In 2025, our theme as the Watchman Japan Ministry is "Fighting Together with Our Voices".
Up until now, we have spoken out against various dangerous teachings and organizations.
Until now, the focus has been on "enemies outside," but this year, we would like to shine God's light on our "enemies within," the false teachings within our family, friends, and associates. . . . More specifically,
we would like to shine a light on the false teachings "inside ourselves" and "our foundation"!
So, I would like to talk about this in several parts as a "series to consider true faith."
The first part is "Faith alone?"
1. The teachings of the Reformation "Faith alone"
As you all know, about 500 years ago, Luther started the Reformation against Catholicism, and Protestantism was born. That's wonderful !
The teaching of the Reformation is "faith alone, scripture alone, priesthood of all men." Until then, Catholicism had insisted on salvation by works, but Luther insisted that salvation is "faith alone," not by works, "scripture alone," not by tradition, and that all believers are "priests." This "faith alone" can be said to be the central teaching of Protestantism.
Because we believe that a person is justified by faith, not by works of the law. Romans 3:28
2. Faith alone? ... only?
However, nowhere in the Bible does it say that we are saved "by faith alone." Rather, I'm sure you know the following verse.
Now you can see that a person is justified by works, not by faith alone. James 2:24
It says that salvation is not by faith alone. Of course, James is not saying that "people are saved by their works," but rather that "true faith will be manifested in their actions." I don't think this contradicts Luther, but Luther is well known for calling the Book of James a "book of straw" and deriding it. So the question is, did Luther's attitude have a negative impact on true faith over the next 500 years of Protestantism? James declares that true faith is always manifested in works. Conversely, faith that does not manifest in works is false. In other words, if works are not manifested, one will not be justified, will not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and will end up in hell. Isn't that frightening? Have you ever heard a story like this in church?
3. Faith alone is not enough to justify us
The problem is that Protestant churches today teach that faith is the acceptance of the Bible as correct knowledge.
But that is not true. It is not "only" knowledge.
You believe that there is only one God. That is a good thing. But the demons also believe and tremble.
Oh fool, do you want to know that faith without works is useless? Didn't God justify our father Abraham by works, when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You can see that Abraham's faith worked together with his works and was perfected by his works. And the words of the Scripture were fulfilled: "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. So you can see that a person is justified by works, and not by faith alone. James 2:19-24
As such, simply having correct knowledge is a false faith, the same as that of evil spirits.
行いによって義とされるヤコブの手紙2章14～26節 - 中原キリスト教会
4. Is your faith true?
So, I would like to ask you all.
What kind of faith is true faith?
Is your faith true?
Does your faith show evidence in the form of works?
Do you discuss these things at your church?
I fear that there are few people who can answer this question immediately. I don't think this kind of conversation took place in the 100 churches I visited. I was surprised that even if they could talk about other things, they couldn't talk about these fundamental aspects of faith.
5. True faith = trust and obedience
So, what is real faith? Let's take a look at what the Bible says about faith here.
Those who do not obey will have the wrath of God abiding on them.
He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will not have life, but the wrath of God abides on them. John 3:36
To love Christ is to obey his commands.
To love God is to keep his commandments. His commandments are not difficult. 1 John 5:3
Only those who do his will will enter the kingdom of heaven.
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of my heavenly Father will enter. Matthew 7:21
He who endures to the end
But he who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13
And so on, but in any case, it is the desire to follow Jesus' words, and the actions that emerge from that desire. It doesn't matter whether the results are good or bad. That being said, good results should accumulate over time.
6. Other problems that prevent justification by faith
There are many other reasons why people cannot receive God's justification through genuine faith, but I think the following are some of them:
- Not considering themselves to be sinners worthy of hell Mark 2:17
- Repentance is fake and fruitless Luke 3:7
- Continuing to worship idols and not believing in the one God of the Bible 1 Corinthians 10:14
- Not believing in the Triune God 1 John 5:8
- Not receiving water baptism because it is just a symbol 1 Peter 3:21
- Not seeking the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit dwells in you the moment you believe Acts 8:16
In any case, the fate of the five foolish virgins who remain unsaved, those with lukewarm faith, and those who keep saying "Lord, Lord..." is... In other words, please seriously consider that the fire of hell awaits you.
7. The biggest false teaching is, "Faith alone, so don't doubt."
Finally, I would like to ask all pastors and leaders.
Do you have your congregants confirm whether their faith is genuine or not?
The reason why I ask this question is because it is not a question of sanctification or growth, but a question of heaven or hell.
However, I have never seen a church that asks this question or has a discussion like this. Rather, when I asked many pastors the same question, they often said the following:
"You are placing yourself at the judgment seat of God. Don't judge."
"You believe, don't you? If so, don't doubt your salvation."
"It's not an emotion, so don't worry about feeling unsaved."
"If you believe, the Holy Spirit should be indwelling within you. Don't ask for it."
Is that right? This is the most important issue that we should confirm as human beings.
So this kind of teaching is the very "false teaching" that does not save the five foolish virgins, those who have not been justified by God and therefore have not received the Holy Spirit, those who have not yet been born again and have not been recognized as children of God, in other words, those who are heading for hell.
Instead, let us ask! Salvation! Confidence! The Holy Spirit!
Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened to you. ~So then, though you are evil, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more so will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:9,13
