Works: Evidence of True Belief
Is 'I believe' Enough?
The narrative of the thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43) 1) presents a unique perspective on the nature of faith, its transformative power, and its inevitable manifestation through works. Despite finding faith at the brink of death, the thief underwent an immediate transformation of heart and corresponding actions, regardless of his constraints. This narrative poses an important theological question: Is professing 'I believe' enough, or does genuine faith invariably instigate a process of transformation and produce discernible works?
The Thief Acts
It's noteworthy that the thief, despite the brevity of his sanctification, exhibited a profound transformation. His confession of guilt, defense of Jesus, and profession of Jesus' innocence and lordship (Luke 23:40-42) were his works. These actions, albeit few and accomplished within a limited time frame, testified to his faith. His salvation was secure, despite his minimal time for comprehensive sanctification and character refinement.
Judas Acts
This contrasts starkly with Judas Iscariot, who, despite spending over three years in close companionship with Jesus, betrayed Him and in so doing demonstrated dead faith and an unrefined character.
Do Works Matter?
A compelling question emerges when one claims to believe but does not exhibit a transformed life over many days, months, or even years. Can such a profession of faith be deemed genuine? Examining the biblical narratives, it becomes evident that authentic faith is inseparable from transformation and obedience.
The Apostles
The apostles' experiences illuminate this connection vividly. When Peter and Andrew heard Jesus' call, they immediately left their nets and followed him (Matthew 4:20). Matthew, the tax collector, left his lucrative job2) to follow Jesus (Matthew 9:9). Upon declaring their faith in Jesus, they experienced a dramatic life change. Leaving everything behind, they embarked on a new path marked by continuous growth, sacrifice, and obedient works carried out in Christ's name.
The Pillars
Similarly, prominent characters like David, Daniel, and Paul embody this principle. David's faith led him to face Goliath fearlessly (1 Samuel 17:20-57), while Daniel's faith sustained him in the lion's den (Daniel 6:1-28). Paul, formerly a persecutor of Christians, underwent a dramatic conversion and became one of Christianity's greatest proponents (Acts 9:1-22). These individuals, marked by profound life transformations and sacrificial actions, exemplify faith's transformative power and inseparability from obedience and good works.
The Rich Young Man
In contrast, the story of the rich young man (Mark 10:17-22) serves as a stark reminder that a profession of belief is insufficient if it does not instigate a change in heart, priorities, and actions. Despite his outward adherence to the commandments and his professed desire to be saved, his inability to forsake his riches and follow Jesus revealed a lack of genuine, transformative faith.
Summary
From these narratives, it's clear that authentic faith is neither passive nor silent. Instead, it stirs transformation, incurs sanctification, and results in obedience to God's law and good works. As James states, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). This implies that genuine faith inevitably manifests in works, serving as visible fruit by which we discern the faith of others.
The story of the thief on the cross provides a powerful illustration that genuine faith, even when discovered in dire circumstances, leads to a changed heart and corresponding actions. For believers graced with the gift of time, faith should be more than a mere profession. It should be a life-altering force that initiates continuous spiritual growth and a life of obedience marked by good works.
Conclusion
The transformative and action-inducing power of faith is an indispensable theme in the biblical narrative. Merely professing 'I believe' is not enough. True faith, as demonstrated by the thief on the cross and countless others, results in a profound transformation that impacts not only the believer but also those they interact with. The aim of this transformation and sanctification process is to reform the believer's character to be more Christlike, necessitating that the believer become less like the world. Without such evidence, a profession of faith could rightly be judged as dead. Genuine faith leaves an indelible impact on the believer's heart, life, and actions, thus influencing their surroundings and leading them toward Christlikeness.