all works are not created equal

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know1

Senior Member
Aug 27, 2012
3,071
166
63
#1
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Ioften see this battle between the two sides concerning works of thelaw, Works of the flesh, and good works vs. works of faith.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Ihave found that those who believe in salvation by faith alone, do notseem to be able to comprehend the difference between the two kinds ofworks. In fact, I have yet to see them understand what works of faithreally is about or how it works.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Youcannot lump Eph 2:8-9 together with James 2. They clearly are nottalking about the same thing. Paul is not talking about works offaith but about being saved by the works of the law, whereas James istalking about works of faith, and not works of the law.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Worksof the law have to do with self righteousness through the person'sgood works, based on the laws of does and don'ts of God's word. Basically working ordoing good works to be good enough or righteous enough to obtainsalvation or the right to go to heaven.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Onthe other hand, James, Heb, and Paul in Romans 10: 8-10, are talkingabout works of faith to justification.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Aswe all know, works of the law do not lead to justification, but thebible is very clear on the fact that faith with corresponding worksor action(s) leads to justification. Just as faith withoutcorresponding action render faith useless or dead, so correspondingactions without faith is dead.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thebible use of the word, believe, is [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]not[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]inthe sense that [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]no[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]actionis required.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Theword, faith, is a noun, where the word, believe, is a verb. Where anoun is a person, place, or thing, a verb is an action word.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thereis [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]only[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]onekind [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]offaith [/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]thatpleases God and moves His hand, and that is the God kind of faith.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Itworks the same way for and on everything.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Havingsaid that, if salvation is by believing only in or on the name ofChrist, then the same kind of believing will cast out demonicspirits, or get yourself or loved ones healed.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Justtry to doing either of those things by simply believing.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Iguarantee, absolutely nothing will happen.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Tahoma, Calibri, Geneva, sans-serif]Thesame is true concerning salvation.
An example of this would be confessing Jesus as your personal lord and savior, verbally. When that is done, according to Paul, salvation is made.
Speaking or confessing Jesus as lord and savior is what the bible calls a work of faith. It has nothing to do with good works or works of the law. It is a work of faith.[/FONT]
 
Feb 24, 2015
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#2
I agree this is an important distinction.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Eph 2:10

If we are intended for these good works, how can we not do them.

Works under the law are not the good works here.
Equally words of faith are because of our faith and change of heart, so if
we abide in God, living the life of love, how can they be works of evil, because
that would imply God does evil works.

The theology of evil works that believers do only works if the people of God
are not pure holy, redeemed righteous people.

If they are not these things then they are truly conflicted and as such how
can anything they do make sense, because it will neither be of the Lord
or of man, but a mixture of ideas, without clarity and always defiled by sin.
 

Test_F_i_2_Luv

Senior Member
Jan 24, 2009
1,601
31
48
#3
As we all know, works of the law do not lead to justification, but the bible is very clear on the fact that faith with corresponding works or action(s) leads to justification. Just as faith without corresponding action render faith useless or dead, so corresponding actions without faith is dead.
but the bible is very clear on the fact that faith with corresponding works or action(s) leads to justification We are made righteous(justified) by faith in the work of Jesus Christ. The works done by a believer are a result of regeneration and transformation. The works are fruit of the justification accomplished by the work of Jesus Christ.

Some squirm when they see the word "works". They view it as a negative word. My observation is that this is due to the misquoting of Isaiah 64:6. Works there(and only there, to my knowledge) are referred to as "dirty rags". Works gets scorned there because a rebellious Israel was making vain efforts to please God. Misquoting this verse leaves people thinking they can't do anything that God will find accepting/pleasing, which is not correct.

So, in addition to the texts you've mentioned, we have Isaiah 64 as well.
 

know1

Senior Member
Aug 27, 2012
3,071
166
63
#4
I agree this is an important distinction.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Eph 2:10

If we are intended for these good works, how can we not do them.

Works under the law are not the good works here.
Equally words of faith are because of our faith and change of heart, so if
we abide in God, living the life of love, how can they be works of evil, because
that would imply God does evil works.

The theology of evil works that believers do only works if the people of God
are not pure holy, redeemed righteous people.

