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Ragtown Reformed Forum Tucumcari, New Mexico
Ragtown Reformed Forum Episode 4: Is Faith Alone Enough? An empty cross and open Bible beside a burdened figure climbing steps marked with works.

Episode 4 · Length: 1 hr 0 min

In Episode 4, the Ragtown Reformed Forum takes on sola fide: justification by faith alone. They work through Romans 3–4, Ephesians 2, and James 2, challenging the idea that your good works can add anything to Christ’s finished work. They also explain why “faith without works is dead” belongs in the same conversation. Expect blunt disagreement with Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox theology, a look at Abraham and Rahab, and a manure-pile illustration. The crew gets personal about sin after conversion, doubts about salvation, and the comfort of trusting Christ when your own performance gives you nothing to brag about.

At the microphones: Tom Miller, David Morris, Gordan Runyan, John Train

Jump into the discussion

Episode chapters

  1. 00:00 Introductions and Sola Fide
  2. 02:17 How God Justifies Sinners
  3. 08:48 Faith as God's Gift
  4. 18:30 The Biblical Case for Faith Alone
  5. 24:11 Abraham's Living Faith
  6. 27:09 James 2: Faith without Works Is Dead
  7. 35:20 Imputed Righteousness and the Legal Fiction Objection
  8. 40:43 Assurance after Sin
  9. 50:08 Faith as Believing Allegiance
  10. 55:52 Recommended Reading and Closing

From the conversation

Books, Scripture, and resources

Each timestamp starts the episode at the moment the resource is discussed.

  1. 08:08

    Ephesians 2:8–10

    Scripture

  2. 18:52

    Isaiah 64:6

    Scripture

  3. 20:26

    Romans 3:28–31

    Scripture

  4. 21:59

    Romans 4:5

    Scripture

  5. 27:09

    James 2:21–24

    Scripture

  6. 56:17

    Commentary on Romans

    Martin Luther

  7. 56:21

    Galatians

    Martin Luther

  8. 56:30

    The Bondage of the Will

    Martin Luther

  9. 56:44

    The Beast of Revelation

    Kenneth L. Gentry Jr.

  10. 57:03
  11. 57:20

    The Canons of Dort

    Synod of Dort

  12. 57:39

    Heidelberg Catechism

    Heidelberg theologians

  13. 57:44