Dennis Abernathy

I want to address the question that the title of this article asks. Most modern denominations accept as a foregone conclusion the idea that people are saved by “faith alone.” For example, the Discipline of one prevalent denomination says: “Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort.” But friends, is that really what the Scriptures teach? Let’s see!

First, people certainly are saved by faith. For example, in Romans 5: 1 the apostle Paul wrote: “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” So, the Bible definitely teaches that people are saved by faith. But what about the idea that people are saved by faith “only”?

Well, I ask you to consider this: The New Testament tells us about people who only believed and yet were obviously unsaved! For example, the apostle John says: “…even among the rulers many believed in Him (Jesus), but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue” (John 12: 42). So, the Bible tells us about people who believed in Jesus but did not confess Him and certainly were not saved. Why? For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (v. 43). These had only an Intellectual faith whose conviction found no expression in their life. See John 9: 22, 34). Thus, it in insufficient to believe in Jesus without making s public commitment to that belief or faith through obedience.

Furthermore, in James 2: 24 God says: “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” My friend, this is the only place in the New Testament where you can find the words “faith only.” And isn’t it interesting that while many preachers teach that man is justified by faith only, James very clearly says man is NOT justified by faith only. So, the question is, what will you believe? Will you believe what the Bible says when it says people are NOT justified by faith only, or will you believe the false doctrine of salvation by “faith only”? Think on these things.