Faith shows by our works, but our works do not save us. It’s important to know the difference between faith and works and how each one plays a role in following Jesus.
As written in James 2, what good is it if we have Faith but no works (v14)? Faith, if there are no works, is dead (v17). Growing up, I understood this passage to mean I’m not saved if I don’t perform works. I also believed the performance of these works is up to me. I did my best to perform what I thought to be right. But I couldn’t. I believed. I craved the Bible. Deep in my heart I desired change, but I couldn’t do the works. The more I messed up, the more I doubted my salvation.
But it’s not up to me to perform the works James speaks of, and performing good works does not make me good with God. So, how do faith and works go together and what role do they play in Salvation?
What is Faith vs Works?
What’s the difference between faith and works? Faith, as described in Hebrews 11, is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (v1). It isn’t my works that save me, it’s being sure of who I believe. So then, why are works important? Works are the evidence of our faith. Salvation is not based on works, but is based on faith. When we put our faith in Jesus, He saves us–no matter what we do or don’t do.
Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, while works are the evidence of that faith. Faith is believing in God. Works are our lifestyle that shows that faith.
There are many misconceptions about faith and works. Some people believe that faith is all you need, while others believe good deeds are necessary for salvation. What’s the truth? Are faith and works two separate things, or do they work together?
Faith Without Works
Faith without works means we believe in Jesus, but there is no evidence of this belief in our lives. James refers to this type of faith as “dead faith” because it lacks the fruit of good works. James says in chapter 2 that faith without works is “dead” (v17).
So, what does faith with works look like? Faith with works is a living faith that produces good deeds. When we have faith in Jesus, it will show by the works in our life. Good works are the natural result of faith, not something we do to earn salvation. As we grow in our faith, our good works will increase as well.
But these works don’t show up in our lives as genuine evidence of our faith by our own doing. We cannot perform these works ourselves. If we could, we would not need Jesus. The Holy Spirit does these works through us as we walk in obedience to the principles God has defined for us in His word.
Justified by Faith or Works?
Faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross saves us. Our good works result from that faith, not something we do to earn salvation. We are justified by faith, not works. But if our faith is genuine, then our lives will show the way we live. The moment we put our faith in Christ, He works in us and through us. As we grow in our faith, our good works will increase as well. But remember, this is not our works, but the work of the Holy Spirit. All we must do is learn who God is, what God wants, and surrender to His will in obedience to Him.
Last Words About Faith vs Works
Is faith or work more important? The answer is both. Faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, while works are the evidence of that faith. Just as a tree cannot produce fruit without a strong root system, we cannot produce good deeds without a strong faith.
The bottom line is that faith and works are both important, but faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. Our good works result from our faith, not something we do to earn salvation.
Common Questions About Faith vs Works
How can I have faith?
The best way to have faith is to put your trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. When you do this, He works in you and through you. As you grow in your faith, your good works will increase as well.
How do I know if my faith is genuine?
The works in our lives are not because of what we do, but because of what God does through us. If works of the Holy Spirit are not showing in our lives, we either have not put our trust in Jesus, or we are not growing in our faith by learning who God is, what He wants, and surrendering to His will. Our lifestyle will show if our faith in God is real.
Who believes that we achieve salvation through faith alone?
The answer to this question is not clear-cut, as there are different interpretations of what it means to be justified by faith. However, I believe that faith in Jesus and His finished work on the cross saves us. Our good works result from that faith, not something we do to earn salvation. As we grow in our faith, our good works will increase as well.
How does faith work in your life?
When we put our faith in Jesus, He works in us and through us. As we grow in our faith, our good works will increase as well. Our faith is the foundation of our relationship with God, while our good works are the evidence of that faith. Good works are the natural result of faith, not something we do to earn salvation.
How can I have faith?
The best way to have faith is to put your trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. When you do this, He works in you and through you. As you grow in your faith, your good works will increase as well.
What is the meaning of faith?
The meaning of faith is trust or confidence in someone or something. Here, we are putting our trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. When we do this, He works in us and through us. As we grow in our faith, our good works will increase as well.
Where does faith in God come from?
Faith in God comes from hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17), which is the message that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead. When we hear this good news and put our faith in Jesus Christ, He works in us and through us. As we grow in our faith, our good works will increase as well.
What is faith in God?
Faith is trusting God even when we cannot see Him. As described in the Bible, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, ESV).
What is faith?
The best way to have faith is to put your trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. When you do this, He works in you and through you. As you grow in your faith, your good works will increase as well.
How can I develop faith?
The best way to develop faith is to put your trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. When you do this, He works in you and through you. As you grow in your faith, your good works will increase as well.
