Is faith without works or action dead?

Question

James 2:17

Answer 1

Just as the Bible says, my friend!

Answer 2

The question of faith alone or faith plus works is made difficult by some hard-to-reconcile Bible passages. Compare Romans 3:28, 5:1 and Galatians 3:24 with James 2:24. Some see a difference between Paul (salvation is by faith alone) and James (salvation is by faith plus works). In reality, Paul and James did not disagree at all. The only point of disagreement some people claim is over the relationship between faith and works. Paul dogmatically says that justification is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) while James appears to be saying that justification is by faith plus works. This apparent problem is answered by examining what exactly James is talking about. James is refuting the belief that a person can have faith without producing any good works (James 2:17-18). James is emphasizing the point that genuine faith in Christ will produce a changed life and good works (James 2:20-26). James is not saying that justification is by faith plus works, but rather that a person who is truly justified by faith will have good works in his life. If a person claims to be a believer, but has no good works in his life – then he likely does not have genuine faith in Christ (James 2:14, 17, 20, 26).

Paul says the same thing in his writings. The good fruit believers should have in their lives is listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Immediately after telling us that we are saved by faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9), Paul informs us that we were created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Paul expects just as much of a changed life as James does, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17)! James and Paul do not disagree on their teaching on salvation. They approach the same subject from different perspectives. Paul simply emphasized that justification is by faith alone while James put emphasis on the fact that faith in Christ produces good works.

Answer 3

Oh good question! I would say no. Faith is internal and not always seen. It can manifest is such subtle signs that most people would probably miss it or think it was something else. A smile can be a work of Faith. A thought, an unheard prayer or even just a way of walking down the street. I am interested to see what other have to say. Blessings, Diana

Answer 4

Faith without works is an intellectual exercise in futility. God's Word is supposed to be "effective, achieving the end for which it is sent." If a believer makes no effort to bring the light of truth into the world (through just and merciful acts, not just talk), it's a pitiful, useless faith.

Answer 5

that is probably one of the most deceptive ideas within christianity today. works are not feeding the poor, and being good to your neihbor, and being good to your parents. sinner people can do that.
christ said the works that i do shall ye do also. most evangelicals try to say that the gifts of the spirit are the works of christ which is in error. the scripture says men will manifest gifts without ever coming to repentance. gifts and callings are without repentance and the scripture where they come to the lord and say have we not done many wonderful thing in thy name? they had every gift of the spirit in operation yet the lord said this was iniquity.
when william branham came on the scene and actually could fulfill the works and they refuted him by manifesting gifts. in order to manifest the works of God you have to be granted repentance and be one with God as christ and God are one. Gifts and works are not the same and it deceives a majority of the world cause they don't recognize the difference. www.branham.org, www.leevayle.net, www.daysofthevoice.com, and www.bibleway.org

Answer 6

Faith brings good works. The stronger the faith, the more good works you will do. The Lord inspires us to do good works.

Answer 7

Well if people only have faith to save themselves from hell, that's pretty low. Hopefully it would make them a better person.

Answer 8

It means that you believe and you are spreading his word and doing his will . If you sit on your thumbs and not spreading his word , your rewards in heaven will be taken away .

Answer 9

Faith is useless, stick to reason.

Answer 10

only if you serve it without fries!