Works and Faith

 Works and Faith

Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans 3:19-24

Saint Paul gives us a clear picture of this issue which is raise particularly by Protestants when talking about religious practices of Orthodox Christians.

The Knowledge of Sin:

“For no human being will be justified in His sight by works of the law, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” (Rom. 3:20)

The phrase “works of the law” refers primarily to the ceremonial and ritual requirements of the Old Covenant—circumcision, food laws, sacrifices—not to good works in general. The Orthodox Church has never opposed good works, which are the natural fruit of a living faith. But no amount of outward observance can bring about inner transformation. That is the work of grace.

St. Cyril of Alexandria explained that the Law had a temporary role: to expose sin, awaken conscience, and prepare the way for Christ. It shows what is wrong but cannot make us right.

Faith: Our Living Response

“The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction.” (Rom. 3:22)

In Orthodox teaching, faith is not simply belief in God’s existence or trusting that Jesus died in our place. Rather, faith is our living participation in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. This includes a sacramental life, ascetic struggle, prayer, and above all, love.

Interestingly, the Greek can also be translated as “the faithfulness of Jesus Christ.” This reminds us that our salvation is not rooted in human effort but in Christ’s own obedience—His faithfulness unto death on the Cross.

There is no distinction: Jew and Gentile, rich and poor, young and old—we all come to God by the same path: humility, repentance, and participation in Christ.