8.59 Works of Faith vs. Works of the Law (Part 2)

Last lesson, we shared that James was talking about works of faith that demonstrates the faith which exists in the heart. This is different from works of the law which demonstrates the absence of faith. We shared 3 keys differences.

1) The cause and effect relationship
2) The motive
3) The source of supply

Today, we want to use another illustration to drive the point home (since so much confusion exists in the body of Christ).

Imagine that your friend, Christian is saddled with a $10m overdraft in his bank account due to adverse circumstances. He has to take two jobs; laboring and sweating to earn money in order to repay the overdraft. It is an insurmountable task because the debt is huge (just as our sins were).

One day, a person by the name of JC heard about Christian’s debt. Moved with compassion and love, JC deposited $20m into Christian’s bank account. JC sent a messenger, Preacher to tell Christian about the deposit.

Christian hears the good news but has great doubts. He does not think that JC would do such a thing. He doubted the ability and the goodness of JC. So he continues working very hard on two jobs to earn his monthly wages to pay the debt. His works is motivated by his doubts. He lives in fear that the bank would come after him.

The above describes the Christian under works of the law – always laboring to attain to righteousness under law, but fails to attain to it.

Imagine that things could have turned out differently. Christian could have believed the messenger. He could have believed in JC’s ability and grace. Assuming that he does, he starts to take some actions arising from faith. Firstly, he goes to his bank to check his bank statement. He believes that he has become debt free (made righteous in Christ). He does not live in fear of the bank anymore.

In addition to the repayment of debt, he still has a balance of $10m in his account (an endowment of grace). He acts in faith to withdraw that amount in order to start a business, and to earn returns on his investment.

Now he is still working. But it is not works of the law. This is works of faith. He is working not to repay his debt but because his debt has been repaid and he has been blessed with a fortune to invest (cause & effect). He doesn’t do it because he has to. He does it because he wants to (motive). He no longer works on the basis of self-effort. He draws on the grace of $20m that JC (Jesus Christ) has deposited in his life (supply).

This is the works of faith that will truly give us fulfillment, bless others and transform the world for Jesus.