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.

Your help can be as simple as serving at a soup kitchen.

Are you eager to do good in this world? According to the apostle Paul, we should all, if we are God’s people, be “eager to do what is good.”

Paul’s encouragement is found in Titus 2:11-14 (NIV) 11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

I try every day to do something good, whether it’s for my husband, or my daughter, or my grandchildren, or for a friend, or for a stranger. Even though God does not require works for salvation, (that only comes as a gift, through God’s grace) I pray continually for opportunities to show God’s love through my works of Christian charity.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) verifies our saving grace - 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Paul says a lot more about doing good in this world. In fact the third chapter in Titus addresses, in detail, “Doing What Is Good.” Titus 3:1-11 (NIV). You can read the entire text of Paul’s advice by clicking here.

James, another follower of Jesus, says that faith without works is dead. James 2:14-17 (NIV) reads, 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

What about you? Is today the day you actively pursue opportunities to help your fellow man?

Sometimes all that is required is sharing your dinner table with a lonely person. Sometimes it might involve a significant financial investment. Sometimes your time is the primary ingredient for assisting in a project that will benefit someone less fortunate.

As a matter of fact, my perennial prayer was answered yesterday when a sister in the faith called with a specific need, a need no one else in her circle of friends was able to provide. Although this assistance requires an entire day away from my home and travel on wintry roads, I saw an opportunity to help as God requires. I didn’t think twice.

Of course I said yes! How could I say otherwise as a Christian woman of faith?

Whatever the case may be, pray that you will find an occasion to assist someone in need. I promise the rewards will far outweigh the commitment of time, energy or funds. Just help out; you'll be glad you did.

Until tomorrow – God bless all of you as you help one another. Amen.