We hear a lot about faith as one travels around the Christian community. Almost everyone that you talk to sees faith as part of the Christian’s life. However when you put it with works you find division and insensitiveness. So what does the Bible say about the subject of Faith Without Works?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good!
Even the demons believe that--and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God’s friend.
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
So that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him."
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. [4] Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ’Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ’Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.
"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. Luke 7:50 Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." Then he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. We live by faith, not by sight.
If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."
For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war."
Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful."
" ’If you can’?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes."
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Step out today; show God your faith by putting action to it. Let your works shine forth, come to the altar of God.
Today is the day, don’t put it off any longer, let your words become works. Come to the altar of God and your faith will have works.
Passages used:
James 2:17-26; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:33-34; Romans 5:1; Romans 5:2; Romans 12:3; Galatians 3:26; Ephes. 2:8; Hebrews 4:16; 1 Cor. 2:5; Ephes. 3:12; Hebrews 10:23; Hebrews 10:38; Hebrews 11:3; Ephes. 6:16; Ephes. 6:13; 1 Tim. 6:12; Ephes. 3:17; 1 Peter 5:7; 1 John 5:4; James 1:3-4; Matthew 17:20; Matthew 21:21; Mark 11:22; Luke 7:50; Luke 8:48; Mark 11:24; Luke 12:28; Jude 1:20; 2 Cor. 5:7; Matthew 21:22; 2 Chron. 16:9; 2 Chron. 20:20; Mark 9:23; Mark 16:17-18; James 2:17;
