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November 16, 2007 Examining A Popular Quote
Topic Started: Jul 20 2009, 09:41 PM (37 Views)
lightninboy


UPDATED - new illustrations at the bottom

"Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is never alone"
I think everyone who is in church nowadays has heard this quote at least once.

I have been trying to analyze it. Something - I am not sure what it is - but something doesn't logically sit right with that statement.

(Disclaimer: I do believe that most every Christian will love other Christians and have good works. Most, upon conversion, exhibit a change of life. I do believe that the world will not know we are Christians unless they can see evidence of this, that being our confession of the same, love for one another and good works. However, there are exceptions to every rule. For example, a convert who has no Bible [or even one who doesn't ever read his Bible] or a convert who has no Christian church to be with or no other Christian to disciple him... Does faith in Christ save him despite his lack of growth and fruit? I say yes... the Bible says we are saved by faith alone in Christ, His having COMPLETED the work. So in that case, his faith may very well be alone, but he would be saved anyway.)

"Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is never alone"

This leaves no room for exception and is very unclear. I take issue with it.

This saying has two the parts:
Faith and Works
(Faith alone saves, but the faith that saves is never alone [implied is that it comes with Works]

I am trying to think of an illustrative example for this saying that will support it or oppose it. I came up with a few unsatisfactory ones:

Fire and Oxygen
"Fire alone burns, but the fire that burns is never alone." (it comes with oxygen)

Fire and Ashes
"Fire alone burns, but the fire that burns is never alone." (it comes with ashes)

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide
"Oxygen alone gives breath, but the oxygen that gives breath is never alone." (it comes with carbon dioxide)

Does anyone have any thoughts on this or any better illustrations to either support or oppose the idea in the quote?


A couple of new illustrations! Contributions from my guests!
Supporting the quote as representing the truth of salvation by grace, Daniel: (rephrased to be consistent with my structure)
Envelope and Letter
The mailman delivers the envelope only, but the envelope is never alone.

Opposing the quote, as not representative of salvation by grace, Antonio:
Sales Agreement and Money Changing Hands
Signing a sales agreement alone (apart from any money changing hands) makes you a car owner, but the signing of a sales agreement by which you are a car-owner is never alone (apart from money changing hands).
No I will not, No I will not
Not go quietly
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