Faith Apart from Works Is Dead

Lessons from the book of James (#9)

James makes some clear, strong statements about “works” in chapter two of his book.  He writes:

… faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (verse 17)

… faith apart from works is useless? (verse 20)

… faith was completed by … works; (verse 22)

… a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. (verse 24)

… faith apart from works is dead. (verse 26)

James’ comments refer to faith, not the gift of salvation.  It is clear in scripture that our salvation is a gift from God.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

However, after receiving the gift of salvation, it is clear in scripture that we are to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”  (James 1:22 ESV)

The book of James is not the only place in scripture that tells us the importance of “doing”.

Throughout the Bible we read about the importance of doing good works.

• When we put Biblical principles into practice we are like wise men.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matthew 7:24 ESV)

• We have all been given jobs “to do”.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV)

• Not everyone has the same work to do.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord;  and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6 ESV)

• Christ expects us “to do” as He has commanded.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (John 13:34 ESV)

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15 ESV)

• God expects us to help others.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35 ESV)

• God recognizes our good works.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ … And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:34-40 ESV)

•  Good works are rewarded.

And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’  His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ (Matthew 25:20-21 ESV)

• Our good works are for God’s glory.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 ESV)

 Conclusion:  We need to be doing the work that God is asking us to do.

 

Check out “Whoever Believes….”