What is true faith in Christ?
It is to build the temple of the heart—the divine nature that resembles God—by following the love of the cross, which, through examples and models of feeding, giving, and caring for the poor and needy sheep, leads believers to honor, cherish, and serve one another.
However, among the doctrines devised by those who exploit tithes and offerings—meant by God to make us His perfect children and to lead us unto salvation—as tools for their own selfish gain, is the doctrine of faith by works. This so-called “faith by works” abandons the duty of Christ, who set an example through the love of the cross by feeding, giving, and caring for the poor and needy. Instead, it was created to rationalize their own sermons and worship, which exalt only words and theories, and to justify their use of tithes and offerings merely as instruments to satisfy their own greed.
Thus, what should have been the love of the cross—expressed through charity and service that feeds, gives, and cares, thereby becoming the light and salt that shines upon all the earth—has been forsaken. In its place, there stands the doctrine of “faith by works,” a false pretext born of those who, instead of being an example, serve God alongside worldly materialism. It has been corrupted into lawlessness upon lawlessness, decay upon decay, and falsehood upon falsehood by those who live in compromise with this evil world.
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.(1 Corinthians 1 : 17)
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.(2 Corinthians 10 : 5~6)
All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him? he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.(Proverbs 19 : 7~9)
Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity. Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.(Proverbs 19 : 27~29)
The greatest reason why God, the source of love, sent Christ into this world is because in order for humanity to become children fitting for salvation, they must receive the very nature of God—the love of the cross. Only by obtaining the love of the cross can one truly become a perfect child of God. Therefore, God sent the love of the cross. Through the love of the cross, we are able to walk the way of salvation, the way of truth, and the way of life. This is why Christ declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” In other words, through the love of the cross that led Christ to salvation, you also must take up your cross, live as He lived, and thereby attain salvation and resurrection. This is the true teaching of the cross of Christ. For this reason, God, Christ, the Word, grace, gifts, faith, and hope—all exist for the purpose of love, and all are fulfilled in love.
Therefore, faith without love must be a dead faith, for without the love of the cross that conforms us to the image of God, one cannot be saved nor enter the kingdom of God. God is love. The love of the cross, which is the very nature of God, can never exist for those who serve God while also serving the world and material things, pursuing their worldly desires, satisfactions, and cravings. For in a worldly life, where envy, jealousy, hatred, strife, pride, lies, and lust inevitably repeat according to self-interest and gain, the love of the cross—a love that sacrifices one’s entire life and very soul—cannot exist.
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.(Matthew 10 : 38~39)
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.(Luke 14 : 26~27)
The interpretation of “faith of works” taught by countless churches and pastors today has been thoroughly distorted and misused as a pretext to dishonor the love and blood of the cross—which are meant to be the light and salt of the world—and as a means to avoid living out the example and model of the cross. Many pastors in Christianity today exalt the pretense of “faith of works,” thereby justifying their own corrupted faith that seeks to serve God together with the world and material things. As a result, countless believers have also fallen into vain and abominable faiths—faiths that exist only to fulfill their worldly ideals, desires, satisfactions, and cravings.
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.(Matthew 6 : 24)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.(1 John 2 : 15~17)
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.(James 4 : 3~4)
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.(Romans 1 : 21~25)
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.(2 Timothy 3 : 2~8)
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.(1 Timothy 6 : 9~10)
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.(Matthew 6 : 31~33)
And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.(Luke 12 : 29~30)
Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.(James 5 : 1~3)
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.(Psalms 115 : 4)
The method most often used by the most wicked, cunning, and defiled people of the world is to justify themselves for not practicing the love and sacrifice of the cross by elevating “faith of works.” Because they attempt to serve God together with the world and with material things, their faith becomes thoroughly corrupted, yet they disguise it as though it were the faith of Christ, as though it were the gospel itself. The so-called “faith of works” is nothing more than a deceptive play on words, invented to rationalize lives that continually repeat sinful habits—sinning, regretting, and then sinning again—while putting forward only words and theories. Its distortion has gone so far that now even pastors and believers who actually teach and practice the example of the love and sacrifice of the cross are regarded as though they were teaching some special ministry, or merely the “faith of works.”
