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Faith and Works

JamesFaithPractice

Faith that works

James 2 tackles a vital question: can faith that produces nothing really save? James says genuine faith is always shown by what it does — “faith without works is dead.”

The argument

  • What does it profit if a man says he has faith but has no works? (2:14)

  • Faith without works is dead (2:17)

  • Faith was made perfect by works — Abraham's example (2:22)

  • As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also (2:26)

Application

This is not faith versus works, but living faith that naturally bears fruit. Where can your faith become visible in action this week?

Reflection

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” — James 2:26

Key verses (4)

James 2:14

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

Faith without works?

James 2:17

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Faith without works is dead

James 2:22

Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

Faith made perfect by works

James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Body without spirit