If they are not these things then they are truly conflicted and as such how
can anything they do make sense, because it will neither be of the Lord
or of man, but a mixture of ideas, without clarity and always defiled by sin.
I have a hart time getting many to see the distinction between the two when it is so easy to see.
Our works of faith always result with God's Spirit doing that which we are not capable of doing.
For example, when Peter pulled the man at the gate Beautiful to his feet, was it a good work or a work of the law or was it a work of faith?
Obviously it was a work of faith.
The first work of faith was when Peter commanded the man to be healed.
The second work of faith was when Peter pulled the man to his feet.
These were things Peter did, but it was immediately followed by Jesus, through the Holy Ghost, restoring strength to the man's feet and ankles. This, Peter could not do.
And this is where we could quote the words of God to Paul concerning the thorn in his flesh.
'
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
"My grace is sufficient to restore strength to the man's feet and ankles, for my strength is made perfect through your inability to do the same". And that is why Peter could say the same thing Paul did, in that, when he is too inept to heal the man, then the power of God rests on him, giving him the ability to be strong like Jesus, through the Holy Ghost, to cause the man's feet and ankles to receive strength.
I'm still working on my delivery, so forgive me if the wording is off. Hope you got the gist of what I was saying though.
It is Christ in him that does the work.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
 

Test_F_i_2_Luv

Senior Member
Jan 24, 2009
1,601
31
48
#5
I agree this is an important distinction.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Eph 2:10


If we are intended for these good works, how can we not do them.

Works under the law are not the good works here.
Equally words of faith are because of our faith and change of heart, so if
we abide in God, living the life of love, how can they be works of evil, because
that would imply God does evil works.

The theology of evil works that believers do only works if the people of God
are not pure holy, redeemed righteous people.

If they are not these things then they are truly conflicted and as such how
can anything they do make sense, because it will neither be of the Lord
or of man, but a mixture of ideas, without clarity and always defiled by sin.
I wonder how many people, who can recite Eph 2:8-9 off the top of their head, have no clue about verse 10.
 

Utah

Banned
Dec 1, 2014
9,701
251
0
#6
Ioften see this battle between the two sides concerning works of thelaw, Works of the flesh, and good works vs. works of faith.
Ihave found that those who believe in salvation by faith alone, do notseem to be able to comprehend the difference between the two kinds ofworks. In fact, I have yet to see them understand what works of faithreally is about or how it works.
Youcannot lump Eph 2:8-9 together with James 2. They clearly are nottalking about the same thing. Paul is not talking about works offaith but about being saved by the works of the law, whereas James istalking about works of faith, and not works of the law.
Worksof the law have to do with self righteousness through the person'sgood works, based on the laws of does and don'ts of God's word. Basically working ordoing good works to be good enough or righteous enough to obtainsalvation or the right to go to heaven.
Onthe other hand, James, Heb, and Paul in Romans 10: 8-10, are talkingabout works of faith to justification.
Aswe all know, works of the law do not lead to justification, but thebible is very clear on the fact that faith with corresponding worksor action(s) leads to justification. Just as faith withoutcorresponding action render faith useless or dead, so correspondingactions without faith is dead.
Thebible use of the word, believe, is notinthe sense that noactionis required.
Theword, faith, is a noun, where the word, believe, is a verb. Where anoun is a person, place, or thing, a verb is an action word.
Thereis onlyonekind offaith thatpleases God and moves His hand, and that is the God kind of faith.
Itworks the same way for and on everything.
Havingsaid that, if salvation is by believing only in or on the name ofChrist, then the same kind of believing will cast out demonicspirits, or get yourself or loved ones healed.
Justtry to doing either of those things by simply believing.
Iguarantee, absolutely nothing will happen.
Thesame is true concerning salvation.
An example of this would be confessing Jesus as your personal lord and savior, verbally. When that is done, according to Paul, salvation is made.
Speaking or confessing Jesus as lord and savior is what the bible calls a work of faith. It has nothing to do with good works or works of the law. It is a work of faith.
I was I the midst of a three day sand storm with sustained winds of 90mph. I asked God to stop the winds for 15 minutes, and He did-- but only around me. That's faith! And I'm am saved by grace, not works.
 

know1

Senior Member
Aug 27, 2012
3,071
166
63
#7
but the bible is very clear on the fact that faith with corresponding works or action(s) leads to justification We are made righteous(justified) by faith in the work of Jesus Christ. The works done by a believer are a result of regeneration and transformation. The works are fruit of the justification accomplished by the work of Jesus Christ.

Some squirm when they see the word "works". They view it as a negative word. My observation is that this is due to the misquoting of Isaiah 64:6. Works there(and only there, to my knowledge) are referred to as "dirty rags". Works gets scorned there because a rebellious Israel was making vain efforts to please God. Misquoting this verse leaves people thinking they can't do anything that God will find accepting/pleasing, which is not correct.

So, in addition to the texts you've mentioned, we have Isaiah 64 as well.
Thank you sir.

