appreciate how you connected this to the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. Far from being a checklist of works to earn salvation, Jesus’ words challenge us to live out the grace we’ve received. It’s not about striving for perfection in our own strength but about depending on God’s grace to enable us to live according to His will. The Sermon on the Mount, then, is both a reflection of the Kingdom of God and a guide for those who have already experienced the transformative power of grace.
As you noted, this understanding shifts our focus from self-reliance to a deeper dependence on God’s grace, which not only saves us but also empowers us to live out our faith with humility and obedience.
Thank you again for this powerful reminder. May we all continue to live in the freedom and grace of the Gospel, allowing Christ’s teachings to shape our lives in response to the love we’ve received.
Pastor William
Hello Pastor William,
Thank you for your insightful reflection on the relationship between faith and works, and for emphasizing the grace of God in the Christian life. You beautifully articulate how the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, should not be seen as a checklist for earning salvation but as a guide for living out the grace we've already received. As you mentioned, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). This passage highlights that salvation is a free gift, given by God, and not earned by our efforts, which aligns perfectly with the point you've made.
In addition to Ephesians 2:8-9, I would like to offer another verse for reflection: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). This verse follows closely after the one you referenced and reminds us that while we are not saved by works, we are saved for works. These good works are not an obligation to earn salvation but a natural response to the transformation Christ has worked in our lives. As believers, we are called to live out our salvation in a way that reflects the heart of God.
This underscores the beautiful partnership between grace and good works. While salvation is a free gift, it should lead us to live lives of service, compassion, and humility, empowered by God’s grace. Living according to God’s will is not about perfection, but about allowing His grace to change us and guide our actions. How might you, as a community, actively encourage one another to live out this grace-filled calling, especially when facing challenges in our daily lives?
Have a Blessed Day,
Pastor Nick
