When one looks up the definition of “faith” in the dictionary, it should read — “See Hebrews 11:1.” This one verse from God’s Word sums up faith better than any other: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.”

The second of the three ‘Solas’ we are examining this month is “Sola Fide,” or Faith Alone. Can faith alone save (from sins and assure eternal life with God?) We must identify what we mean by faith. One can have faith that everything will turn out fine, or that the rain will hold off until after the picnic or game. That certainly isn’t saving faith. All the confident optimism and faith one can muster doesn’t mean a thing if the object of said faith is uncertain, unreliable or untrue. A Christian’s faith in Christ as its object is the faith that saves.

As Martin Luther, 500 years ago preached reform in the Christian Church, the argument was not an either-or debate: faith or works, but rather what relationship works and faith had in God’s saving grace. Faith alone tells us works have no place in why God offers forgiveness and sees us through Jesus’ eyes as redeemed and made worthy. Jesus did the work necessary in our place as a perfect sacrificial lamb to pay the judgment price for our sins. He who had no sin, became sin for us. He died, He rose, he lives today to intercede for us that we may have His righteousness imputed (assigned, given) to us. Our faithful belief in Jesus and what He has done assures our salvation, and no works can offset Christ crucified for sinners.

So what about works, or good deeds? Do they mean nothing, or can we sin all we want because we believe and know we have the assurance of heaven? Not at all! As St. Paul said, “We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:2).

The good deeds of mercy, compassion and selflessness we do are not the cause of God’s favor to us; Jesus is. So why do we do good deeds? Not to impress God and cause Him to save us, but because He has already saved us. Our deeds are what is called a ‘faith response,’ as we desire to positively respond to the blessing we have by faith already received. We don’t do good deeds to become saved, but because we are saved. Jesus died for us; we want to respond with thanks and praise! Our faith overspill is good works. We are saved by faith alone, but faith is never alone. Faith in Christ exhorts us to do good works, which we gladly do, thus sharing our faith with others.

It is quoted often, but truly sums the relationship of faith and works: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works so that no one can boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9.

Our churches continue to celebrate the Reformation — St. Paul Lutheran in Fredonia, Immanuel Lutheran in Gowanda, and Trinity Lutheran in Silver Creek.