2Co 4:13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

This is how God's faith works. I believe and therefore speak. That's it.
It is not simply believing. It is believing and then speaking what you believe in your heart. That speaking is a work of faith. Once that is done, then the Spirit of God moves in the situation in which you spoke of. If it was for salvation, then salvation was just made. If it was for healing, then it was granted, and so on.
 

know1

Senior Member
Aug 27, 2012
3,071
166
63
#8
I was I the midst of a three day sand storm with sustained winds of 90mph. I asked God to stop the winds for 15 minutes, and He did-- but only around me. That's faith! And I'm am saved by grace, not works.
Amen. I love hearing stories like that. That is where God's grace is sufficient for us and where His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses or inabilities.
 
Nov 22, 2015
20,436
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#9
I wonder how many people, who can recite Eph 2:8-9 off the top of their head, have no clue about verse 10.
I agree...

Actually verse 10 can never be produced by the Spirit of God within us until we have the foundation of verses 9-10.

If we are not established in the truth of verses 9-10 we try to "create" verse 10 - we then have a religion of works "for" salvation instead of His good works manifesting in us because we are already saved by grace through faith in Christ's finished work only.

Trying to create a "root" of salvation from a "fruit" is the complete opposite of the work of Christ and is the basis for all works-based mindsets which nullify the grace of God from operating in our lives like it should.

Preach and teach "the saved by grace through faith in Christ's finished work only" ( the root ) - then the good works that God has prepared ahead of time that we get to participate in with Him will be manifested in and through us to a hurt and dying world that needs to see the love and grace that our loving Father and Lord have for them. ( the fruit )

The fruit never creates the root of salvation.

Without Him we can do nothing. The flesh profits nothing - there is good looking flesh and bad looking flesh but in the end - it is all flesh and none of it will be able to boast before the Lord.
 
Last edited:
Feb 24, 2015
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#10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.
Eph 2:8-9

Salvation does not come because people are good, but because they accept they
are sinners and open up their hearts to God, for forgiveness, healing and cleansing.

The proof the faith is not empty, they become obedient to Gods word and show
the fruit of love, joy and peace which springs from a purified and cleansed heart.

But many who struggle with the fruit, it is because they have not really repented
and been cleansed of evil desires that still rule their life.

It is these desires that mock their faith and drag them off to sin. It is like a slave
on a day off, having his reigns pulled, to show who really is master of their lives.

But those caught like this, knowing the truth of the gospel but never letting it into
their emotions and past, are like tormented souls, blown here and there never finding
release, but knowing somehow, somewhere they have missed something.

So they lash out, and blame satan for tormenting them, creating guilt and condemnation
when they are righteous, pure and holy, except they know they are not, yet the word
seems to imply they should be, so if the word is true, they must be, because the word
says so.

But their true problem is true honesty about their state and their desires. Desires exist
for a good reason, but repressed and denied, the run amock, like a wild beast finding release
in inappropriate ways, causing sin and havoc, when Christ is able to heal and deal with them.

It is a sad irony, repression and denial makes things worse, acceptance and working with who
you are brings healing in Christ.
 
Feb 24, 2015
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#11
Is it worth it?

We can claim we believe lots of things, but which priority do they have in our life.
Job praise of God was everything, which he showed when everything was taken away.

In Jesus it was everything when he showed His love for us by dying upon the cross,
as proof He does love us and has provided a way of healing and redemption.

So when we stand in church, we are commiting to a walk, that is one step at a time
that will change us slowly and surely, and we will not notice, but as God heals and
works, we will become something that we did not expect, and others will see it more
clearly. It is the relationship that changes us, on the foundation of repentance and
faith. No matter where you start the end is the same.

Listen to James about those who walk away :-

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20

A person who wanders from the truth, looses their way, is now lost, a sinner without
forgiveness, if they return, they are saved from death, judgement, and brought back
to life.
 

Utah

Banned
Dec 1, 2014
9,701
251
0
#12
Amen. I love hearing stories like that. That is where God's grace is sufficient for us and where His strength is made perfect in our weaknesses or inabilities.
Then there was this:

About three years ago New Jersey was supposed to be slammed with an historic snowfall whereby forecasters were predicting three feet of snow. It was a hard Winter and we had gotten beat down pretty badly that season. I earnestly prayed for God to spare us from that snow storm, and He did. However, I have a strong feeling there were millions of people praying on that one. :)
 
F

FreeNChrist

Guest
#13
The changing of the truth to a lie is almost always just a subtle twist on the truth. Such as the twist that changes the works that will naturally accompany faith in Jesus Christ by those who are justified, to faith plus my works is what justifies me.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#14
A work is a work is a work.

