"We should so work as if we were to be saved by our works; and so rely on Jesus Christ, as if we did no works"
- Francis Asbury
About this Quote
The quote by Francis Asbury, "We need to so work as if we were to be conserved by our works; therefore count on Jesus Christ, as if we did no works," presents a thought-provoking duality relating to the interplay between faith and operates in the Christian life. This statement encapsulates the fragile balance followers are motivated to keep between action and faith.
On one hand, Asbury recommends that believers should engage in good works with the eagerness and devotion as if their eternal salvation depended exclusively on those efforts. This point of view lines up with the concept that a genuine faith naturally manifests in actions and deeds. It highlights the significance of living out one's faith actively, serving others, and participating in acts of charity and generosity. These actions function as evidence of a living faith, showing the transformative power of belief in one's life.
On the other hand, Asbury emphasizes a similarly important element of Christian doctrine: the reliance on Jesus Christ for redemption. Regardless of the emphasis on works, Asbury advises followers that salvation is eventually a present of grace, not something that can be earned through deeds alone. This highlights the foundational Christian belief in the redemptive work of Christ, where faith in Him is the cornerstone of salvation. It worries the value of humbleness and acknowledgment of human constraints, acknowledging that even the best of human efforts fall short without magnificent grace.
By juxtaposing these 2 viewpoints, Asbury calls for a holistic approach to faith. Followers are to work vigilantly and actively, embodying their faith through action, while at the same time resting in the assurance of salvation through Christ. This double method promotes a robust, active faith that neither falls into the trap of legalism nor lapses into passive quietism. Instead, it encourages a life of dynamic faith marked by both external action and deep, individual trust in divine grace.
"I was married to Margaret Joan Howe in 1940. Although not a scientist herself she has contributed more to my work than anyone else by providing a peaceful and happy home"