“Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26)

“Faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26)

Today’s epistle lesson (James 2:14-26) is often widely misunderstood, especially by mainline Protestants over the last 150 years. Because of the “Born again/I’m saved/easy believeism” movement that began in the late nineteenth century, “Faith and Works” – which prior were likened to two lungs of a living being – became separated by a greater focus upon Faith. Hence the sayings, “We are justified by Faith, we are saved by Faith alone;” almost to the exclusion of obedience to God’s Law.

It is true that one cannot buy their way into heaven, say a specific number of prayers, or do “x” number of good deeds to receive salvation from God. Yet our works are a good indicator or barometer of one’s faith. 

If faith is supposed to transform people to reflect Christ, keep in mind that Christ did good works while He walked this earth. Thus, good works demonstrate the veracity of our faith and character in Whom we believe. Therefore, works are not the cause of salvation; works are the evidence of it.

Fr. John