The “faith of works” refers to human righteousness that arises from unstable zeal, empty conviction, and fleeting resolutions. It is born of serving God together with the world and material things, and therefore can never stand firm. In other words, it is nothing more than the moral and ethical love, service, and charity that even unbelievers and idol-worshippers perform. It is the outward charity and service done by worldly people and companies to advertise themselves, to boast in their own name, and to parade their hypocrisy. It is not the love of the cross that gives even one’s entire life and soul; it is merely the service and charity of moral and ethical value that can be seen anywhere in the world. Scripture calls this “faith of works.”
And the defining mark of human righteousness—faith of works—is that it always lacks the true love of the cross. Thus, even in acts of service and charity, envy, strife, hatred, and divisions arise according to self-interest and mutual advantage. Even the few hours or days of service and charity that are performed soon vanish, because this faith wavers. Since such people pursue only their worldly ideals, desires, and cravings, they show hypocrisy: different behavior inside and outside the church, different words and deeds, different intentions in outward and inward life. It is a deceitful faith, void of the love of the cross. Trained only in sinful habits that continually repeat—repenting in vain yet returning again to sin—they remain unreborn, never truly transformed.
Thus, even within their families they cannot fully love, and within the church itself envy, jealousy, hatred, strife, and sins of lust repeat endlessly. Their prayers are nothing more than formal and hypocritical intercessions, vain prayers that seek only their worldly ambitions, desires, and cravings. By this, they profane the holy name of God and the name of Christ. These are nothing but faiths of works—faiths arising solely from the absence of the love of the cross.
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.(1 Thessalonians 2 : 5~8)
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.(Luke 14 : 26~27)
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.(John 15 : 12~14)
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.(Luke 9 : 24)(Mark 8 : 35)
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.(Romans 14 : 7)
It speaks of the love of the cross—the very nature of God—that is borne in those who pursue Christ’s hope, whose goal and ideal is to follow the love of the cross, giving their entire life, all their values, and even their very soul. By contrast, the “faith of works” spoken of in Scripture refers to the moral and ethical love, charity, and service that even worldly people can do, and in fact, already do. In other words, it is the moral, ethical, and social acts of love and charity that unbelievers, idol worshippers, and worldly companies alike practice. Or, it is the charity, service, and good deeds performed merely as self-display and hypocrisy, meant to boast of their religion and advertise their church, rather than true sacrifice.
For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.(Matthew 5 : 46~48)
For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.(Luke 6 : 32~33)
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.(Colossians 3 : 22~25)
Because they do not bear the hope of Christ that follows the love of the cross—which requires the sacrifice of one’s entire life and even one’s very soul—many pastors, belonging to the world and attempting to serve God together with the world and material things, have fallen into a corrupted faith filled with excuses and rationalizations, and are steadily decaying. Through their teaching, believers too have been led into a faith not united with the love of the cross, not the faith of Christ, but a false justification invented only to pursue their own ideals, desires, satisfactions, and cravings. This justification is what they call the “faith of works.”
Thus, the service and charity that countless churches and pastors today have reduced to mere tools for boasting and advertising their churches and altars are not the true service and charity of Christ, which follow the love of the cross and make one the light and salt of the earth. Rather, they are no different from the relief, service, and kindness that worldly companies and unbelievers perform—things any human being ought to do. Yet because these are taught and treated as though they were service and charity rooted in the love of the cross, Christians everywhere have come to rationalize the sacrificial love of the cross—the love that requires one’s entire life, values, and even one’s very soul—into nothing more than common moral and ethical acts of service and charity that even the world can do.
In this way, the love and sacrifice of Christ, who gave even His life, have become a subject of scorn and mockery at the hands of pastors and believers who claim to follow Him. Therefore, because all churches, pastors, and believers today have fallen into corruption, decay, lawlessness, and falsehood, the Day of Judgment has been prepared.
