Sola Fide
Life calls for us to constantly make decisions. Often, the outcome of one decision leads to both the need to make another decision and the elimination of options based on the original decision. Sometimes the decisions aren't very significant in the grand scheme of things and other times they come with huge ramifications. The decision to put our faith in Christ alone is the single biggest decision we'll ever make. Scripture is very clear about this, especially the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Any other decision will lead to eternal damnation and separation.
There are some key points to consider before the decision about "faith alone" can be made. First, we must accept a biblical worldview. Second, we must recognize the holiness of God, especially as it relates to sin. To do this, we must also understand what sin is and the consequences of unforgiven sin by a holy, just, and righteous God. Without this foundation, the concept of faith alone is either irrelevant or negotiable. One other important consideration is the perspective of eternity. This last point is what hangs in the balance as the outcome of the decision of accepting faith alone or not
In John 14:6, Jesus says, "No one comes to the Father except through Him." You either believe this or you don't. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, emphasizes this when he wrote, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV) Once again, either you believe this or you don't.
If a person doesn't put their faith in Christ alone for their eternal salvation, what are their options? Here is what they're left with; there's no eternity, they'll rely on their own merits, or that they need to do additional work beyond Christ's sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension. Let's examine these options.
No eternity - if this life is all there is, what's the point of worrying about the future? The problem with this is the present. If there's no eternity, why would anyone be concerned with morality, fairness, or justice? This perspective also leads to the question of why anyone would experience guilt. Since people have a sense of right and wrong, there's some moral code within them. The moral code requires some standard or society would be in chaos. Although the culture tries to pass off tolerance of all views, this fallacy is easily dismantled by the law of non-contradiction.
Self reliance - Self reliance for salvation is another dead end decision. If we could save ourselves because we're good enough, we wouldn't need salvation in the first place. If one accepts that God is the Judge and He says we must be perfect, any single imperfection on our part disqualifies us. Comparison won't save a person either. Proverbs reminds us that God detests uneven scales. His standard is unwavering and universal. His expectation is perfection because He is perfect.
Jesus and works - Believing that works are required for salvation, in addition to faith in Christ, diminishes His work on the cross. This also calls into question belief in the Trinity and the sovereignty of God. If God required specific works beyond faith in Christ, it would no longer be grace. Also, since Scripture is inerrant, it would spell out clear requirements.
Some would try to suggest that James 2:17-18 is evidence that works are required in addition to faith. This belief takes the verses out of context. James is saying that our good works are the outcome of our faith. This aligns with what Paul wrote to the Romans in Romans 3:28 and Romans 4:13, as well as, to the Ephesians as noted above. If James' verses contradicted Paul's, there would be doubt and confusion. God is the God of order, our enemy is the father of lies, chaos, and confusion. The Bible can't be both inerrant and contradict itself. As a result, the suggestion that James promotes faith and works is a false interpretation of Scripture.
Here are additional verses, beyond those already covered, that demonstrate faith alone.
And when He saw their faith, He said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.”
Luke 5:20
Jesus heals the paralyzed man as a result of his faith and that of his friends.
And His name—by faith in His name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.
Acts 3:16
Peter explains to the crowd that healing the lame beggar came only through faith in Christ.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?
John 11:25-26
Jesus tells Martha that He is the way to eternal life before raising Lazarus from the dead.
Ultimately, a decision on where we place our faith is required from everyone. Anyone who claims a biblical worldview has no reason to question faith in Christ alone as our path to salvation. A careful study of the Scriptures proves this and the call of God requires it. There is no better warning to make the right decision than the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, "I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am He you will die in your sins." (John 8:24)
Choose wisely, your eternal destiny hangs in the balance.