By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Hebrews 11:7

This week I’ve been reading a book that features a discussion of the life and theology of Martin Luther and his transition from Roman Catholic priest to Protestant Reformer. Luther was once a man who worked hard to “earn” his position with God but later learned the importance of faith, but he leaned so hard into his doctrine of Sola Fide that he initially rejected the Book of James!

Noah demonstrates the harmony between faith and works. Because Noah had faith in God’s promise and the command to build the ark, Noah acted in faith. Notice that his actions followed his faith.

And so it must be with us. As James wrote –

So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

James 2:17