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.(James 1 : 3~8)
Having cast aside the noble love and blood of the cross—a love that demands even the sacrifice of one’s very life—how then can one have any standard, any evidence, any teaching, or any defense before unbelievers and idol worshippers? Having abandoned the love of the cross, the very sign of salvation and resurrection, by what can one be led to salvation? Moreover, since the ordinary acts of love, charity, and service that even idolaters and unbelievers perform are now falsely taught as if they were the love of the cross, how then can they rebuke or instruct such people? Can one reach salvation by zeal and confidence alone, without even feeling the pangs of conscience? Or by resolutions and pride that inevitably waver and collapse? When the Word of God is misused as a pretext to serve both God and the world together with material things, how can salvation ever be reached through such excuses and justifications that rationalize a worldly, fleshly life which is enmity against God?
Pastors have devised the pretense of “faith of works” as a means to justify their own teaching of words and theories, all the while stealing tithes and offerings meant to feed the flock in order to fill their own greed. Believers, in turn, have adopted “faith of works” as the excuse to pursue their worldly desires, satisfactions, and cravings—thereby forsaking the faith that requires the sacrifice of one’s entire life and soul in the love and sacrifice of the cross.
The so-called “faith of works” is nothing but the righteousness of the Gentiles—human righteousness that unbelievers already do. It is not the love of Christ, the love of the cross, which builds within the heart a temple worthy of salvation. Rather, it is the moral and ethical righteousness that anyone can practice—charity, service, and relief done even by worldly companies to promote and advertise themselves. By stealing tithes and offerings meant to feed the flock, churches use only 3–5% of their funds for shallow charity and service, parading it as though it were the love of the cross. This hypocrisy deceives both God and the people. It is mere human righteousness, Gentile righteousness, social charity that even the great corporations of the world perform. By erecting banners that boast of giving one meal or providing relief, they use the resources of the church to advertise themselves, their pastors, and their ministries. Scripture calls such abominable acts “faith of works.”
The Scripture’s term “hypocrites” refers to those who only imitate and pretend. Thus, the so-called “faith of works” is nothing more than imitated and pretended righteousness, a faith without the love of the cross that serves others as oneself. It is a faith that always wavers according to self-interest and gain. Those who appear outwardly holy, kind, or gentle but only pretend as if they embody the love of the cross that sacrifices life itself—Scripture calls such people hypocrites, and their faith the “faith of works.” Because they cannot follow the cross that requires the sacrifice of their entire life, their so-called faith is reduced to imitation alone—moral and ethical service and charity that even unbelievers perform. Such actions, covered with outward courtesy, smiles, and soft words to deceive others, are nothing but hypocrisy and duplicity. This is “faith of works,” and such people are the hypocrites of whom Scripture speaks.
What does worldly, moral, and ethical love have to do with salvation? And so, in order to justify the worship of theft, they put on the outward appearance of gentleness—while the choirs and offering collectors, who aid in this theft, dare to call it the service of Christ, bearing the hope of Christ and following the love of the cross worthy of salvation? Can believers who feel proud for donating old, outdated clothes and shoes they no longer use claim they are practicing the love of Christ? Can church members who boast of street campaigns or trash-cleaning events, intended to advertise their church, claim that such things are the service of Christ that leads to salvation? Can worldly companies, which perform charity and relief as corporate image-building, claim their shallow 3–5% of resources used for service and charity is the love of the cross? Can hypocrites who run organizations that pretend to feed the poor, yet siphon large donations to fulfill their greed, be said to show the love of the cross that gives life itself? Or can those who continually sin—envying, quarreling, lying, lusting, and hating according to self-interest and gain—while hiding behind smiles and soft words, pretending to be kind, while their hearts and deeds are divided and duplicitous, claim they are practicing the love of the cross?
Very few believers who practice such shallow charity and service could truly claim they are living the love of the cross that leads to salvation. Why then do they do such things? Is it simply to ease their conscience? Or do they really believe such things are the love of Christ? If they think so, then they are mocking the blood and love of the cross. If they claim it is done to uphold faith and the Word, then they despise and disregard the holy will of God. If they do it for themselves, then it is nothing but vanity and hypocrisy to boast and advertise their own name.
