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The Harmony of Faith, Works, and Overcoming Self

Why is 'self' considered a person's most formidable enemy?

AdventAI

Faith in works?

AdventAI

Genuine faith is an active principle that naturally produces works of righteousness, as true belief and obedience are inseparable in the plan of salvation.

The Relationship Between Faith and Works

Faith and works are not opposing concepts but function together in a beautiful partnership. While a person is justified by faith without the deeds of the law, that faith must be a living, active power that reveals itself through actions.

  • Faith is the Foundation: Faith must always come first, as there can be no works that justify without underlying belief.

  • Works are the Evidence: Good works are the outcome and evidence of a perfected, living faith.

  • Dead Faith: A "faith only" profession that does not result in obedience is dead, just as a body without a spirit is dead James 2:26. Even the devils believe in God's existence and tremble, but they lack the faith that works by love and purifies the soul James 2:19.

The Example of Abraham

Abraham serves as the primary illustration of how faith is made perfect through works.

  • He first believed God's promise regarding his offspring, and it was imputed to him for righteousness Genesis 15:6.

  • Later, his faith was tested when he was commanded to offer his son Isaac.

  • By obeying this command, his faith was shown to be perfect, and the scripture was fulfilled which stated he believed God James 2:21-23.

  • He was justified by a faith that was capable of controlling the affections and impulses of the heart.

Faith Works by Love

The only faith that avails for salvation is that which works by love and purifies the soul Galatians 5:6. This genuine faith does not seek to make void the law of God but rather establishes it through a life of willing obedience Romans 3:31.

  • The Power of the Spirit: True works of righteousness are not the result of human strength but are wrought by the Holy Spirit working within the believer Philippians 2:13.

  • Transformation of Character: When we lay hold of Christ's righteousness by faith, our taste is elevated, our heart is sanctified, and we are fitted for heaven.

  • A Shared Work: Salvation is a co-partnership where man makes strenuous efforts to overcome sin while remaining wholly dependent on God for success Philippians 2:12.

The Danger of Counterfeits

There is a popular but fatal deception that claims belief is the only essential and that works are nothing.

  • Easy Religion: This desire for an "easy religion" avoids self-denial and the keeping of God's commandments.

  • Righteousness by Works: Conversely, trying to obtain salvation through one's own efforts without faith is a counterfeit plan that leads to bondage.

  • The True Standard: Those who are truly justified by faith will have a heart to keep the way of the Lord and will reflect His image in their daily lives 1 John 5:3.

In summary, faith is the hand that lays hold of Christ's virtue, and the resulting works are the fruit of that vital connection. We are not to sit in indolence but are to improve every talent in the work of saving souls, leaving the results with God.

Sources · 31
  1. 7BC 936.3EGW SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7Ellen Gould White
  2. SITI June 15, 1888, page 363.30The Signs of the Times, vol. 14Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  3. SITI March 23, 1888, page 186.40The Signs of the Times, vol. 14Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  4. RH May 28, 1908, par. 1The Review and HeraldEllen Gould White
  5. ARSH December 22, 1859, page 33.17Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 15James Springer White
  6. FW 47.1Faith and WorksEllen Gould White
  7. PTUK June 21, 1894, page 389.36The Present Truth, vol. 10Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  8. PP 153.4Patriarchs and ProphetsEllen Gould White
  9. ST February 17, 1890, par. 6The Signs of the TimesEllen Gould White
  10. PTUK March 9, 1893, page 67.5The Present Truth, vol. 9Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  11. EVCO 103.1The Everlasting CovenantEllet Joseph Waggoner
  12. SITI June 23, 1887, page 376.4The Signs of the Times, vol. 13Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  13. ST January 7, 1897, par. 8The Signs of the TimesEllen Gould White
  14. FW 100.2Faith and WorksEllen Gould White
  15. YI March 1, 1900, par. 2The Youth’s InstructorEllen Gould White
  16. 1SM 334.1Selected Messages Book 1Ellen Gould White
  17. PC 81.3The Paulson Collection of Ellen G. White LettersEllen Gould White
  18. TSPL 23.1Thoughts on the Sabbath & the Perpetuity of the Law of GodJohn Nevins Andrews
  19. 1SM 374.1Selected Messages Book 1Ellen Gould White
  20. PH028 8.2Elder Daniels and the Fresno ChurchEllen Gould White
  21. 17MR 33.5Manuscript Releases, vol. 17 [Nos. 1236-1300]Ellen Gould White
  22. 1SM 375.2Selected Messages Book 1Ellen Gould White
  23. GC 472.1The Great ControversyEllen Gould White
  24. ST March 30, 1888, par. 8The Signs of the TimesEllen Gould White
  25. SSP 48.1The Story of the Seer of PatmosStephen Nelson Haskell
  26. ARSH July 31, 1900, page 489.15The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 77Alonzo Trevier Jones
  27. ST March 20, 1893, par. 4The Signs of the TimesEllen Gould White
  28. YI July 18, 1895, par. 1The Youth’s InstructorEllen Gould White
  29. AMS May 31, 1894, page 170.9The American Sentinel 9Alonzo Trevier Jones
  30. Pr 59.3PrayerEllen Gould White
  31. ST June 16, 1890, par. 1The Signs of the TimesEllen Gould White

