The divinely inspired Word of God proclaims that faith can live only in works of righteousness.

The position is taken that faith is an abstraction, existing alone and not dependent on our behavior. We are saved by faith alone, it is claimed, in direct contradiction of the written Word of God.

The truth is, abstract faith is not faith at all but mental assent. Works of righteousness, godly actions, are the very life of true faith. "The just shall live by faith" means the righteous think, speak, and act by faith in God rather than by faith in their own ability.

"The just shall live by faith," an expression that originated in the Old Testament and is repeated three times in the New, does not mean we go to Heaven on the basis of a mental assent to the theological facts of redemption. In fact, the eleventh chapter of the Book of Hebrews is the illustration of "the just shall live by faith." The eleventh chapter of Hebrews describes works of obedience to God, not mental assent to theological facts.

Why are we of today insisting that if Christians continue to walk in the flesh they shall not certainly die?

It is the greatest lie ever told and it has produced moral desolation in the churches of Christ. As a result the governments of the so-called Christian nations are moral wastelands.

The only moral guidance available to civil government is the light coming from Christ-produced godly behavior and teaching of the Christian churches. But we have wrested Paul's doctrine of grace to mean that godly behavior, while desirable, is not a crucial aspect of our salvation. The result is, our lampstand has been removed from its place. The government has only our "imputed righteousness" to rely on for moral guidance; and since imputed (legally ascribed) righteousness cannot be observed, the government has no moral light to follow.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

"That they may see your good works."

"But I am saved by faith and do not need to practice good works."

"This was written to the Jews."

"It really means that if people would accept Christ they would be saved."

"If you stress righteous behavior you are guilty of preaching works. You are guilty of `legalism' (the current epithet applied to righteous, holy behavior). You are a Pharisee."

What other ways do we have of making the Word of God of none effect?

The manner in which the Divine grace is presented today is the greatest lie ever told.

When the author received Christ, Ephesians 2:8,9 was emphasized as a "key passage" to memorize.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Why wasn't the following verse included as part of the "key passage," since it reveals the outcome of Divine grace?

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

We have been "created in Christ unto good works."

Why wasn't this important aspect included?

It was not included in our early instruction because it exposes the satanic lie that clouds Christian thinking.

To be continued.