This is not the beautiful life bearing the love of the cross that leads to salvation. It is nothing but the shallow charity and service that even unbelievers and idolaters perform—hypocrisy and pretense, acts meant for pride and advertisement, falsely presented as the love of the cross. And because they lack the love of the cross that requires the sacrifice of one’s entire life and soul, their supposed holiness, kindness, and gentleness are nothing but outward appearances and disguises, while their lives inside and outside the church, in word and deed, remain divided and duplicitous. Such hypocrisy Scripture calls “faith of works.”
Those who have not been born again but claim to have received the Spirit and the anointing—should it be surprising that they have no true evidence or fruit? If they truly had the Spirit of God, which according to the Word discerns all things, would it not be obvious that they would not need to listen to sermons from pastors, for they themselves would already possess all discernment and wisdom? If they truly carried the Spirit of God, would they not be raising the dead, healing the sick, and manifesting God’s glory and miracles across the earth? For the Word of God is not mere talk, but power.
What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;(Romans 9 : 30~32)
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.(Galatians 6 : 12~13)
Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.(Ephesians 6 : 5~9)
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.(Galatians 3 : 10)
Those who are not true Christians pursuing the hope of Christ through the love of the cross, but instead seek to serve God together with the world and material things, inevitably exalt human righteousness—moral and ethical values bound under the law—and elevate acts of social service, charity, and relief that even worldly companies and idol worshippers perform, disguising them as though they were the love of Christ. Scripture calls such actions the “faith of works” and those who practice them hypocrites. In order to justify themselves, having no true example of the love of the cross, these people deny the love and blood of the cross given for the forgiveness of sins. By exalting only words, they reject the cross—so by what can they receive forgiveness, and by what can they attain salvation? By denying the love of the cross and putting forward only moral and ethical values, they elevate human righteousness like that of worldly people, promoting the “faith of works” to deny the love and blood of the cross. Such teachings, which turn human assertions, zeal, confidence, resolutions, and pride into “faith,” are like those who crucify Christ anew. Because of this false pretense of the “faith of works,” the love of the cross—which ought to be the light and salt of the world—has instead become an object of scorn. This is the reality of so many churches and pastors today.
Believers perform righteousness for the sake of flattery and boasting before their churches and pastors, while pastors themselves practice acts of service and charity only to boast of and advertise their churches. This is human righteousness. It is a righteousness of the world, receiving its reward from men so that no reward remains in heaven. In other words, since they have already received praise, wealth, and recognition from people as the reward for their deeds, what remains for them when they ascend is only the judgment still due for their sins.
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.(Matthew 6 : 1~5)
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;(Matthew 6 : 16~17)
But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.(Luke 6 : 24~25)
Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number. Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways. Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these. Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.(Jeremiah 2 : 32~35)
Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.(Matthew 23 : 28 ~ 31)
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.(Matthew 7 : 5~20)
The marks and fruits of hypocrites are that, whether teaching or learning, they all merely proclaim the love of the cross with words or put forth the “faith of works,” while in truth they turn away from the love of the cross. They are those who boast and advertise as though they had practiced the love of the cross—which requires even the sacrifice of life—when in reality their deeds amount only to a few shallow displays, nothing more than the moral and ethical love and kindness that anyone in the world can perform. Most of them, under the excuse of special ministries or the pretense of the “faith of works,” gradually abandon and lose even the guilt of their own conscience.
If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?(James 2 : 15~20)
And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.(Ezekiel 33 : 31)
Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts. Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavours: give them after the work of their hands; render to them their desert. Because they regard not the works of the LORD, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.(Psalms 28 : 3~5)
Because they justify their own shame of not practicing true faith under the pretense of the “faith of works,” they fail to become examples and models to the world. Instead, relying only on words and theories, they remain trapped in sinful habits and foolish faith that continually repeat sinning and regretting. Within lives ruled by self-interest—where envy, jealousy, hatred, slander, deceit, pride, lust, and divisions are endlessly repeated—pastors and believers alike grow to treat sin lightly or even boldly. Thus, through churches where all manner of wickedness, falsehood, corruption, decay, and lawlessness abound, is this not already the testimony of the Word that on the Day of Judgment all will be torn down and burned? Those who ought to be witnesses of the cross, testifying to its love, instead deny and disgrace that love by elevating the very charity and relief that worldly people already practice, rationalizing their own self-serving deeds as though they were godly. Scripture calls such people hypocrites, Pharisees, lawless men, and followers of the “faith of works.”