The works of the law. were works to bless Israel if they followed them (a reward)
The works of Jesus to his church are for blessing those individuals who do them (a reward)

We work to earn rewards. A gift is given freely, It can never be "earned" otherwise it is a reward, not a gift.

A work is something someone can boast in (our reward is our boasting trophy) A man or woman "works" to receive a paycheck, An athlete "works" to earn some type of reward. From a medal, to a trophy, to a ribbon,

The bible is clear. Salvation is a GIFT of God, NOT A REWARD one must earn. Abraham, we are told, was not saved by works, otherwise he would have reason to boast. and recieved a reward (called in this context a "Wage"), We are told we are saved by FAITH via grace, not works, lest we should boast (having earned our reward)

Pau makes it clear. if it is grace, it is no longer of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace, if it is of works, it is no longer of grace etc etc..

it can not be faith plus works, they are opposed to each other, It has to be one or the other.

Which one will you chose? Works (it does not matter if they are works of the Law. NT works WOrks of Jesus, a work is a work) or is it of grace through faith (no works)

The choice is yours.
 

Chester

Senior Member
May 23, 2016
4,273
1,410
113
#15
Then there was this:

About three years ago New Jersey was supposed to be slammed with an historic snowfall whereby forecasters were predicting three feet of snow. It was a hard Winter and we had gotten beat down pretty badly that season. I earnestly prayed for God to spare us from that snow storm, and He did. However, I have a strong feeling there were millions of people praying on that one. :)
Ah! That explains why we have had trouble getting big snowfalls in this part of the country!

I love big snowfalls! My puny prayers compared to 'millions'!!

I think I need to recruit a few more prayer warriors! LOL!!
 
Dec 2, 2016
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#16
OK, if you are calling the act of believing and asking Jesus to be our savior a work, then in that sense we are saved by God's grace and our work. I don't really think that most folks will think of their acceptance of Christ as Savior as a work.
 
Nov 22, 2015
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#17
OK, if you are calling the act of believing and asking Jesus to be our savior a work, then in that sense we are saved by God's grace and our work. I don't really think that most folks will think of their acceptance of Christ as Savior as a work.

I can see where some might think that but there is definitely scripture for this very thing - believing on Jesus for life and salvation is a work - a work that the Father desires from us.

John 6:28-29 (KJV)
[SUP]28 [/SUP] Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

[SUP]29 [/SUP] Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#18
OK, if you are calling the act of believing and asking Jesus to be our savior a work, then in that sense we are saved by God's grace and our work. I don't really think that most folks will think of their acceptance of Christ as Savior as a work.

Good point, I am not saved by faith (a work) I am saved because of the work of someone else (God) God sent people in my life, God did the work of helping me to understand, God did the work of the cross, God did the work of creation.

Scripture says I am saved BY GRACE THROUGH faith, Not by faith.

One could say I am saved BY GRACE through FAITH in the WORK OF GOD.

all other gospels of the world are claiming we are saved by FAITH PLUS WORKS or WORKS alone.

The own who does not truat Gods work is enough, Says we are saved BY faith plus works (work added to the cross)

The religious says we are saved by works (Jews have the law, Islam has their laws. In fact most if not all world religion say we are saved by how we we obey some set of laws (how morally good we are)

 
Feb 24, 2015
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#19
OK, if you are calling the act of believing and asking Jesus to be our savior a work, then in that sense we are saved by God's grace and our work. I don't really think that most folks will think of their acceptance of Christ as Savior as a work.
I know it sounds an odd concept. But let us look at other intentions or choices.
Coveting an object, which is a sin.
Anger against a brother in Christ to the point of murder, which is a sin.
Greed, avarice these are all choices and things that grow and develop within.

So such choices and the physical actions that flow from them, are important.

A step of faith with Christ, with its repentance, confession, acceptance of forgiveness,
faith in the cross, believing who Christ is and what he Has done is not a small thing.
It takes in many steps and concepts, is a walk of relationship and understanding of oneself
and what God is saying.

Compare this to a good work, helping a friend with their car, or house, or transport.
It is an expression of love meeting a need, it is words and actions that flow over time.

So these things are actually very similar and very much something we participate in
and choose to act on. And this is the best thing we can ever do, salvation hangs on
this very step, and it the hardest issue in the whole of life, yet it sounds like it is
something minor, not even worthy of mention. To be born again is to pass from darkness
to light, to see the Kingdom of Heaven born in ones soul.

