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Catholic Questions & Answers It seems, St. Paul teaches that we are saved by Faith in Jesus Christ and not by the works of the law 'Gal 2:16, Rom 3:24). Does this mean that Christians needn't observe any law, but simply believe in Christ?
It seems, St. Paul teaches that we are saved by Faith in Jesus Christ and not by the works of the law 'Gal 2:16, Rom 3:24). Does this mean that Christians needn't observe any law, but simply believe in Christ?
This is a wrong inference due to the misunderstanding of Paul's teaching. Here Paul is addressing Jewish Christians who formerly thought the law of Moses was sufficient for their salvation. In such a concept, the emphasis was man's effort to observe the law and attain salvation as a reward. Humanity miserably failed in this attempt. Now comes Jesus' full of grace and mercy granting salvation to all those who believe in Hi. Here salvation is seen as God's gratuitous gift in spite of man's failures (Eph. 2:9). But this emphasis does not exclude observance of law, the law of love. Believing Jesus is loving Jesus: loving Jesus is keeping his commandments (Jn. 14:15,21). Jesus and Father are one. "He who sees me, sees Him who sent me" (Jn. 12:45). Commandments given by the Father to Moses (Ex. 20:1-11), and by Jesus to his disciples (Jn. 15:12-13) are the same. However, by the belief in Jesus Christ gives sufficient grace and strength to observe these commandments with greater ease. Though salvation is primarily God's gratuitous gift, it is attained with each one's co-operation. However, obeying the law doesn't mean one has to observe all the rules and stipulations originated in Jewish religion. Similarly faith doesn't exclude good works. James exhorts that "faith without works is dead" (2:26). St. Paul says that "not the hearers of the law, but the doers of the law will be justified" (Rom. 2:13). Listen to what John has to say, "He who says, 'I know Him' and does not keep his commandments, is a liar and truth is not in him. He whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him" (Jn. 2:4-5). Faith demands good works from us, we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works" (Eph. 2:10).