The greatest and most fearful antichrist to beware of is none other than pastors who claim to testify of Christ, and believers who claim to follow the cross. Those who put forth the “faith of works” and excuse their faith without practice reveal that their belief in God is only to fulfill their own desires, ambitions, and cravings. They are those who, to satisfy their greedy hopes and ambitions, profanely cry out the holy name of God and the name of Christ in vain.
Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number. Why trimmest thou thy way to seek love? therefore hast thou also taught the wicked ones thy ways. Also in thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents: I have not found it by secret search, but upon all these. Yet thou sayest, Because I am innocent, surely his anger shall turn from me. Behold, I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned.(Jeremiah 2 : 32~35)
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.(1 Corinthians 10 : 31~33)
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.(1 Corinthians 10 : 23~24)
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.(Matthew 6 : 31~33)
Because they do not unite with the love of the cross, but instead conspire with the world and attempt to serve God together with material things, they distort the love of the cross by elevating worldly morals and ethics. Such abominable faith is called the “faith of works,” and such people are called hypocrites. The original meaning of “hypocrite” in Scripture is one who only imitates and pretends. Yet many churches and pastors today, while teaching the Apostles’ Creed saying “communion of saints,” accuse believers who listen to sermons from other churches or pastors instead of their own gatherings of being hypocrites. This stems from their fear of losing members, but in reality, while they teach about communion, they use the word “hypocrite” to prevent true communion. This is the present reality of nearly all Christian churches today—a baseless interpretation born of ignorant and unlearned pastors.
The true biblical meaning of “hypocrite” refers to those who, by putting forward worldly morals, ethics, common sense, and teachings, mimic or pretend to be true shepherds or true Christians who practice the love of the cross worthy of salvation.
The “faith of works” is the kind of faith practiced not by those who abandon all the values and ideals of life, who give their whole heart and strength to feed, give, share, care for, and serve their poor and needy brothers and sheep in the love of the cross, but rather by those who pursue worldly ideals, desires, and cravings. Because of this, they can only repeat the cycle of sinning and regretting, always driven by the weak and unstable impulses of human will, zeal, confidence, and pride. Such faith, arising from worldly ideals, desires, and cravings, never truly obtains the love of the cross. It is a faith that exalts human will, zeal, conviction, and pride instead.
A faith without the love of the cross is a dead faith. It is the “faith of works,” the faith of hypocrites, a corrupted faith, a decaying faith, a faith rotten and fallen into depravity, a crippled faith, an antichrist, and Pharisee-like faith.
Beloved, let us love one another: for love Is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.(1 John 4 : 7~13)
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.(1 Thessalonians 2 : 5~8)
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.(Matthew 10 : 38~39)
Instead of showing an example and model of practice, instead of bearing the fragrance of Christ in faith, there are multitudes—not thousands but hundreds of millions—who, by words and theories alone, claim to have attained salvation, or to have received the Holy Spirit, or to have been anointed, or to be recipients of God’s gifts and power, or to be truly born again. Yet in all the earth, there is not a single one who demonstrates even the evidence or power of faith as small as a mustard seed. Believing only in their own pride, zeal, and conviction to fulfill their desires, they do not live in the faith of Christ that works within the hope of Christ united with the love of the cross. Instead, they have become accustomed only to a worship of theft, where there is nothing but preaching that exalts words alone—seeing and hearing only, without any practice of love. All their lives, tied to the world, they grow weary and worn, seeking only comfort and consolation, walking a path of passive hearing, making shallow displays through a few acts of service amid unstable years. How, then, could they embody the supreme law and the highest commandment that arises from a heart united with the love of the cross—a heart that sacrifices even life itself, seeking not its own, but defending and pleading for the poor and needy brothers and neighbors? The greatest deception of these foolish ones, who spend their lives praying only for worldly concerns, ambitions, and desires, is their conscience-less claim and interpretation that rationalizes their unrepented shame and sin, under the pretense of the “faith of works.”
