Faith and Works: The Two Oars of Christian Life

Genuine faith and works of obedience are inseparable partners that act as the two oars of faith and works, which must be used equally to navigate the Christian life against the current of worldliness and unbeliefWM 315.4+1.

The True Relationship Between Faith and Works

• A Living Connection: Genuine faith is a living, active principle that is always manifested in willing obedience to all of God's requirements 1 John 5:33SP 51.4.

• Fruit of the Heart: Good works are the natural fruits of faith; as God works in the heart by His Spirit, the believer cooperates by working out those principles in daily practice Philippians 2:12-13NL 28.1.

• Harmony in Action: Faith and works act harmoniously in the work of overcoming sin; while works can never save us, they demonstrate that our faith is rooted in the merits of Christ James 2:17ST June 16, 1890, par. 3.

• Condition of Justification: It is through a continual surrender of the will and constant obedience that the blessing of justification is retainedNL 28.1.

• The Error of "Only Believe": We must not be deceived by the claim that we only need to believe, for faith without intelligent works is dead20MR 8.2+1.

The Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus

• The Standard of Character: The law of God is the foundation of His throne and the transcript of His character, which Christ came to represent to the worldFW 90.1+1.

• A Binding Covenant: Our loyalty in obeying the ten commandments in both spirit and letter reveals our true covenant relation with our Maker13LtMs, Ms 116, 1898, par. 2.

• United Principles: The banner of the third angel's message bears the words "The Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus," showing they are to be held together and never trampled in the dustCCh 16.2.

• Love as the Basis: Keeping the commandments is the very definition of the love of God, for the law is summarized in supreme love for the Creator and impartial love for our neighbor 1 John 5:313LtMs, Ms 116, 1898, par. 2+1.

• Liberty from Sin: Obedience to these divine requirements provides true liberty and deliverance from the thralldom of human passion and impulseMH 131.2.

The Two Oars of the Christian Life

• Faith and Works: These are the two oars we must use equally if we wish to press our way up the stream against the current of unbelief and worldlinessWM 315.4+1.

• The Danger of One Oar: Those who attempt to pull with only one oar will find their "little bark" going round and round in circles, making no actual progress toward the port of glory20MR 8.2+1.

• Earnest Effort Required: We must ply these oars with all our might, for the wind and tide of the world are against us, and no one can row another person's boat1EGWLM 264.2+1.

• Maintaining Spiritual Health: By using both faith and good works, a Christian keeps their spirituality strong, healthy, and increasing in powerNL 38.2+1.

• Preparation for the New Earth: While we labor at the oars now, in the new earth there will be no more "galley with oars," as the barriers of the sea and the suffering of forced labor will be forever swept away Isaiah 33:21Hvn 138.3+1. ⛵