Faith without works is dead

James 2:26 (NLT)

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. 

Is James stating that your salvation results from good works?  No.  The Bible is very clear that salvation is not a result of good behavior and doing things that earn your salvation.  Of course, many misled people still believe that the only way God will accept them is by doing good things.  Salvation results from faith in Jesus Christ alone, not any kind of good deeds (Romans 3:24, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:8-9).  You cannot work your way into eternal life. 

However, what James is stating here is that good works, deeds, conduct, actions, whatever you want to call them, result from a sincere faith in Christ.  James 2:14 clearly emphasizes that a faith that does not result in good works cannot save you.  If you are a person who attends church regularly, reads your Bible, participates in Bible studies, and do all the right “spiritual” things, yet minimally serve others, do not give to others, do not help others, never share your faith with anyone, never go out of your way to bear fruit in others’ lives, the sincerity of your faith is indeed questionable.  Your eternal destiny is questionable. 

James 2:26, in my view, unequivocally affirms that if a person does not do anything to help others, does not give anything, does not work in any kind of ministry for the benefit of others, that person’s faith is dead.  A person like this does not have genuine saving faith.  If your faith is real, such faith will naturally lead to service.  Note that after Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly affirms that salvation is a result of God’s grace and your faith, what does verse 10 say?  The saved in Christ are His workmanship, created for good works!  Good works are a natural extension of a sincere faith. 

What are good works?  Perhaps the best definition is found in the words of Jesus in John 15:4-5.  Good works bears fruit in others’ lives.  He also stated in Matthew 5:16 that good works will result in others glorifying God.  Jesus said in John 15:8 that bearing fruit glorifies God and proves that you are His disciple.

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a good illustration of faith without works is dead.  The priest and the Levite did not help the man who had been robbed.  Only the Samaritan did.  Jesus asked in Luke 10:38 who proved to be the good neighbor.  You prove your faith through doing good works for others. 

Is your faith alive or dead?  What proof do you have to show to God someday that your faith was alive while on this earth?  What “evidence” is there in your life that proves your salvation through faith?  What might the Spirit of God be whispering to you right now that you need to start doing to show Him that your faith is alive and well? 

“An old man was asked what had robbed him of joy in his life. His reply was, 'Things that never happened.” -- Dale Carnegie