Introduction

Greetings and peace to you in the name of Yeshua Messiah! The question of whether one can be saved without following the commands of God has been a central debate in Christianity and Messianic Judaism. This lesson will explore the relationship between faith and works, examining scriptural evidence to present a comprehensive view.

The Faith-Only Argument

The argument for salvation by faith alone is strongly supported by Paul’s writings in the New Testament. Key passages include:

Ephesians 2:8-9

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

Romans 3:28

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law."

These verses emphasize that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Yeshua Messiah. This perspective highlights the grace of God over human effort, suggesting that faith in Yeshua’s atoning sacrifice is sufficient for salvation.

The Counterargument

The New Testament also underscores the importance of obeying God’s commandments. James provides a counterbalance to Paul’s writings:

James 2:17-18

"Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."

James argues that genuine faith produces good works, showing that faith and works are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. True faith leads to living in accordance with God’s will as expressed in His commandments.

The Messianic Perspective

In the Messianic faith, we seek to harmonize these views, recognizing both faith and Torah observance. Yeshua Himself emphasized the enduring relevance of the Torah:

Matthew 5:17-19

"Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."

Yeshua’s words highlight that the Torah remains vital, and His followers should observe its commandments. For those of The Way, salvation through faith in Yeshua does not nullify the importance of the Torah but enhances the commitment to live by God’s commandments.

The Enduring Commandments: God’s Everlasting Covenant

Scripture emphasizes that God’s commandments are intended to be followed for all time. Key passages include:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (Shema)

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."

Exodus 31:16-17

"Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed."

Leviticus 23:14, 21, 31, 41

"It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings."

These passages underscore that God’s commandments are not temporary but are meant to be observed throughout all generations and time.

Theological Implications

The debate over faith and works in salvation calls for a balanced approach. Faith in Yeshua is the foundation of salvation, a gift from God that cannot be earned. However, this faith is transformative, compelling believers to live righteously. Torah observance becomes a natural outgrowth of a genuine faithful relationship with God.

Conclusion

While salvation is by faith alone, this faith is never alone. It is accompanied by a life committed to following God's commandments. For Messianic believers, this integrated approach honors both the grace of God and the enduring relevance of His Torah. The tension between faith and works is not a dichotomy but a dynamic interplay that enriches the spiritual journey.

Questions for Further Reflection

1. Can one honestly claim to have faith in Yeshua without any evidence of that faith in their actions?

2. How do we reconcile Paul's teachings on grace with the call to obedience found in the Torah and Yeshua's teachings?

3. In what ways can modern Messianic Believers live this out in a contemporary context?

4. What role do works play in the life of a believer if they are not the basis of salvation?

5. How can we ensure that our faith is not merely an abstract belief but a transformative force in our lives?

6. What are the practical implications of observing the Torah in today's world?

7. How can the principles of Torah observance enhance our relationship with God?

8. What examples from Yeshua's life demonstrate the balance between faith and works?

9. How does understanding the cultural and historical context of Paul's and James' writings help in interpreting their messages?

10. What impact does the belief in the enduring relevance of God's commandments have on our daily lives?

Blessings in Yeshua Messiah,