Exploring the Nuances of Living Faith and Saving Faith

The concepts of living faith and saving faith are crucial to Christian doctrine, yet they are often misunderstood. While each type of faith is vital for a believer's walk with God, they serve distinct purposes that shape a person's spiritual life in significant ways. This post aims to clarify these differences and explore why both forms of faith are essential for a fulfilling relationship with God.

Matthew 17:20

Understanding Saving Faith

Saving faith is fundamentally about belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It is the kind of faith that leads to salvation—a personal acknowledgment of the grace that God offers through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. According to Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV), "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage highlights that salvation is a divine gift, not something we can earn through our actions.

At its core, saving faith involves trust and reliance on Christ's work of redemption. John 3:16 (NIV) states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This balance of belief and acceptance of Christ's sacrifice is the essence of saving faith.

Saving Faith and Justification

When we accept Jesus's free gift of salvation through faith we are justified or declared righteous. Galatians 2:16says, "Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus in order to be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

Consider the story of the thief on the cross in Luke 23:39-43. His simple yet profound acknowledgment of Jesus—"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom"—demonstrates saving faith, his acceptance of justification. He could not perform any works, yet Jesus assured him, "Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in paradise." This example underscores that saving faith does not rely on deeds but on heartfelt belief in Christ.

Without saving faith, a believer's journey lacks an essential starting point. Just like a tree needs roots to flourish, believers need saving faith as the foundation of their relationship with God. When we recognize our need for salvation and embrace Christ, the seed that was planted takes root, and that beginning faith should be nurtured through daily living in order for it to grow.

The Nature of Living Faith

While saving faith opens the door to the kingdom of God, living faith represents the active walk with God in that kingdom. Living faith is the day-to-day expression of a believer's faith through actions and obedience to God's commandments. This idea is captured in James 2:17 (NIV): "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Living faith reflects a believer's commitment to align with Jesus' teachings and to embody principles of love, service, and righteousness. This ongoing growth and transformation is directly tied to one's relationship with God. This transformation process is sanctification.

Hebrews 10:14 tells us, "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time [justification] those who are being sanctified."

Living Faith and Sanctification

The illustration that Jesus shares in John 15:1-5 of the vine and branches tells us that there is more to being a Christian than just being a believer. If we are connected to the vine, that is Jesus, we will bear fruit (do good works; Ephesians 2:10). God, the vinedresser, will prune us as needed in order that we will bear more fruit. In this analogy we see that "being grafted in" (Romans 11:11-31) would be our acceptance of the gift of salvation--justification. But, the analogy goes further to show that we will be changed and produce for God's glory.

By accepting justification we are agreeing to sanctification--the process of growing into Christ's likeness.

So, if saving faith is the belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Living faith is the belief that God guides us daily to live better lives, and reflect his character now.

We believe that the unpleasant "pruning" is for our good and done in love, so we faithfully submit.

In Galatians 5:6 (NIV) Paul states, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." The context is a debate on circumcision (a Jewish rite) versus the lack thereof (for Gentiles) as an essential step for salvation. Circumcision was an outward sign of the covenant, but it did not guarantee the inner change of heart later described as the "circumcision of the heart" (Deuteronomy 10:16). Paul emphasizes that what truly matters is faith, not just as an intellectual belief, but a faith that is demonstrated and lived out through love. In this verse we see Paul echoing James' "faith without works is dead" (James 2:26).

If your faith, or belief, in Jesus doesn't result in action that brings God glory then what good is it?

James 2:19 tells us that even the demons believe there is a God! What they lack is the living faith that demonstrates that they believe that God is good - that his ways are the best ways.

Living faith is crucial as it demonstrates the practical application of saving faith. A believer's commitment to living out their faith helps them grow spiritually and serves as a shining example to others. The authenticity of one's saving faith is evident in how one lives out that faith.

The Interconnection of Living Faith and Saving Faith

The relationship between living faith and saving faith is complex but deeply intertwined. While saving faith is a one-time acceptance of God's grace, living faith represents an ongoing commitment to express that grace through actions. They are not separate; rather, one naturally flows into the other.

Jesus emphasizes this connection in Matthew 7:20 (NIV): "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." This implies that saving faith must manifest through a believer's deeds and actions. The evidence of saving faith is fruit—active living faith that shows transformation in behavior, speech, and attitude.

The story of Abraham provides a compelling illustration. Romans 4:3 (NIV) states, "What does scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'" Abraham's faith began as saving faith rooted in belief in God's promise. However, his willingness to act on that belief—most notably, his readiness to sacrifice Isaac—demonstrates living faith in action.

Abraham's faith was validated through his obedience. His story illustrates that true belief compels action, showing that one cannot claim saving faith without demonstrating it through living according to God's commands (John 14:15).

The Role of Grace in Both Dimensions

Grace is pivotal in both saving faith and living faith. John 1:16 (NIV) explains, "Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given." This shows that grace is foundational for both types of faith.

When an individual embraces Christ, they are saved by grace and empowered by grace to live a life reflecting their faith. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in nurturing living faith, helping believers strive for holiness and align with God's will. Philippians 2:13 (NIV) states, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

This ongoing flow of grace fuels a believer’s living faith. Understanding God's grace inspires living as Jesus taught, showing compassion and love to others. Realizing that salvation comes not from our efforts but from God's grace shapes how believers interact with both God and their fellow man.

It is this divine grace that connects the moment of accepting Christ to the ongoing pursuit of living fully for Him. Each step of faith is supported by grace, enabling believers to grow and deepen their faith and relationship with God.

Practical Implications for Daily Life

Grasping the distinction between living faith and saving faith has significant implications for believers. It prompts individuals to reflect on their relationship with God and ask important questions: Do I have saving faith? Am I expressing that faith through my daily actions?

To nurture living faith, believers should engage in practices that promote growth. Regular prayer, studying scripture, participating in community service, and connecting with fellow believers are vital. These activities reinforce the understanding that faith is not merely an internal belief but an active expression of trust in God.

As believers recognize the impact of living faith, they inspire others to explore saving faith. Sharing personal experiences and demonstrating love can draw others toward Christ.

Ultimately, developing a rich understanding of both living faith and saving faith enhances a believer’s spiritual life. This journey of discipleship invites individuals not only to accept God’s grace through saving faith but also to express it through their actions.

A Call to Embrace Faith

Living faith and saving faith are interdependent aspects of a Christian's spiritual life. Saving faith allows us to enter into a relationship with God, while living faith embodies that relationship daily. The biblical passages discussed illustrate how these forms of faith intertwine and support one another, underscoring that one cannot exist without the other.

As we, believers, deepen our comprehension of saving and living faith, we become empowered to live authentically and meaningfully. This holistic approach enriches our faith walk and transforms the world around us, glorifying God through all we do.

May we embrace saving faith as our foundation and living faith as our expression, fulfilling our calling to love and serve others in Christ’s name.