1. Theme Overview
This theme examines the relationship between faith and works in God’s redemptive plan. It explores how genuine faith in God produces obedience, good deeds, and ethical living, while false or inactive faith is spiritually dead. It highlights the continuity from the Old Testament covenant to New Testament justification, showing that faith and works are inseparably linked in a believer’s life.
Key Concept:
- Faith: Trust, belief, and reliance on God’s promises and character.
- Works: Obedience, ethical actions, and service that flow from authentic faith.
Core Theological Insight:
Faith saves, but true faith is evidenced through works. Scripture teaches that works do not earn salvation, but they prove and complete faith (James 2:17–22), reflecting God’s character and covenantal expectations.
2. Key Biblical Books
| Book | Role in Theme |
|---|---|
| Genesis | ⚪ Abraham’s faith credited as righteousness; works prove trust (Gen. 15; 22) |
| Exodus | ⚪ Israel called to trust God through obedience to covenant laws |
| Leviticus | ⚪ Works as covenantal expressions of holiness and faithfulness |
| Deuteronomy | ⚪ Obedience reflects faith; blessings follow faithful living |
| Psalms | ✅ Expressions of trust in God paired with ethical living and devotion |
| Proverbs | ✅ Practical wisdom linking faith, integrity, and righteous behavior |
| Isaiah | ✅ Faithfulness to God leads to social justice and ethical living |
| Matthew | ✅ Jesus teaches faith expressed through obedience and the kingdom ethic |
| Mark | ✅ Demonstrates disciples’ faith and corresponding acts of service |
| Luke | ✅ Faith in action; parables highlight works as evidence of true belief |
| John | ✅ Spiritual faith produces loving action; obedience reflects belief |
| Romans | ✅ Justification by faith; works as proof of transformation |
| James | ✅ Faith without works is dead; Abraham and Rahab as examples |
| Hebrews | ✅ Faith in God demonstrated through perseverance and obedience |
3. Key Stories and Passages
- Abraham and Isaac – Genesis 22
Faith in God demonstrated through obedience; works complete belief. - Moses and the Law – Exodus–Deuteronomy
Obedience to covenant demonstrates trust in God. - The Parable of the Good Samaritan – Luke 10:25–37
Faith expressed as compassionate action. - Faith of Abraham and Rahab – James 2:21–25
True faith is proven by deeds. - Paul on Works as Evidence – Romans 1–8; Ephesians 2:8–10
Salvation by faith, but works are the fruit of God’s grace.
4. Key Theological Points
- Faith precedes works; works do not earn salvation.
- True faith naturally produces ethical living and good deeds.
- Obedience and service are the evidence of authentic faith.
- The interplay of faith and works bridges Old Testament covenant living with New Testament grace.
5. Suggested Study Approach
- By Book: Trace the theme from Genesis → Prophets → Gospels → Epistles.
- By Story: Examine Abraham, Rahab, and the Good Samaritan to see faith in action.
- By Theology: Focus on the balance between faith as trust and works as evidence.