The tares belong to the world, pursuing worldly matters and seeking worldly gain. Thus, in following their worldly desires, satisfactions, and cravings, their faith can only pile up more sin and greed. But the wheat are those whose faith, through charity and service—feeding, giving, and caring for their poor and needy brothers and neighbors—bears the beautiful heart that follows the love of the cross, becoming more like God by caring, cherishing, and serving one another. God is the source of love. Therefore, any faith that does not testify to the source of love is dead faith, an adversary, an enemy, a tare, a hypocrite, a faith of works, and antichrist. For the love of Christ’s cross is a love that gives even one’s entire life and soul.
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.(Romans 13 : 14)
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.(Romans 14 : 7)
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.(1 Corinthians 10 : 23~24)
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.(Psalms 24 : 4)
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.(1 Corinthians 10 : 31~33)
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.(Galatians 1 : 10)
These are churches, pastors, and believers whose faith has been shaped by a corrupted habit of serving God together with the world and material things. Their faith is governed by self-centered judgment and interpretation, which inevitably becomes a standard contrary to or in conflict with the Word. Since they interpret the Word according to their own desires and tastes, their faith and religion are selfish, seeking only their own gain and advantage. Thus, without the love and example of the cross, their teaching and learning are ruled by falsehood and coercion, relying only on words and theories. As a result, churches multiply endlessly into sects upon sects of heresies.
The “faith of works” spoken of in Scripture refers precisely to such people. They call those who practice the love of the cross “special ministries” or dismiss them as “faith of works,” while they themselves, who exalt only words and theories without practicing the love of the cross, accuse others falsely. Truly, do you not feel even a trace of conscience? Because they cannot forsake the sinful habits of sinning, regretting, and then returning to sin again according to self-interest, most of their faith is nothing more than a vain religion armed with excuses and rationalizations, gradually treating sin lightly or even boldly. Since they pursue worldly desires, satisfactions, and ambitions, their faith is full of repeated envy, jealousy, hatred, arguments, slander, pride, lies, schemes, quarrels, and divisions. Their positions and titles are mostly nothing but cunning tactics, outward appearances used to conceal evil hearts behind smiling faces. Their faith is marked by duplicity, with behavior inside the church differing from that outside, and words never matching deeds. This is the fruit and evidence of today’s Christianity. Therefore, we must heed the warning: “Depart from sects where there are quarrels and strife.” For without the love of the cross, envy, hatred, strife, disputes, schemes, slander, lies, pride, and lust will continue endlessly.
Thus, a church without the love of the cross is nothing but a gathering of Satan disguised as Christ’s assembly. It is an antichrist in the guise of a shepherd, consumed with self-interest and stealing tithes and offerings. It is nothing more than the “faith of works,” a tool used to pursue worldly ambitions, ideals, and desires.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.(Romans 16 : 17~19)
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.(2 Peter 2 : 1~3)
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.(Matthew 7 : 15)
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.(1 John 4 : 1)
I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.(Revelation 2 : 9)
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:(Revelation 2 : 2)
Because they attempt to serve God together with the world and material things, they end up teaching worldly lessons, worldly inspirations, and worldly common sense. As a result, they cannot fully follow the holy Word of God, but instead become enemies and adversaries of His Word.
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.(Matthew 6 : 24)
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.(1 Timothy 6 : 9~10)
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.(James 4 : 3~4)
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.(1 John 2 : 15~17)
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.(Matthew 6 : 31~33)
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.(Romans 1 : 21~25)
Because they try to serve God together with the world and material things, their faith has become more and more corrupted—layer upon layer of distortion, lie upon lie—passed down and inherited. Thus churches and pastors have only grown in lawlessness, falsehood, corruption, depravity, and evil. And because they lack the love of the cross, their congregations are filled with continual envy, jealousy, hatred, strife, lies, slander, schemes, divisions, and arguments, all driven by self-interest.
