Examining Faith Without Works is Dead Michael Edwards
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James 2:17 ESV
What did James mean in this verse?
Some claim James is saying that works are required to prove your faith, to prove you believe the gospel? To prove you are a true Christian. In other words, if you do not have good works, you do not believe and are not saved. Is this accurate or is there another explanation?
This study seeks to show that good works are not the root of our salvation. Good works are a fruit of our salvation designed to be a light unto the world so that others can see our faith and be saved.
I am all for good works that are a light unto the world so all can see our faith and come to a saving knowledge of Christ. So we can extend the kindness of God that leads to repentance and salvation. But we need to be careful in presenting this verse to others; it is often presented incorrectly leading a person to doubt their salvation. It can tear down their faith in God's ironclad promise of salvation by grace through faith to all who believe, when God has called us to build up and encourage the faith in His promise.
There are three possible options as to what James meant.
1) James meant that if you do not have good works and keep the law along with faith, your faith is dead and cannot save you.
2) The works James is talking about use the same context for works that Jesus uses in John 6:29.
Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” John 6:28-29 ESV
3) James is telling us that other people cannot see our faith apart from our works. Therefore, our faith cannot save anyone, lead others to a saving knowledge of Christ.
Finish reading this study HERE.
