Works and Faith

October 15, 2023 Background Scripture: Galatians 2:11 - 21 Lesson Passage: Galatians 2:11 - 21 Oftentimes when "works" and "faith" are referenced together in the bible there is tension between the two ideologies. "Works" refers to any physical act a person is required to do to have the right relationship with God—especially if that physical action is prescribed by the Law of Moses. There are numerous actions outlined which are absolutely required for Jews to be in right standing with God according to the Law. Contrariwise, "faith" refers to the unconditional belief and trust in the word of God followed by a confession of such. Such faith, as described by the New Testament teaching of the Apostle Paul, is sufficient to establish right standing with God. There is no other "requirement" necessary. Based on the teachings of the Law in the Old Testament and Christian doctrine in the New Testament, both works and faith are presented in a way to suggest that each is sufficient to please God. This was a major challenge for Jews who became Christians. Their upbringing presented a singular view of their culture and their religious faith. Their religious convictions were intertwined with their day-to-day living. From the circumcision of male babies to the foods they learned to consume and avoid. The holy scriptures prescribed their diet and the proper preparation of allowable meats for consumption. The animal was required to be slaughtered in a specific manner to ensure it was ritually fit for use, or kosher. Sanctification for Jews was both physical and moral separation from others. Christianity brought tension once it was extended to Gentiles. The Gentiles did not adopt or practice Jewish culture. This left Jewish Christians who were around Gentile Christians uncomfortable. To remedy their discomfort, they sought to have the Gentiles become Jewish proselytes. In other words, if the Gentiles would agree to adhere to the tenets of the Jewish faith, then they would be one big happy Christian family. The other solution was to maintain separate congregations of Jews and Gentiles. Then they only had to be concerned when they visited each other. The apostles who laid the foundation for the New Testament church were all Jews. However, God dealt with them as individuals. This caused tension between Peter and Paul in the congregation at Antioch. Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, was comfortable in fellowship with the Gentile converts. When Peter visited them, he followed Paul's lead in this regard. Things took a turn when a group of Christians from Jerusalem visited later. Peter separated himself from the Gentiles and Barnabas followed suit. Peter's reactions were driven by a culture of works, which included physical separation from non-Jews. He didn't want the Jerusalem delegation of Jews to judge him for intermingling with the Gentiles. Paul rebuked Peter openly for his actions. How could fellowshipping with Gentiles be okay when no other Jews were present and not okay when they were present? Peter's actions were hypocritical. Peter knew that God saves Gentiles who are not circumcised according to the Law. God demonstrated this to him at the home of Cornelius. But Peter was still willing to live as though he was not aware of this to appease the Jewish Christians. Peter's actions based on culture were not aligned with his belief based on knowledge from God. Paul's rebuke was a reminder that God's revelation to them is the final declaration of salvation by faith alone. Their Jewish culture, based heavily on works, could never remove sin and ensure eternal salvation. Is works versus faith just an issue of Jews versus Gentiles? No. How often are worshipers criticized today for not dressing in a certain way? What about hair styles and jewelry? Are we okay on Sunday morning with the guy in the t-shirt and shorts who came to the sanctuary seeking answers from God? What about the young woman in the pants and heavy make-up? Do we have a written or understood church decorum that overrules our faith? The question of works versus faith is much larger than circumcision of males. And it is just as relevant today as ever. Robert C. Hudson October 4, 2023