Saved by Faith That Obeys

Saved by Faith That Obeys

Introduction (James 2:19; Genesis 6:7–9, 22; John 3:14–16):
Scripture shows that saving faith is living faith—faith that responds to God with obedience.

Belief Acknowledged, Yet Insufficient
James wrote, “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder” (James 2:19). Mere assent does not reconcile a person to God. The New Testament calls for faith that trusts, submits, and follows through in action.

Noah: Grace, Faith, and Obedience Working Together
In a violent world, God announced judgment (Genesis 6:7). “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). Noah “was a just man,” a man of integrity, who “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). Grace was extended. Faith was present. Then the record states, “Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did” (Genesis 6:22). Noah was preserved because he acted on God’s gracious plan. Remove grace, and Noah perishes. Remove faith, and Noah disregards God. Remove obedience, and the ark is never built. Scripture binds these together.

Judgment Certain, Promise Universal
A day is coming when the present order will pass (Revelation 21:1). The Son of Man will sit in glory and separate the nations as a shepherd separates sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31–33). Meanwhile, “the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11). God so loved the world that He gave His Son (John 3:16). Grace is offered to every person.

Faith Required—And Defined
“Without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). We are “justified by faith in Christ… not by works of the law” (Galatians 2:16). Yet Scripture also teaches, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). Jesus’ own description of judgment highlights deeds that flow from faith—mercy, service, and love (Matthew 25:34–36). Saving faith works through love and obeys the Lord’s word.

God’s Plan for Salvation Today
Grace begins at the cross. Christ paid the price none could pay. God calls all people to Himself through the gospel:

• Hear the word (Romans 10:17).

• Believe in Jesus Christ (John 3:18; Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 11:6).

• Repent—turn to God (Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30).

• Confess Christ (Matthew 10:32; Acts 8:37).

• Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38).

• Be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:7).

None of these earns salvation; each is the obedient response of faith to the grace of God (Romans 11:6; James 2:18).

A Covenant Picture: Marriage
Grace is God’s proposal through the cross. The gospel is heard, faith is formed, repentance turns the heart, confession pledges allegiance, baptism seals the covenant, and daily faithfulness keeps the vows (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 2 Timothy 2:5; Philippians 3:14). A living union requires ongoing devotion.

Conclusion
Noah’s salvation illustrates the pattern: grace extended, faith trusted, obedience acted. The same God now saves through faith that obeys the gospel and remains faithful to the end.

Saved by Faith That Obeys Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (James 2:19; Genesis 6:7–9, 22; John 3:14–16)

  • Saving faith is active, not idle.

• Belief Acknowledged, Yet Insufficient (James 2:19)

  • Demons believe and shudder.

  • Faith must be living and obedient.

• Noah: Grace, Faith, Obedience (Genesis 6:7–9, 22; Hebrews 11:7)

  • Judgment announced; grace extended.

  • Integrity and walking with God.

  • Obedience to God’s pattern preserved his house.

• Judgment Certain, Promise Universal (Revelation 21:1; Matthew 25:31–33; Titus 2:11; John 3:16)

  • Coming renewal and judgment.

  • Grace offered to all.

• Faith Required—and Defined (Hebrews 11:6; Galatians 2:16; James 2:24; Matthew 25:34–36)

  • Faith pleases God.

  • Not law-keeping merit.

  • Works complete faith.

• God’s Plan for Salvation Today

  • Hear (Romans 10:17).

  • Believe (John 3:18; Ephesians 2:8).

  • Repent (Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30).

  • Confess (Matthew 10:32; Acts 8:37).

  • Be baptized (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38).

  • Be faithful (Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:7).

• Covenant Picture: Marriage (1 Corinthians 9:24–27; 2 Timothy 2:5; Philippians 3:14)

  • Vows kept through steady devotion.

• Conclusion

  • Grace offered, faith received, obedience rendered.

Call to Action
Receive God’s grace through a faith that responds. Hear the gospel, believe in Christ, repent of sin, confess His name, be baptized for the remission of sins, and walk faithfully with the Lord. Let today be the day your faith obeys all the way.

Key Takeaways

• Saving faith acts in obedience (Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:22).

• Grace is universal, yet must be received in God’s way (Titus 2:11; Acts 2:38).

• Scripture rejects faith-alone salvation (James 2:24).

• Judgment measures the fruit of faith (Matthew 25:34–36).

• Faithfulness to the end receives the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

Scripture Reference List

• Genesis 6:7–9, 22; Hebrews 11:7 – Noah’s grace, faith, and obedience.

• James 2:18–24 – Faith shown and perfected by works.

• John 3:14–16, 18 – Faith in the lifted Son.

• Titus 2:11 – Grace appeared to all.

• Revelation 21:1 – New heaven and new earth.

• Matthew 25:31–36 – Judgment and the fruit of mercy.

• Galatians 2:16 – Justified by faith in Christ, not by works of law.

• Romans 11:6 – Grace not of works.

• Romans 10:17 – Faith comes by hearing.

• Acts 17:30; Acts 3:19 – Repentance commanded.

• Matthew 10:32; Acts 8:37 – Confession of Christ.

• Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38 – Baptism commanded for remission.

• Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:5; 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Philippians 3:14 – Faithful endurance.

Prepared by Scott Perkins of the church of Christ at Granby, MO