Does the Distinction Between "Works of Faith" and "Works of the Law" Exist in the Holy Scriptures?

This question is of great importance, as the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church often face serious challenges due to a lack of understanding regarding such distinctions.

Indeed, both of these concepts are present in the Holy Scriptures and require serious interpretation. In the epistles of the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul, we frequently encounter a contrast between faith and the works of the Law. For example: “For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law” (Romans 3:28). Such verses must be fully interpreted, as a one-sided understanding may lead to erroneous conclusions.

The apostle does not oppose works (meaning the works of faith) to faith itself but rather to the works of the Mosaic Law, under which people were once bound (Galatians 3:23). The Mosaic Law served only as a tutor, and with the coming of faith, its works—such as observing the Sabbath, abstaining from unclean meats, and celebrating specific Jewish feasts—became secondary (Colossians 2:16-17). However, while Paul considers the works of the Law secondary, he greatly emphasizes the works of faith. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, he expresses gratitude to God for their “work of faith, labor of love, and steadfastness of hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).

Furthermore, when writing to Timothy, Paul commands him, and particularly the Christians of that time, to respect widows and show kindness to parents. Listing these virtues, he continues: “If anyone does not provide for his own, especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Timothy 5:8).

Ultimately, we must reaffirm a simple truth that our ancestors accepted centuries ago: “We must perform the works of faith, by which we are justified, and not the works of the old Law, which cannot justify” (St. Gregory of Tatev, 14th century).

What Is the Relationship Between Faith and Works?

This relationship is complementary and in no way contradictory (as some newly emerged Christian sects claim). Without faith in Jesus Christ, virtuous works are meaningless and ineffective (Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Timothy 1:9). Likewise, faith without works is useless and even “dead” (James 2:17). Therefore, only through the harmonious cooperation of faith and works can one achieve positive spiritual results, leading to the perfection of faith: “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works” (James 2:22).

The perfect union of faith and works is what will lead us to “the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13-14), guiding us toward the Kingdom of Heaven. As St. Gregory of Tatev stated in the 14th century: “Just as an eagle flies with two wings, so too does man fly to the Kingdom of Heaven with faith and works.”

Hayk Madoyan
(To be continued)