Greater Works

The concept of "greater works" is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly in the Gospel of John. In John 14:12 , Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father." This statement has been a subject of theological reflection and discussion, emphasizing the potential and power bestowed upon believers through faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The "greater works" are often understood as the expansive reach and impact of the Gospel through the Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit. After Jesus' ascension, the disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, began to spread the Gospel beyond the geographical confines of Israel, reaching the Gentiles and establishing the early Church. This expansion and the accompanying signs and wonders are seen as a fulfillment of Jesus' promise of "greater works."

Theologically, these works are not necessarily greater in nature or quality than those performed by Jesus but are greater in scope and quantity. The miracles, teachings, and acts of compassion performed by Jesus laid the foundation for the Church's mission, which, through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, continues to reach the ends of the earth. The "greater works" are thus a testament to the ongoing work of Christ through His followers, as they live out their faith and witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Faith

Faith is a central tenet of Christian doctrine, described in Hebrews 11:1 as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." It is the means by which believers are justified before God, as stated in Romans 5:1 : "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

In the New Testament, faith is portrayed as both a gift from God and a response to His revelation. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that faith is a gift: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This underscores the belief that faith is not a human achievement but a divine endowment, enabling believers to trust in God's promises and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ.

Faith is also active and dynamic, as seen in the Epistle of James, which stresses that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). This highlights the transformative nature of genuine faith, which manifests in a life of obedience, love, and service. The relationship between faith and works is not one of contradiction but of complementarity, where works are the evidence of a living and active faith.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus commends those who exhibit great faith, often in unexpected individuals, such as the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:10) and the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:28). These accounts illustrate that faith transcends cultural and religious boundaries, inviting all to trust in Christ's authority and compassion.

In summary, faith is the foundation of the believer's relationship with God, enabling them to participate in the "greater works" promised by Jesus. It is both a gift and a response, characterized by trust, obedience, and a life transformed by the Gospel.