Are Christians saved by faith alone? What did St. Paul really mean when he wrote that we are justified by faith apart from the works of the Law? How do we reconcile St. Paul and St. James?
In this powerful sermon, we explore the Catholic and Byzantine understanding of salvation through Galatians 2, showing that justification begins through faith in Christ and continues throughout the Christian life as we cooperate with God’s grace.
This presentation examines:
- What “works of the law” really means
- Initial justification versus lifelong justification
- Abraham’s faith in Genesis
- Why St. Paul and St. James do not contradict one another
- The energies (operations) of God in the Christian life
- “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me”
- Working out our salvation with fear and trembling
- Overcoming fear through God’s grace
- Living by faith rather than self-reliance
The sermon concludes with a personal testimony about overcoming fear through prayer and the presence of God, illustrating how true victory comes not through human effort alone, but through Christ living within us.
May this reflection strengthen your confidence in Christ and encourage you to entrust every fear, temptation, and struggle to the Lord.
