Affirms
Works of faith are essential evidence of genuine justification before God
The Amish strongly affirm the reading of James 2:24 that justification includes the demonstration of faith through works. This is not a contradiction of sola fide but a call to authentic faith expressing itself in practical obedience. The Amish concept of Gelassenheit is the practical outworking of justifying faith.
Amish theology rejects the antinomian abuse of grace that would separate faith from obedience. A person claiming to be saved but living in deliberate disobedience is not genuinely justified. The community's discipline reflects this conviction.
Key Distinctions
- Justification basis:
- faith alone saves; works show evidence of living faith
- Faith works relationship:
- practical obedience inseparable from saving faith
- James paul harmony:
Scripture References
Sources
- Dordrecht Confession of Faith (1632), Article 7