READ & REPLY

#1

COLLAPSE

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Is Jesus approving of the financial investments that are part and parcel of capitalism? How would you describe Jesus’ attitude toward money?

People love to use Scripture to fit their narrative about all different sorts of social, political, and economic problems. However, they often take verses or stories out of context and misrepresent what the Bible says, so we need to be careful when declaring what Jesus’ stance would be on modern political takes. That being said, there are hundreds of verses in the Bible that make mention of money, greed, saving, and giving and nothing seems to indicate that Jesus was anti-capitalism as some like to suggest. There is nowhere in Scripture that indicates that the government should restrict people’s freedom by placing burdensome taxes in order to fund social programs. Paul states in 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (NASB). You cannot force people to be moral and generous, but with capitalism, you can give people the freedom and opportunity to make money so they can be generous out of the goodness of their hearts. I think the Bible makes it clear that we are to work hard and live frugal so we can be generous. But the most important thing is the spirit with which we give back, as 1 Corinthians 13:3 says “And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing” (NASB). 

 

How do you understand the relationship between faith and good works?

The defining attribute of Protestant Christianity that makes it different from all of the other religions in the world today is the fact that salvation is not attainable because of anything we do, it is a gift from God. With every other religion in the world you never truly know if you have done enough good to please God, Christianity on the other hand states “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;  not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, NASB). But the Bible is not always cut and dry, if someone just reads the book of James they might be confused by the constant mention of works, but when you take into account the rest of Scripture it becomes clear. With the knowledge of the rest of the Bible, we can read “even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself” (James 2:17, NASB) and not feel conflicted. Works are not essential to salvation but are instead complementary. The thief on the cross next to Jesus is one person in the Bible that we know with 100% certainty is in heaven, and we know it had nothing to do with works but it was because of his faith. Good works are the evidence of a saving faith in Jesus, but it is impossible to do enough good works to earn our way to heaven.

#2

We hear a lot about a work/life balance. What would you say about a work/faith balance?

Balancing working, life and our faith can be entangled and distressing responsibility, but it should not be.  We live in a world that is constantly demanding our time either through work, family, or church community.  If we are truly to follow Christ then we should seek His wisdom with all our hearts, following the Lord as it is easier if we have God in our life.  As I am thinking about this question it makes me think that God has a sense of humor which believe He does.  As the week has progressed things just started going sideways for me and my mom and I was trying to figure everything out.  I am reminded of Hebrews 11:1 (CSB) that says, “Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for and proof of what is not seen”.  Our faith serves as the foundation of our Christian walk and results in a life that is trusting God. Faith is confidence in God’s promises despite circumstances or consequences and results in a life of faithfulness and perseverance.    According to our textbook faith economy is a contrast to consumer economy (Cowan p. 73).  God’s word is not disposable, though we are helping to hide it way if we choose but then we must doubt such faith.  The word of God may come in and out of life, but it never goes out of fashion (Cowan p. 73.)

 How do you understand the relationship between faith and good works?

The relationship between faith and good works is challenging.  For many years I use to ear people say they are going to heaven on their good works alone and unfortunately that is not true.  The only way to heaven is through salvation through Jesus Christ.  According to Ephesians 2:8-10 which states, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift – by from work, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do”.  Paul is telling us that Salvation is the work of God, not man.  It is natural for people to think they can earn their salvation through their good works, however Paul is very clear that we cannot not do enough good works or live a life perfect enough to merit salvation.  Upon accepting salvation through Jesus Christ, God planned for believers to do good works as a result and as evidence of their salvation.  Our relationship here is not one of humanity to God, but of God to humanity as this is not about buying into faith but about us responding to the grace freely given by God (Cowan p.73). Finally there are other scriptures in the Bible, like Titus 3:5 (CSB) that says “he saved us-not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy-through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit”.

 References:

Cowan, D. (2012), Economic Parables: The Monetary Teachings of Jesus Christ. Downer Grove, IL: IVP Books.

Mackenroth, J. 2019. 7 Bible Verses About Balancing Work and Family. Unshakeable Joy. Retrieved: https://www.unshakeablejoy.com/7-bible-verses-balancing-work-family/

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