Does the Bible say works are important

Yes, it certainly does. But, perhaps not in the way that many people think. Many people think that they are saved by what they do. The Bible is very clear that salvation is not by our works, but rather by and through God's grace, and our faith in Jesus Christ.

But, what part, and what place do works have in our life, and in connection to our faith?

James chapter 2:14-26 really digs into this deeply, and clearly, and explains what God says about works, and their importance.

For example......James asks, "what does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? That's the question. What does that that profit the person saying that they have faith, but they have no works. And, then, James asks, can "faith save him?" Meaning, will a person who says they have faith, but they have no works, are they saved?

So, one thing we know for sure, that a profession of faith without any works attached to that profession, is not profitable. That's the point that James makes as he goes on in chapter 2.

Another way of saying it, or understanding the place of works according to the Bibles's teaching, is that saving faith is a working faith. Or to put it another way, "the faith that saves a man, is not alone. It has works with it".

It might sound like it's all semantic's, but it's not. For James says that even the demons believe, and they tremble. We know that they remain demons, that they are not saved as it were. So, there is a faith, as James is describing that is not going to be of any profit to a person.

And, there is a faith which of course does profit. And, that is the faith that is demonstrated by works.

To sum it all up. Many people falsely believe that their works can save them. And, people can also falsely believe that they can say they are saved, but have no works, but are not profited by that workless profession.

The true understanding, the true balance, the real salvation is one that's faith is shown by it's works.

Lord, You are the greatest worker for our salvation. You actually have worked to save us by sending Jesus. He said, "it is finished" He completed the work of dying on the cross for our sins. Thank You for the faith You have given to us. We love You.

Pastor Bob Grenier

Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promises.

1. God gives every man a measure a faith.

2. He has given you a measure of faith.

3. God is so generous.

4. Faith can be seen in action.

5. Profession without works is dead.

6. Faith with works, now that is saving faith.

7. Not works saving us, but faith shown by it's works.

8. It may sound like a trick, but it's not.

9. Abraham and Rahab are examples of faith shown by works.