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- Oct 26, 2007
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- 11,642
The righteous considers the cause of the poor, [But] the wicked does not understand [such] knowledge. Proverbs 29:7 NKJV
Over the past few decades, a movement within Christianity has arisen teaching that the Christian faith should be defined by acts of compassion, by a new focus on "social justice." However, this line of thinking, as well intentioned as it might be, is exactly backward because it places works of compassion ahead of the biblical teaching of salvation by faith alone.
The Bible consistently and explicitly teaches that salvation can't be "earned," that it comes as a result of faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. But it also teaches that true saving faith will result in a heart of compassion for those Jesus called "the least of these." That is what James meant when he wrote, "Faith without works is dead" (see James 2:17).
Your concern for the plight of those less fortunate for yourself won't save you, and neither will any amount of humanitarian of charity work. Rather, your concern for others in all situations will be visible evidence that you are a true follower of Christ.
Trust God for your salvation though. When you do, God will motivate you and empower you to serve others by doing justice for the poor.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be ever mindful of believers in difficult life situations--and alert for opportunities to serve those in need.
Over the past few decades, a movement within Christianity has arisen teaching that the Christian faith should be defined by acts of compassion, by a new focus on "social justice." However, this line of thinking, as well intentioned as it might be, is exactly backward because it places works of compassion ahead of the biblical teaching of salvation by faith alone.
The Bible consistently and explicitly teaches that salvation can't be "earned," that it comes as a result of faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. But it also teaches that true saving faith will result in a heart of compassion for those Jesus called "the least of these." That is what James meant when he wrote, "Faith without works is dead" (see James 2:17).
Your concern for the plight of those less fortunate for yourself won't save you, and neither will any amount of humanitarian of charity work. Rather, your concern for others in all situations will be visible evidence that you are a true follower of Christ.
Trust God for your salvation though. When you do, God will motivate you and empower you to serve others by doing justice for the poor.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be ever mindful of believers in difficult life situations--and alert for opportunities to serve those in need.
