Works compared to Faith - Assignment Example

Works Compared to Faith The essay aims to address the following: how would one explain to someone about the difference between grace and works per Galatians 3? The response would be structured by (A) explaining the meaning of works (or keeping the Law); (B) explaining the meaning of faith; and (C) explaining HOW the two (works and faith) are connected. Works Compared to Faith The discussion between works of the law as compared to faith using Galatians 3 clearly disclosed and differentiates receiving God’s Spirit through these vehicles.

By works of the law, the verses stipulated that “the law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise” (New International Version, 2011, verse 18). The law was supposedly given “because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one” (New International Version, 2011, verses 20-21).

Accordingly, “works of the law mean any law, be it moral or ceremonial, that one attempts to justify himself with God, both before and after initial justification” (Matt118, 1998). On the other hand, faith meant believing God’s words through and receiving the Spirit through what one has heard. The verses indicated that faith has been given through Jesus Christ and shared to all those who believe in God’s promise. In this regard, works of the law and faith are connected in terms of attesting that God is a party to both.

However, “the difference between the works of the law, and works of a humble and faithful servant of God who recognizes his total dependence on Gods sufficiency (2 Cor. 3:5), is the difference between salvation and damnation” (Matt118, 1998, p. last. par.). Further, it was emphasized that “there is still a moral law that must be kept to maintain ones justification, but the law as a system is not ultimately the means of salvation. The means of salvation is Gods grace only. Once in that realm of grace, there are still moral laws to live by.

Only then can one be a doer of the law (Rom. 2:4, 13)” (Matt118, 1998, p. last par.). It simply means that though works of the law has been deemed important as a guide to moral and righteous life, living in faith and receiving the Spirit through faith is the way to salvation. References English Standard Version. (2001). Romans 13:2-4. Retrieved November 17, 2011, from BibleGateway.com: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+13%3A2-4&version=ESV Matt118. (1998). Galatians 3:10-14, Works and Law.

Retrieved November 17, 2011, from http://matt1618.freeyellow.com/gal3.htm New International Version. (2011). Galatians 3. Retrieved November 17, 2011, from BibleGateway.com: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3&version=NIV