What a wonder, what a work of God, what a mixing of calling and being chosen, what an
act of grace, the fulfillment and reason for the cross.
 

know1

Senior Member
Aug 27, 2012
3,071
166
63
#20
I agree...

Actually verse 10 can never be produced by the Spirit of God within us until we have the foundation of verses 9-10.

If we are not established in the truth of verses 9-10 we try to "create" verse 10 - we then have a religion of works "for" salvation instead of His good works manifesting in us because we are already saved by grace through faith in Christ's finished work only.

Trying to create a "root" of salvation from a "fruit" is the complete opposite of the work of Christ and is the basis for all works-based mindsets which nullify the grace of God from operating in our lives like it should.

Preach and teach "the saved by grace through faith in Christ's finished work only" ( the root ) - then the good works that God has prepared ahead of time that we get to participate in with Him will be manifested in and through us to a hurt and dying world that needs to see the love and grace that our loving Father and Lord have for them. ( the fruit )

The fruit never creates the root of salvation.

Without Him we can do nothing. The flesh profits nothing - there is good looking flesh and bad looking flesh but in the end - it is all flesh and none of it will be able to boast before the Lord.
I think most of you are still missing what the works of faith are. We all know about good works, such as giving to the poor, helping the elderly,...etc. These are all things any person off the street can do.
A work of faith is something we initiate but God applies the power or His Spirit to, to cause it to manifest, and without God's involvement, it would be impossible for it to come about or materialize or manifest.
Such as Utah asking for the winds to stop for 15 minutes and they do, only it's around him alone. That's God's work, not Utah's. Utah initiated it, and God applied the power, or rather stopped the winds around him by His Spirit. Where Utah was inept and unable to affect the winds by his own power, God stepped in and took over and did what Utah could not do. I have heard of people commanding the lights to come back on or for electrical power to come back on, in the name of Jesus, and where is was impossible for it to work, it came on. The acts or works of faith involve God stepping in, doing what we cannot do on our own, even the things that are impossible for us to do. Again, things where God's strength is made perfect in our weaknesses or inabilities. Everything we do by our own abilities, regardless of how good it is, is only good or righteous works. They are NOT works of faith, because God did not have to step in and take over. When God does something like heal a person because we prayed, at that moment, that was a work of faith.
So this doesn't have to do with creating a root from the fruit, similar to that of a potato. Neither does this have to do with good works that result from already being born again. These works of faith are things we initiate, and God's Spirit moves in the situation we started, and does what is impossible for us to do.
Can we, by our own power heal anyone? We all know that we cannot.
But if I design a building to be erected, and I go out and hire contractors, overseeing and directing all the work that needs to be done for its completion, who did the actual building of that structure? Am I the one who did the work to erect the building? No, the workers, whom I hired, did the work and erected the building. But if I did not initiate the work by going out and hiring workers, would the the building have been erected? No. Neither could I have erected the structure by my own skills and strengths, without all the power tools and equipment the contractors have and use.
Did Jesus Himself create all that is in existence? No, but because he is the head of the worker that did the creating of all things, the word of God says Jesus created all things. Did Jesus Himself heal the people? No, it was the "virtue" or rather the Spirit what was in Him without measure, that issued out of Him, that did the healing and the casting out of spirits, yet Jesus said He did it.
So, without my initial act of, "Lord, I ask you to come into my heart and by my personal savior", God would not have put within me a new heart and spirit man to cause my new birth to come about. We believe in our heart that Jesus is the savior of the world, we act on that belief by asking Him to be our personal savior, and since we are not able to cause ourselves to be born again, God, by His Spirit, which is the same Spirit of Christ, puts within us a fresh new heart and spirit. Again, the work of faith is the acting out of what we believe in our hearts.
We are the initiator and designer of it, and without our participation through works of faith, God would not have moved in the situation, to bring about our salvation. This kind of work is something we ourselves cannot cause to manifest. So we cannot take any glory for it. I might have initiated and directed what I wanted accomplished, but God is the one who carries out the work of faith we initiate and direct.
Again, it is like when Peter pulled the man, at the gate Beautiful, to his feet. Did he even bother to ask God if it was His will to heal the man? NO, he did not. Yet God moved on Peter's behalf because of his faith. If Peter did not act on what he believed in his heart, the man would not have been healed. Faith without corresponding works are dead.
Works of faith are not good works we do as a result of our new birth. Works of faith are works that are brought about by God's Spirit because of our initial act of faith.
I hope I was able to get my point across this time.