In this vicious cycle—sinning, regretting, and then turning back to sin again—their lives show double standards: behavior inside the church differs from that outside; the smile they wear outwardly conceals an entirely different intent within; their words and deeds cannot align. It is a faith of duplicity, covered in the cunning tactics of worldly men, bearing two hearts. The charity and service practiced and taught by such churches and such faiths are what Scripture calls the “faith of works” and the way of hypocrites.
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.(Colossians 2 : 20~23)
And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.(Luke 6 : 39~45)
Because they pursue worldly ideals, desires, and cravings, which cannot bring salvation, the believers of today—together with pastors—try to serve God along with the world and material things. In doing so, they inevitably fall away from the content of the Word and become enemies and adversaries of God. Serving God together with the world produces corruption, falsehood, excuses, and empty claims. Thus, the Scripture calls the arguments of the flesh deceit, vanity, and fraud. For those who chase after worldly ideals, dreams, desires, and cravings cannot follow the love of the cross that demands the surrender of one’s whole life and soul. What they present instead are religious acts created by teachers under the pretense of traditions, customs, and ordinances, which are nothing more than outward forms and appearances. They elevate the ordinary moral and ethical values—acts of love and kindness that any worldly person already practices—as though they were God’s faith born of the love of the cross. This Scripture calls the “faith of works.”
To serve God with the world and material things is neither to practice the love of the cross nor to follow God’s Word. Tithes and offerings were given to feed, provide for, and share with the poor and needy sheep, in order to display the beautiful love of the cross that cherishes, cares for, and serves one another. But those consumed by selfish greed twist these tithes and offerings into resources and tools for their own gain. By such greed-driven corruption, excuses pile upon excuses, lies upon lies, passed down as religious traditions, customs, and ordinances—already far removed from the Word. These are the so-called holy and gentle religious acts created by wolves in sheep’s clothing, who steal the tithes and offerings, turning them into faith-like rituals. Scripture calls this the “faith of works” and the way of hypocrites.
Can coercion and falsehood, outward form and empty ritual, ever embody the love of the cross that demands even one’s life? Because love is absent, they continue in sin—sinning, regretting, and then turning back again to envy, jealousy, hatred, disputes, lies, pride, and lust. Being slaves of sin, proven by their very deeds, how can they dare to call themselves shepherds of Christ who bear the love of the cross, or true Christians who have received the Spirit of salvation? Those who try to serve God together with the world and material things are profane: they cry out the holy name of God in vain for their selfish ambitions and desires. They are adversaries of God, His enemies, heretics, Pharisees, hypocrites, antichrists, and followers of the “faith of works.”
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.(Romans 8 : 5~7)
Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD. Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee. And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free.(Levitus 19 : 18~20)
And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.(Luke 9 : 62)
As for us, our eyes as yet failed for our vain help: in our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us.(Lamentations 4 : 17)
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.(Romans 13 : 14)
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.(Romans 14 : 7)
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.(1 Corinthians 10 : 23~24)
The faith they speak of is nothing more than believing in their own unstable zeal, convictions, resolutions, and pride—faith that, according to self-interest and gain, cannot help but fall into sin. Their faith is made up of shifting excuses tailored to their own desires. Their self-serving interpretations and explanations have become the root and center from which heresies upon heresies have been produced. Thus, instead of bearing the fruit of Christ that follows the love of the cross, they only produce words, distinctions, pastors, and believers that exist in name alone.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.(Matthew 7 : 21~23)
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.(Matthew 16 : 24~27)
Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.(Psalms 112 : 6~9)
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.(1 Timothy 6 : 17~19)
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.(Matthew 25 : 35~40)
He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.(Proverbs 14 : 31)
He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the LORD.(Jeremiah 22 : 16)
He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.(Proverbs 19 : 16~17)
Because they attempt to serve God together with the world and material things, they distort the Word according to their own worldly-trained standards and desires, corrupting its essence. Their self-centered claims, where the self becomes the standard, have been turned into “faith” and even “the Word” itself. Yet in reality, such faith is in complete opposition to the Word and makes them enemies of it. These are the churches and the world where such teachings and learnings prevail. Therefore, one must remember that for churches, pastors, and believers who grow more corrupt along with an increasingly evil world, the Day of Destruction awaits—a day of judgment when the wheat will be separated from the tares.