I was raised in a conservative Christian family and community. It surprises many that I was raised in India and a Christian. But the Christian tradition in India, though small, is at least 1,500 years old. Both my grandfathers are ordained ministers. Many of my relatives are believers, but I also have atheist and agnostic uncles and aunts and cousins. One of the benefits of being raised in a family where different relatives have ended up with different spiritual conclusions is that dinner table conversations are always lively. One of the enduring debates is—salvation by faith versus salvation by works. Are we saved by our belief alone or through our good deeds?
Salvation by faith is the doctrine that the only path to salvation is through belief in Jesus Christ. You cannot work your way into heaven by doing good deeds because what human achievement could be worthy? After all, in comparison with God, human endeavours pale. Thus salvation is but by the grace of God. On the other hand salvation by works adherents will point to Matthew 7. You will know them by their fruits. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. You want to judge a man? Look at his actions. The salvation by faith side will then win the argument with this rejoinder. Yes, good works will naturally flow from your belief, but it is your intention that’s important. Good deeds done for the wrong reasons won’t save you.
I disagree. If there is one principle that stretches across religions it is this—work for others over yourself. If this is true then our primary focus should be on others, not our own personal salvation. If we spent less time worrying about our personal faith and more on serving others we could do much good. The argument for salvation by faith may be theologically sound, but I can’t help but wonder how much better this world would be if we believed that our salvation depended on good deeds.
Think about it like this. A lot of people in our city are struggling—the economic downturn has hit some very hard. One way to help is to join the City’s Community Warmth program. Community Warmth, developed by the City of Medicine Hat, is an energy assistance program. Low-income individuals and families who are unable to pay their utility bill due to financial hardship or crisis may receive support through this program. Do you think the families that receive this help care about why you donated to this program? Whether you donated to Community Warmth for the right or wrong reasons? Those families only know that their home is warm because of you.
Joining Community Warmth adds a few dollars to your utility bill every month—you decide how much. Visit www.medicinehat.ca and search for Community Warmth or just Google it. You can fill out the donation form online. Faith may save your soul, but this world will only be saved through our actions.
Also I’m happy to deliver an extended version of this message to your congregation if you’d like. I’ve always wanted to give a sermon.
Medicine Hat News. January 14, 2017.