Faith as a Work: Debunking a Calvinist Misconception
Orientation
The idea that faith is a virtuous work that makes believers inherently more righteous than nonbelievers is a myth that obscures the gospel.
- This view subtly treats faith as a spiritual achievement or badge of superiority.
- It suggests believers are justified because they possess a hidden virtue or capacity that others lack.
- This creates a false distinction where assurance becomes tied to our own capacity to believe rather than Christ's finished work.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5)
— Romans 4:5
Clarification
Faith is not a human demonstration of strength or a meritorious contribution; it is the surrender of self-righteousness.
- Justification is not a reward for those who muster up belief, but a gift for those who abandon all claims to their own righteousness.
- The gospel is believed by those with no righteousness to defend, like lepers and sinners, not by those, like the Pharisees, armed with self-righteousness.
- Faith is the means by which God justifies the ungodly, not the righteous.
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1 Corinthians 1:27)
— 1 Corinthians 1:27
Structure
Biblical logic reveals God's wisdom and power through what appears weak and foolish, justifying us through faith in His promise alone.
- God credits righteousness through faith, not through human works or inherent virtue.
- The cross displays the bankruptcy of human strength, revealing God's true power through apparent weakness.
- Justification is by grace through faith, which is itself a surrender, not a work.
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)
— Galatians 2:20
Weight-Bearing Prose
The core theological assertion is that faith is not a work. The Calvinist doctrine of perseverance, by making faith a distinguishing mark only the regenerated can produce, implicitly treats it as a meritorious contribution. This contradicts Paul’s definitive statement in Romans 4:5: justification is for ‘him that worketh not, but believeth.’ Faith is the instrument through which God’s grace is received, not a virtuous act that constitutes our righteousness. The object of faith is God’s promise, specifically the record concerning His Son’s death and resurrection. This faith is a function of the heart—being convinced the gospel is true—not a demonstration of spiritual strength. To make faith a work rebuilds the wall of human merit that Christ tore down, mystifying the gospel and tying assurance to human capacity rather than divine accomplishment.
Integration
Your assurance rests entirely on Christ’s finished work, not on the quality or perseverance of your faith. God justifies the ungodly by grace. Faith is simply agreeing with God’s testimony about His Son. There is no pressure to advance or mature in your faith to secure your standing. You are justified because God credits righteousness to those who believe His promise. Let this be your landing place: Christ is your righteousness. Any teaching that makes faith a work to be performed returns you to bondage. Rest in the promise. The inheritance is yours by grace, through faith, which is itself the gift of hearing and believing the gospel. There is no hierarchy of believers, only those who have surrendered their own righteousness for His.