Faith and Works - Faith Not Accompanied by Works of Love is Dead

Faith and Works of Love

The "New Testament "faith and works" are works of love and obedience. They have nothing to do with abiding by the "Law of the Old Testament" as a way to attain entry into Heaven. Faith and works of love are symbols of the Christian faith and trust in Jesus. "...faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.." (JAS 2:17) James teaches that works of love bare witness to the reality of faith in one's life, and that there is a difference between faith that is real, and faith that is dead. (see footnote)

According to James the Christian life should consist of both faith and works. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also". - "... shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." - "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!"(JAS 2:26;18-19) Our works, actions, and lifestyle, declare to the world that we are Christians.

Jesus said in (Luke:12;48) "...For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." God gave His only Son, Jesus, who gave His life to ransom mankind from Hell, to bridge the gap of the separation of God and man, and to pay his way into Heaven. If you are a Christian, you have been given much, and much is expected.

In the "Parable of the Talents" Jesus likened His return to Heaven to a man who traveled to a far country and left his servants in charge. Upon his return he both, rewarded and held each one accountable, according to how they had carried out for their duties. In this scripture it is clear that His Followers, the Christians, will be held accountable and rewarded according to their works. (Matt 25:14-29)

James used the following example of how faith and works are intertwined. "If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead." (JAS 2:15-17) In our day we might say, "Well, I hope you find something warm to wear, and food to eat so that you and the kids don't freeze or starve." If we do nothing to help them, what good does it do? James is saying that our works of love, the things we do, are indicators of our trust in Jesus.

In one of Jesus' prayers He said "...the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. (John 17:14-15) When we are in the midst of sinners we are not to be one of them. God wants us in the world so that He can work through us to reach the world.

It is sad to consider that our actions may actually prevent some lost individual from going to Heaven. This is the very opposite of what God expects of us. Your faith and works must be sincere. Are you willing to be the only one in the crowd who is a Christian? Do your actions say that you are trusting in Jesus, that, if necessary, you are willing to lay down your life for your faith in Him? (see footnote on persecution)

Our faith and works of love are to be a light to the world, and a living testimony of our trust in Jesus. Jesus despised the pious acts and deceptions that were so prevalent during His earthly ministry. He said "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (MATT 7:20) It wasn't the inability to live up to God's commands that He condemned, He knew that was impossible, it was the blatant hypocrisy and pretensions to do so. If your faith is pretentious you are only kidding yourself!

Our Christian Faith and works of love, and obedience are measures of our faith in God. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 TIM 2:15) Study "His word" to learn the things He asks of you. Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you as an expression of His love for the world. Then someday you will hear Him say, "...Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matt 25:21)

("Dead" = inactive, barren-"Vines Complete Expository")

"Persecution" - Christians in the free world, though blessed with Freedom of Religion, often suffer isolation and abuse. But we must not forget that
there are Christians in over 40 countries who face daily imprisonment and death for their faith in Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Samuel Mills