Introduction:
Since the early church, there has been an ongoing spiritual conflict, both within ourselves and within the church, regarding the role of the relationship between faith and works in salvation. This debate has even led to divisions among Christians, with some aligning themselves with Paul’s emphasis on faith and others with James’ focus on works. Despite these differing perspectives, I propose that faith and works are much closer than most imagine. The Möbius strip can serve as a suitable illustration of this mystery, revealing how faith and works are intertwined in our relationship with Christ, that when lived, it can be hard to tell when faith ends and works begin. By exploring this metaphor of the Möbius strip, we can gain a deeper understanding of how these two aspects of our spiritual journey are inseparable and continuously connected.
Theological divide
Some view faith and works as two completely separate entities. Others may see them combined but different, like two sides of one coin, demonstrating different aspects of a believer’s life. However, the Möbius strip provides a powerful illustration that faith and works are so intertwined that, when lived and understood properly, the distinction between them becomes blurred in our everyday lives. Just as the Möbius strip has only one continuous surface, faith and works are seamlessly connected, making it difficult to determine where one starts and the other ends. This reflects the Anabaptist belief that true faith naturally expresses itself through works, forming an indivisible part of a transformed life.
What is a Möbius Strip?
A Möbius strip is a surface with only one side and one edge. If you take a strip of paper, twist one end 180 degrees, and then join the ends together, you get a Möbius strip. If you start drawing a line on the surface, you’ll end up back where you started without ever lifting your pen, having covered both “sides” of the strip in a single continuous motion.
Faith and Works
Anabaptists emphasize the inseparability of faith and works. They believe that true faith manifests in a transformed life characterized by actions that reflect Jesus’ teachings. Key points include:
- Faith and Works are Inseparable:
Genuine faith is evidenced by good works. Without works, faith is considered dead- “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17).
From an Anabaptist Tradition:
- Historically, Anabaptists were known for their commitment to “living out their faith” in tangible ways, often facing persecution for their beliefs and practices.
- Dirk Philips wrote extensively on the connection between faith and works. He emphasized that true faith is demonstrated through obedience and righteous living.
- Menno Simons asserted that faith must manifest in a transformed life marked by good works, aligning with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
But one does not have to be an Anabaptist to see this connection
- Martin Luther: Although Luther emphasized justification by faith alone, he also acknowledged that true faith is never alone but always accompanied by works. He described faith as a living, active, and creative force that naturally produces good deeds.
- “Oh, it is a living, busy, active, mighty thing, this faith. It is impossible for it not to be doing good things incessantly. It does not ask whether good works are to be done, but has done them before there is time to ask the question, and is always doing them.” Martin Luther in his Commentary on Romans.
- “Oh, it is a living, busy, active, mighty thing, this faith. It is impossible for it not to be doing good things incessantly. It does not ask whether good works are to be done, but has done them before there is time to ask the question, and is always doing them.” Martin Luther in his Commentary on Romans.
- John Calvin: Calvin taught that good works are the necessary fruits of faith. He stated that while works do not contribute to justification, they are the evidence of genuine faith and a response to God’s grace.
- “We, indeed, willingly acknowledge that good works do not obtain salvation, but we maintain that they are the necessary fruits of it.” John Calvin – From Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion (Book III, Chapter 16, Section 1)
- “Thus it is that man is justified by faith alone, when by faith alone the righteousness of Christ is imputed to him. But the faith which justifies is never alone; just as it is the heat alone of the sun which warms the earth, and yet in the sun it is not alone, because it is constantly conjoined with light. So, also, we say that faith justifies alone. And yet the faith which justifies is not alone, because it is inseparably connected with good works.” John Calvin – from John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion (Book III, Chapter 2, Section 8)
The Möbius Strip as an Visual Illustration of this Connection
- Continuity: Just as a Möbius strip has a continuous surface, faith and works are continuous and interconnected in the life of a believer. One leads into the other seamlessly.
- Unity: The strip’s single-sided nature symbolizes the unity of faith and works. They are not two separate entities but rather two aspects of the same reality.
- Transformation: The twist in the Möbius strip can represent the transformative nature of true faith, which changes a person and is expressed through works.
- Perseverance: Walking the path of faith and works is a continuous journey without a clear beginning or end, much like the journey along the Möbius strip.
Biblical and Historical Context
- James 2:14-26: This passage emphasizes that faith without works is dead, highlighting the inseparable nature of the two.
- Matthew 7:16-20: Jesus teaches that you will know people by their fruits (actions), indicating that genuine faith produces good works.
In summary, the Möbius strip can serve as a meaningful metaphor for the Christian view of faith and works, emphasizing their inseparable and continuous relationship. This article has very briefly shown why the Möbius Strip is a good visual illustration of the connection. In the second article, we hope to show how the Möbius Strip can be used audibly to show the connection between faith and works, demonstrating the contrasting nature, as well as the harmony of the two.
Part 2: Experiencing the Möbius Strip Through Bach’s Music: We hope to demonstrate the Differences and Harmony of Faith and Works (Coming soon!!!)
Disclaimer
When it comes to spiritual issues, it is important to recognize that all illustrations, including the Möbius strip, have their limitations and can only capture facets of deeper spiritual truths. These illustrations are used as teaching aids to help explain and visualize complex concepts in a more accessible way. They are not meant to fully encompass or represent the entirety of spiritual beliefs and should be seen as tools to aid understanding, rather than definitive explanations.