You're Saved by Faith in Christ Alone

But Works Matter Too

Jan 23, 2026

Debates about salvation by faith alone (sola fide) are ramping up again. And it’s all just splitting hairs.

Catholics and Orthodox currently and historically hold that faith and works are inseparable, and Protestants put greater stress on faith.

The latter see works as part of sanctification (purification of an already saved and justified soul in Christ), which emerges from faith in Christ’s completed work on the cross.

But works aren’t separate from faith. They just have a different role. Through each Christ rescues us from the abyss.

So, what if there is no issue? What if faith and works align as allegiance to Christ the King?

Let me explain.

Faith vs. Faithfulness

Definitions are most helpful when it comes to theology.

“Faith” is belief merged with trust. When you believe something (or someone) is true and trust in it (or them), then you have entered into faith.

“Faithfulness” is the enduring inward and outward working of faith (aka loyalty) toward the object of said faith. Expression. The expected behavior emitted from belief and trust.

The latter term is interchangeable with “allegiance.” It also happens to be the most consistent translation of the Greek term pistis in the Bible.

This suggests that whenever the term is used, the most basic assumption in the New Testament is holistic inward and outward living of faithfulness toward God in Christ.

But What About Paul?

My fellow Protestants love to stress what Paul says in Romans 10:9-13 to show how one is justified by faith in Christ Jesus. And rightly so. It says:

[B]ecause, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

The passage is clear. Anyone who confesses with his (or her) mouth that Christ is Lord and believes in his heart that Jesus rose again from the grave, that person will be saved.

But verse 10 is also clear: The confession is an action that emerges from the belief. It is a work of faith. The beginning of faithfulness. Different in role (outward evidence of faith) from the belief (inward experience of faith).

If your faith in Christ Jesus does not move you unto faithful obedience to Christ, into action on behalf of the Savior, to following him, then it isn’t really faith.

Which is why Paul’s argument here is consistent with James’s own words in his letter: “Faith without works is dead.”

Straight From the Mouth of the Savior

Jesus did say, “You believe in the Father, believe also in me” (see John’s Gospel).

But Jesus didn’t start his ministry with “Believe in me.” His exact initial words were, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

He then sought out his disciples and accompanied that first command with, “Follow me.”

Each command imagines a journey. You are expected to turn away from the world and toward the Savior.

Later, the imagery of Jesus’s first commands is combined with the metaphor of the Good Shepherd (referring to Jesus), who leads his flock to green pastures where they may feast and find abundant nourishment. All the while protected from the wild enemies of the world.

We’re told Jesus takes his role as the Good Shepherd so seriously that he would leave the 99 to find even 1 who wanders astray. Saving his disciples from the vile clutches of darkness (sin and death). From the wayward path they are prone to wander.

Jesus is going somewhere, on a rescue mission in this world, and wants anyone who wishes to become his disciple to forsake all else and fall in behind him, tailing wherever he leads.

The Perilous Yet Sacred Way

Jesus doesn’t allow us to disconnect faith from the journey. Anywhere in the gospels.

“Narrow is the way and few find it,” we are told.

Faith alone in God alone through Christ alone by grace alone is true. He is the sacrificial Savior, Good Shepherd, and Lamb of God, who laid down his life as a ransom for many and then conquered the grave.

But faithful acknowledgement of that profound reality is pointless without faithfulness (loyalty to him, his commands, and his leadership) to back it up. The one who has faith in Christ will forsake all other masters, idols, gods, and worship Christ alone.

Allegiance to Christ Jesus is the total picture. Accepting his sacrifice and trusting him to guide you through the wilderness to the promised land by obeying his every word and command.

The Purpose of This Account

Allegiant Faith Network exists because we believe passionately in the vision allegiance to Christ the King.

Whichever walk of Christianity you come from doesn’t matter to us.

What matters is whether or not Christ is the foundation upon which you stand. The eternal Guide leading you home.

We strive to tear down every stronghold against your journey. Destroy every blockade. And put up blinders to all other masters but the everlasting Lord.

So you too can have courageous faith in King Jesus.

If that mission resonates with you, welcome to Allegiant Faith. Give us a sub.

I’m the founder, Courageous Chris, a fellow traveler on the winding narrow way, and I can’t wait to accompany you home.

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