Is there faith without works?

James, brother of Jesus

James 2:14-17 (NIV) What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say that you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,” and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

As I have learned in my walk as a follower of Jesus, it is mandated that we believe in Him to receive salvation. There are no other requirements as evidenced by the apostle Paul’s testament in Romans 1:16-17 (NIV) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4)

But, is belief/faith enough? According to James, no.

Let’s qualify that, shall we?

Jesus talked about serving others, and how, when we do, we serve Him. Remember the parable from Matthew 25:37-40 (NIV)? 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Don’t you think this is what James is saying? Basically, if you have a true believer’s heart, you will take care of your fellow man. You will feed him when he’s hungry; you will offer clothing when his is tattered and torn; you will give him water when he is thirsty.

You will do whatever it takes, AND, you’ll do it in His name to glorify Him. I sincerely believe this is what faith with works is all about.

A true believer, a true follower of Jesus will do good works. In my opinion, that’s the proverbial no-brainer!

Bottom line – accept Jesus as you savior. Then – follow Him daily.

After all, the Lamb of God requires it, Then [Jesus] said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23 NIV)

You can read more about faith and what it entails by turning in your Bible to the 11th chapter of Hebrews. If you do not have a Bible, click here to read the entire chapter in the text of the New International Version. You can also choose to read the chapter in the translation of your choice. Bible Gateway offers many; just choose and read.

As the weekend approaches, consider your journey with Jesus. Consider your faith. Consider your works in His name. And, as you do, May God bless you and keep you near Him every day in every way. Amen.