“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17)

Please take a moment and read this week’s entire passage!

In the second chapter of his book (written ~44-47AD to new Christians), James addresses a dichotomy we still discuss almost 2,000 years later. James quotes a common saying: “But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds’” (2:18a). Have you heard variations on this same theme today? Perhaps you’ve felt your own faith is strong, with no need to prove it with works. Maybe you know someone who strives to win God’s favor with her good deeds.

For James, these aren’t two separate but equal paths to saving faith. James could not be clearer: “what good is it if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?...Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead……A person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone” (2:14, 17, 24).

But we also need to be clear on this: faith alone does save. We know this from scripture: “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved… it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…not by works” (Acts, 2:21, Eph. 2:8-9). Trusting in Jesus alone saves us. We don’t work for it; it is a “gift from God” (Eph. 2:8). 

So, is it possible to have saving faith that never shows itself in action? James suggests this is only an intellectual faith. “You believe there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that” (2:19). Belief in one God was fundamental to Judaism, but if that belief didn’t produce good deeds, James maintains, it was no better than the devils’ monotheism. Without evidence of a changed life, what good is that faith? “I will show you my faith by what I do” (2:18b, emphasis added). James is fully aware most Jews gloried in their obedience to the Law, resulting in smug self-righteousness, not in good works. Such a lifestyle was designed to earn salvation. We are not saved by works, but we have been saved to do good works.

James continues his drum beat. Saving faith - trust in Jesus alone - evidences itself in good works. For example, if we see “orphans and widows in distress” or neighbors “without clothes or food” and do nothing more than feel empathy or offer up a kind word, James pointedly asks, “what good is that” (2:15-16)? A dynamic faith cannot be separate from action. He tells us “faith is made complete by what [we do]...we are justified by what [we do] and not by faith alone” (2:22,24). 

Let’s be honest, good works which evidence our love for Jesus may be difficult at times. It’s not natural for us to reach out tangibly to everyone in distress around us. Yes, James encourages us to integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives, but doing so is challenging. And I think James would remind us this endeavor isn’t saving us; instead, he’s encouraging us to work out our faith in “real life and in real time” (Pastor Alex). 

Good deeds can exist without faith, but faith cannot exist without good works.

“A faith that does no good, especially to those who are in need, is a faith that is no good” (Pastor Jaime). That statement should challenge each one of us as Jesus-followers. What are some specific ways you’re integrating your faith into how you live each day?