Faith without religion.
Faith, Grace, and Works Through the Fulfilled Perspective
Christianity often emphasizes faith, grace, and works, but how these concepts interact is where nuances emerge. Many Christians believe grace is a free gift but unintentionally add requirements like works—living righteously, getting baptized, or avoiding sin. This creates a paradox where faith becomes a form of action, undermining the claim that grace is all-encompassing. In contrast, the fulfilled perspective redefines faith as total reliance on Jesus’s faith in God, removing human effort entirely from the equation.
Jesus, as fully human, demonstrated perfect faith by letting God work through him, motivated by love for his Father. His faith—not ours—bridges the gap between humanity and God, granting justification to all. This universal justification saves everyone from punishment, allowing them into the “Heavenly realm.” However, entering the “New Jerusalem” (God’s intimate kingdom) requires accepting this justification, a phase distinct from sanctification. Sanctification then becomes the process of letting God transform us from within, not by human will but by surrendering to His will.
Contemporary Christianity often conflates these phases, treating faith as both a belief and an act, leading to pride and self-reliance. True faith, as taught here, is humble—acknowledging Jesus’s faith and allowing God to work through us. This distinction, though subtle, shifts the focus from human effort to divine grace, freeing believers from the burdens of religious performance.
