If faith does not save, then what does? Please do not say works. Which works? Where did you find this?

Question

Ms. Chang - The Bible you refer to has many many passages in it. You have taken a specific passage and that seems to speak for itself. Were this the only text in the Bible on the subject that I would agree with you completely.

But having read the entire Bible, I believe there is another point James is trying to make, than the one you have pointed out.

You are in error.

Answer 1

James 2:14 Of what benefit is it, my brothers, if a certain one says he has faith but he does not have works? That faith cannot save him, can it? 15 If a brother or a sister is in a naked state and lacking the food sufficient for the day, 16 yet a certain one of YOU says to them: “Go in peace, keep warm and well fed,” but YOU do not give them the necessities for [their] body, of what benefit is it? 17 Thus, too, faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself.

18 Nevertheless, a certain one will say: “You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith apart from the works, and I shall show you my faith by my works.” 19 You believe there is one God, do you? You are doing quite well. And yet the demons believe and shudder. 20 But do you care to know, O empty man, that faith apart from works is inactive? 21 Was not Abraham our father declared righteous by works after he had offered up Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 You behold that [his] faith worked along with his works and by [his] works [his] faith was perfected, 23 and the scripture was fulfilled which says: “Abraham put faith in Jehovah, and it was counted to him as righteousness,” and he came to be called “Jehovah’s friend.”

24 YOU see that a man is to be declared righteous by works, and not by faith alone. 25 In the same manner was not also Ra´hab the harlot declared righteous by works, after she had received the messengers hospitably and sent them out by another way? 26 Indeed, as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

You know? If the Bible says faith by works, then what you have a problem with is the Bible.

Answer 2

It is the blood of Christ plus +or minus - nothing. It is only the washing of sin by the blood of Jesus that saves. Now upon being saved a person is filled with a desire to serve Him. James talks about this kind of works. But it doesn't keep you saved, The sacrifice on the cross that Jesus made for you and me is the only thing that can keep us. Being saved means to be led safely through, all the way to the end. Read Ephesians every day for a month and then you will be able to understand Grace better.( the whole book is only 6 chapters it isn't that much). Eph 2:8,9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

EDIT:
You really got some great answers here.

Answer 3

The Book of James;Addressed to 12 Tribes of Israel;The Word of God Speaks to all who Believe;I believe James is the 1st Yr of Seven Yr. Trib; It is going to Rquire a Special Grace and Work, even unto Death to Wittness and Lot of Work,Also Reject the Enforced Numbering System; There is also a World wide Econmic Collapse;James ch 5; This Jewish Tithe of 144,000 is same one in Revelation; These Believers will accept Christ,when the Church is Caught up at beginning of Trib; or a little while before Trib; They will do a lot of Hard Works;

Answer 4

How approximately: four. We are stored via religion by myself, however overlook of works does impair our courting with God. Salvation is via religion that Jesus Christ - God within the flesh - died in our stead. While salvation is via religion by myself, our works DO topic. Our courting with God is a 2-manner road. We won't simply get stored then take a seat again and do not anything. We must draw towards God. We must to wish to Him, compliment Him, believe Him, and rely on Him. We must witness to non-believers and percentage the Gospel, and reside healthful lives, environment an illustration for others. We must attempt to be Christ-like. These matters don't seem to be critical for salvation, however our courting with God will endure if we do not do them. AND we WILL be judged via our works. Some folks who've served God specifically good will reign along Jesus. Others can have obligations a few rungs down the ladder in God's Government.

Answer 5

We are saves by grace through faith. Grace is God’s giving us something we cannot earn or deserve. According to Romans 11:6, “work” of any kind destroys grace—the idea is that a worker earns payment, while the recipient of grace simply receives it, unearned. Since salvation is all of grace, it cannot be earned. Faith, therefore, is a non-work. Faith cannot truly be considered a “work,” or else it would destroy grace.

Answer 6

the argument can and has gone both ways...... I say this tho, if you read the WHOLE Bible and read it all in context, faith in who and what Jesus is and DID, the finished works of the cross, FAITH + nothing = salvation..... look logicaly at salvation.. if we got into heaven by works we would all be standing around arguing on who did the greater works.... but, on the flip side, all who ARE saved will WANT to do the works, brought on by the change in Jesus we all go through when becoming Children of God, the Body of Christ, the True Church......*without faith it is impossible to please Him*...... go in peace....... God bless

Answer 7

Faith does save, but faith without works is dead. We must also be obedient to the teachings of Christ: love one another, help the poor, spread the Gospel, etc.

Answer 8

Faith without works is dead. Works alone is not sufficient. Faith backed by works = salvation, according to the Bible.

Answer 9

The Grace of God which transforms
Faith does not exist alone in isolation from the other virtues

Answer 10

Grace! but through faith.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;