Worst enemy is self?

AdventAI

Yes, self is indeed your worst and most formidable enemy because it is at war with every step in true Christianity. 🕊️ While we may fear external influences, the greatest conflict we must face is with unconsecrated self.

Why Self is the Worst Foe

The carnal mind is naturally in enmity against God and is not subject to His law. Self manifests itself in many subtle ways and is extremely unwilling to be sacrificed.

  • A Constant Trouble: Self will severely trouble you until it is crucified with its affections and lusts Galatians 5:24.

  • A Spiritual Hindrance: It prevents you from receiving the truth or misleads you even after you have accepted it.

  • The Source of Pride: Self-pride and self-love hinder the work of God and lead to a spirit of criticism and phariseeism.

The Conquest of Self

The greatest victory you can ever gain is not over others, but over yourself. This internal battle is the essence of the Christian warfare.

  • Crucifixion of Self: To build a symmetrical character, you must begin by crucifying self and learning daily the meaning of self-surrender.

  • Subduing Passion: Real greatness is measured by the power to subdue your feelings rather than being mastered by them.

  • Silence in the Soul: When you are emptied of self and love for supremacy, there is a holy silence in the soul, and you feel that your highest place is at the feet of the Savior.

Victory Through Divine Grace

You cannot conquer self in your own human strength; if you try to work in your own way, you will fail.

  • Total Surrender: When the heart is given unreservedly to God, it is softened and subdued by His power.

  • The Role of the Spirit: Self must be yielded to the disposal of the Holy Spirit, who transforms the character and ways.

  • Looking to the Pattern: By studying the life of Jesus, who was the majesty of heaven yet lived a life of strict self-denial, you gain the strength to deny your own inclinations.

The Results of Overcoming

Conquering self brings a peace that the world cannot give and prepares you for eternal life.

  • True Power: The strongest person is the one who can restrain passion and forgive enemies.

  • Unity with Others: When self is subdued, it leads to a perfect harmony among believers, making their interests one.

  • Success in Life: Self-mastery is the basis of sanity and a well-balanced mind.

"Onward" is the watchword, and through the sufficient grace of God, victory over self is sure. 🛡️ Keep yourself hidden in Jesus, and let Him be your counselor at every step.

Sources · 20
  1. SITI June 18, 1885, page 375.1The Signs of the Times, vol. 11Ellet Joseph Waggoner
  2. ARSH November 10, 1859, page 198.21Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 14Uriah Smith
  3. CS 21.3Counsels on StewardshipEllen Gould White
  4. ARSH June 3, 1858, page 22.38Advent Review, and Sabbath Herald, vol. 12Uriah Smith
  5. 1888 402.2The Ellen G. White 1888 MaterialsEllen Gould White
  6. RH June 28, 1887, par. 12The Review and HeraldEllen Gould White
  7. 4T 544.2Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4Ellen Gould White
  8. RH August 18, 1885, par. 12The Review and HeraldEllen Gould White
  9. AMS July 14, 1898, page 418.7The American Sentinel 13Alonzo Trevier Jones
  10. YI May 16, 1901, par. 7The Youth’s InstructorEllen Gould White
  11. CG 161.4Child GuidanceEllen Gould White
  12. MYP 162.2Messages to Young PeopleEllen Gould White
  13. 18MR 267.2Manuscript Releases, vol. 18 [Nos. 1301-1359]Ellen Gould White
  14. 21MR 301.4Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]Ellen Gould White
  15. 7T 92.2Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7Ellen Gould White
  16. BEcho December 15, 1892, par. 3The Bible EchoEllen Gould White
  17. CET 189.4Christian Experience and Teachings of Ellen G. WhiteEllen Gould White
  18. 2SM 189.1Selected Messages Book 2Ellen Gould White
  19. ARSH August 16, 1898, page 532.5The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, vol. 75Alonzo Trevier Jones
  20. 7LtMs, Ms 25a, 1891, par. 36Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)Ellen Gould White