A True Disciple

The grounds of justification is grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone. Paul states that “ we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand ” (Rom 5:1, 2). What a monumental statement by Paul regarding so great a salvation. Paul also states, “ It is by grace that [we] have been saved. And this is not [our] own doing, it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one can boast ” (Eph 2:8, 9). However, there is a relationship between faith and works for the disciple. Works do not produce faith but true faith demands that works follow. “ We are [God ’ s] workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works ” (Eph 2:10). James reminds us that faith without works is dead (Ja 2:17) and he drives the point home by using the body as a metaphor by declaring, “ for as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead ” (Ja 2:26). Therefore, the evidence of true faith, the proof of its existence, is good works. We enter into partnership with Christ as we do the good works He has prepared for us. These good works are related to, and focus on, preaching the gospel and making disciples. We are to bear fruit in these good works in order to

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