Understanding Paul's Teachings on Works and Faith

DAY 278 CHALLENGE “Doesn’t Paul’s statement that we are saved ‘not because of works, lest any man should boast’ (Eph. 2:9) show he teaches justification by ‘faith alone’?” DEFENSE This misunderstands the kind of boasting in question. Paul never uses the phrase “faith alone,” and we elsewhere cover how the context of this passage shows it’s about the Jewish-Gentile question found elsewhere in Paul’s writings, meaning the “works” are actions done to obey the Law of Moses (see Days 63, 136, and 204). This is also indicated when, in the next verse, Paul praises “good works” as part of the ...