Faith Without Works Is Dead

Most Everyone Here is Probably Familiar With These Words From James

James 2:26 (NASB)

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

But, Sadly, I’d Say Most Members of the churches of Christ Today Aren’t as Familiar With

James Was Clarifying That Faith Will Bring About Works

And If You Don’t Do Good Works, Then Your Faith is Dead

But We Have Over-Extended James’ Words By Over-Emphasizing Works

We Have Made Works More Important Than Faith

But the Whole of the NT Testament Would Claim the Opposite

There is no contradiction between what James wrote and what Paul wrote. James is simply helping us understand that biblical faith is a faith that moves us to do something. If your faith doesn’t move you to action, James says it is “dead” and “useless.”

When the biblical writers said a person had faith, they didn’t just mean the person believed in the existence of Jesus. They meant the person had given their loyalty and devotion to Jesus, trusting in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice as the basis of their salvation.

After all, when we say we are “saved by faith,” we don’t actually mean that our faith – in and of itself – saves us. We mean, the Person in whom we put our faith saves us.

Romans 3:28 NASB95

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

Ephesians 2:8–9 NASB95

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

he taught that our good works are a result of our salvation, rather than our salvation being the result of our good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Biblical faith means devotion to Jesus and devotion to Jesus can be seen in how you live.