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Q&A 2023 Dave Scharf

Do parts of the Bible teach works righteousness?

Q: The Reformation cry is grace alone, but don’t some Bible passages seem to say that Jesus will look at our good works instead?

A: When Jesus comes again on the Last Day, everyone’s body and soul will be joined together again for judgment.

Jesus describes judgment day: “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned” (John 5:28,29).

Taken out of the context of the rest of Scripture, it almost seems like we are judged on the basis of our deeds instead of faith. But Scripture is clear that we are saved by grace, through faith, and apart from works. “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). We are saved by grace through God’s gift of faith.

But can we see faith?

Check out these Reformation articles:

Johannes Bugenhagen: Lessons from Luther's pastor

Johannes Bugenhagen, cross and open bible
The celebrations that began on Oct. 31, 2017, seem to be fading. That date marked five centuries since Martin Luther launched the Reformation with the posting of his Ninety-five Theses. Since then, various publications have noted other milestones associated with the . . .

Fall in love with God's Word

woman outside reading bible
The phone rang in my office. The voice said, “I’m looking for a Lutheran church.” That’s a rare thing to hear in Tulsa. My heart raced: “We’re a Lutheran church! How can I help you?” He answered, “I’m looking for a Lutheran church to donate all my Lutheran . . .

The second Martin

Martin Chemnitz
“You Protestants have two Martins; if the second had not come, the first would not have stood.” That Roman Catholic observation says that the work and legacy of the first Martin—Martin Luther—would have been lost if not for the second Martin—Martin Chemnitz. In . . .

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