What does faith without works is dead mean to you?

Question

This is my study this week, I was wondering how people interrpret this verse.

Answer 1

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Notice in verse 10 that it says that we who are born again believers are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. In other words, a person is saved by grace through faith with the purpose of being led to serve God here on earth. If someone says that they have become a Christian and there isn't a refocusing of priorities in their lives besides showing up for church and maybe reading the Bible sometimes then you have to wonder if they have made a mere "profession" of faith.

It's like that saying about if you were charged with being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you. A dead faith is one that has no outward evidence to support the supposed inward conversion.

Answer 2

Its an obsolete meaning written by obsolete men 300 years after jesus supposedly lived, you dont need to have faith to live a good or clean life.......just the same having faith means that if you are truely are a good person, and willingly do good works. Look at all the church leaders and so called "christian soldiers" that abuse their power over the common man every day........what most of you have written is misguided, go and live your life well and and respect others. Dont place your faith on something that makes no sense.

Answer 3

Works don't save you, but if you're gonna talk the talk, then you walk the walk. A christian has the duty to do good works even if they aren't critical to salvation. I think Paul meant to prove, or to act out your faith through your works, or your faith is dead in the eyes of other people, but not necessarily God's.

Answer 4

I think it is companion to the verse, "be a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only". If a person truly has a living faith, they will demonstrate it by "walking it out". Faith is not something dormant or stagnant. It is alive and should be evident in a born again believer in Jesus Christ. 2Peter instructs us to "add to our faith" goodness, love, kindness, mercy, compassion. The life of a Christian should be devoted to extending to others these qualities, and giving of oneself at every opportunity.

Answer 5

To me, it means that if I truly believe in God, then I will attempt with all my heart to hear what the spirit is really "saying" and respond with the "actions."

Unfortunately religion puts static in the ability to hear clearly and people settle for the philosophy of, "oh well, I am saved by grace, it is not by works lest I should boast." And that is where they are stuck without works....They are on a sinking ship spiritually speaking.

Answer 6

Having faith means believing in something that cannot be seen, but we demonstrate that we have faith in our unseen but very present God by what we do or don't do (supporting His church, helping those who need it, sharing the Gospel, not engaging in debauchery or getting drunk, not using foul language, having a positive attitude, etc.) Therefore, if you say you believe in God but your actions don't show it, you're not a good example to others and you're really not a true follower of Christ.

Answer 7

It means that a faith that does not compel you to be the hands and feet of Christ will not save you. Not only do you have to talk the talk, you must also walk the walk.

Jesus said that we will disown anyone who does not feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the lonely and imprisoned, and give shelter to the homeless.

A lot of "Christians" say that they are followers of Christ, but do not do very much when it comes to loving their neighbor.

Answer 8

It means it's not enough to go to church and give lip service to God--you have to live your life as a Christian, too. Don't just assume you're purified of anything you've done through the week because you went to church. Put the principals of Christianity to work, and you won't need to worry so much about being forgiven--you've done less which needs to be forgiven.

Answer 9

I think it means that the two are inseparable. Proclaimed faith is empty and hollow without living that faith by serving God and loving others.

For many, many biblical references supporting this idea, look at:

http://www.scripturecatholic.com/justification.html

Answer 10

To me it means you have to do the word of God. You don't just pray and expect God to do all the work for you, there is still action that needs to take place on your part if you want to see some changes in your life.