It appears from his writings that Peter leans more toward James' doctrine of righteousness by works than he does toward righteousness based solely on a profession of belief. This is true also of Jude, Hebrews, Revelation, and the First Epistle of John, and a number of passages from Paul's writings.

The bulk of the writings of the New Testament, including the four Gospels, have more to say about righteous living than they do about pleasing God through belief. We are using the term belief in our discussion here rather than faith because there is a difference between belief, as the word often is used, and the faith that is a transforming grasp on God and His Word.

In some instances belief is nothing more than a mental assent to spiritual facts. We may believe that Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world. The devils themselves are aware of this fact. Yet their "faith" does not save them.

True faith is a grasp on God such that what we read in the Scriptures begins to change what we are, what we do, what we perceive, what we know, what we say.

Theological belief and knowledge will not save us. It is our personal, living faith in Christ that brings forth a new creation in our personality. The Christian salvation is more than anything else a new creation in us.

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. (II Peter 2:20,21)

Consider what Peter is saying here. His words indeed are a serious challenge to much of what is considered to be Christianity in the twentieth century.

"Escaped the pollutions of the world." "Again entangled therein, and overcome." In no way could these expressions refer to belief only. They are speaking of leaving the behaviors of the world. Peter is stern enough to claim that if the "believer" lives as a worldly person he will end up in a worse condition than was true of him before he professed Christianity.

Notice also, "the way of righteousness"; and, "turn from the holy commandment."

The way of righteousness. There is a way of pleasing God. That way of righteousness is the way of holy living, the way of separation from the world. There is a "holy commandment" that the Christian must obey.

To be righteous is to be received of God. It is obvious from the New Testament Scriptures that being received of God includes more than a profession of belief in Christ.

Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. (II Corinthians 6:17)

To be continued.