What Good Is Faith Without Works?

 Karl Broberg, Blogger/Bible teacher (10+ yrs), researcher, life coach

Answered 3h ago

The Reformers taught that we are saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone. If it is not accompanied by works it is dead faith—which cannot save (cf. James 2:26). Even the demons believe and tremble (cf. James 2:19). Faith must produce fruit and have the natural byproduct of good works or deeds. We are to be known by our fruits (cf. Matt. 7:16). We are not saved by works, but neither without them. Works validate and authenticate our faith and prove it is saving faith. No fruit means no faith!

God has redeemed Himself a people “zealous of good works” (cf. Titus 2:14). James 2;18 says that James would show you his faith by his works! Anyone can say he has faith but will they use it to glorify God? For example, by faith, Abraham obeyed God and went out (cf. Heb. 11:8). There is no such thing as being a disobedient disciple because we are called to obey Christ by faith, as Jesus said that if we love Him, we will obey His commands (cf. John 15:10). How can you call Him Lord, and not obey? “All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” (cf. Acts 2:21). “No man can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit,” (cf. 1 Cor. 12:3).

The whole point of salvation is a changed life and becoming a new creature per 2 Cor. 5:17 (doing works fit for repentance, cf. Matt. 3:8; Luke 3:8; Acts 26:20). The idea of “no-lordship salvation” or easy-believism has been around for decades and Dietrich Bonhoeffer called it “cheap grace.”

There are only three ways one tries to get saved:

1. Works alone equals salvation (religion)
2. Works plus faith equals salvation (legalism)
3. Faith equals salvation that’s not producing works (Antinomianism or libertinism)
4. Faith equals salvation resulting in works. (correct).

NB: Antinomians are usually believers in “no-lordship” salvation or that you need not accept Christians the record of your life to be saved which would entail obedience. In other words, works need not result from salvation. It is works of the flesh that don’t please God. Our works must be wrought in God through the Spirit (cf. Hosea 14:8; Isaiah 26:12; Amos 6:13; Romans 15:18). In the final analysis, obedience is the test of faith and is linked in Heb. 3:18–19.  Soli Deo Gloria!