Faith and Works

By Bobby Stafford, Church of Christ at Granby

Faith That Obeys God God calls us not to fame, wealth, or buildings—but to faithfulness. Our goal is to have God's approval, not man's praise. That means knowing His word and obeying it. Many people misunderstand the relationship between faith and works because they add to or take away from God's word. Traditions and long-held teachings do not equate to truth. Only what God says in His inspired word defines truth.

Justification by Faith—Not the Law of Moses In Galatians 2:15–16, Paul explains that justification is not by works of the Law of Moses, but by faith in Christ. This distinction is critical: Paul, once a devout Jew trained under the Law, now teaches that salvation is found only in Christ. The old law was nailed to the cross. Christ brought a new covenant, called "the faith of Christ," also referred to as "the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2), or "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1–4). This new law—not the Law of Moses—is what we are all under today, and it is the standard by which we will be judged (John 12:48).

The Hearing of Faith vs. the Works of the Law Galatians 3 poses a strong argument. Did believers receive the Spirit through the works of the Law or by the hearing of faith? Paul uses Deuteronomy 27:26 to prove he is speaking of the Law of Moses. He argues that the miracles and reception of the Spirit did not come through Mosaic law but through faith in Christ.

Abraham Justified When Faith Worked Paul appeals to Abraham’s example. Abraham lived before the Law of Moses and was justified by faith—but when exactly? James 2:21–24 tells us: it was when Abraham obeyed God by offering Isaac. That action made his faith complete. Faith alone did not justify him. Faith working through obedience did. “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.”

The New Covenant Foretold Jeremiah 31 foretold the coming of a new covenant—different from the one given at Sinai. This new covenant would be written on hearts, not stone tablets. Jesus brought it into being. The "faith" that Galatians 3:23–25 speaks of is this system of faith—the new covenant—not general belief. Before this faith came, we were under the tutor of the Law. Now that Christ has come, we are under His law.

When Does Justification by Faith Happen? Galatians 3:26–27 reveals the how and when of becoming sons of God: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Faith is the how; baptism is the when. This aligns with Abraham’s example—justified when faith led to obedience. So too today, people become justified not when they merely believe, but when their belief leads them to obey—culminating in baptism.

Sermon Outline: Faith and Work

• Introduction
  • God calls us to faithfulness, not outward success
  • Misunderstandings about faith and works stem from mishandling Scripture
• I. Justification Not by the Law of Moses
  • Galatians 2:15–16: Salvation not by the old law
  • Romans 8: Christ brought a new law
• II. The Law of Faith
  • Galatians 3:2–5: Spirit received by hearing of faith
  • Abraham’s faith in Galatians 3:6–9 and James 2:21–24
• III. The New Covenant Foretold and Fulfilled
  • Jeremiah 31:31–34 prophesied a new covenant
  • We are no longer under the Law of Moses
• IV. Faith That Obeys Saves
  • Galatians 3:26–27: Baptism is the moment of justification
  • Faith saves when it acts in obedience

Call to Action Do you want to be justified by faith? God’s word is clear: justification comes when faith leads to obedience. Just as Abraham obeyed and was justified, so today you too can be made righteous—if your faith moves you to repent, confess Christ, and be baptized into Him. If you're ready to take that step, come today and be added to the body of Christ. Faith that works is the faith that saves.