Can you have faith without works?

That' seems to be a question or statement being made among James readers. In other words, in an attempt to justify what James calls dead faith, ( a mere expression of faith, without works ) some were indeed trying to separate the two. Making up their own ideas about faith and works.

Here's an example of it....

James 2:18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

According to the Word of God, faith and works cannot be separated. James was reinforcing this fact in his letter, in the chapter 2:12-26

Does just saying you believe save you? That's what James was trying to address. There were among his readers, people who were declaring, "I have faith, and therefore I'm saved" But, in reality, that's all they had, they had a verbal profession of faith, without any practical works in their lives to show their faith.

James called this "dead faith" He gave an example and asked the question, "if you were to say to a poor, hungry and naked man, be warmed, be filled, be blessed etc, but, you did not give him, food, or clothing" would your just saying those things to this man, really make a difference in his life? Of course not, and thus James says, faith by itself, talk without walk if you will is dead also.

He also says that just like the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead.

James then goes on to give two examples of faith that is not dead, the kind of faith that is profitable, and has works associated with it. Using Abraham and Rahab as examples. In Abraham's case, he demonstrated his faith, in the face of great personal sacrifice, he was giving up his son at God's direction.

Rahab, demonstrated her faith by showing great personal courage as she hid God's spies from God's enemies. She took action, and then made a verbal statement to those enemies, to throw them off of their search for the spies. Her involvement here, helped save the lives of God's spies. ( She took her life into her hands, she put herself in great danger )

In each of these examples, both Abraham, and Rahab did more then just say they believed. They acted upon their belief.

That is real genuine faith. It's accompanied by works. It's not dead faith. But, Biblical faith.

Can we pray together? Lord Jesus, thank You for demonstrating Your love to us by dying for us when we were yet sinners. You have shown by example what it's truly like to be Godly, and we are to follow Your example. Bless us with wisdom, and give us the power of Your Spirit to follow You right on into heaven itself.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises

1. You have a measure of faith from God.

2. You can see your faith grow.

3. Faith grows by and from the Word of God.

4. Faith is not perfect in it's day to day expression.

5. Faith while not perfect is evident in our lives.

6. Good works are part of God's will for your life.

7. It's another way of saying, I follow Jesus.

8. Our lives and actions tell if we have faith.