How to bring faith and works together
Faith alone or faith and works?
The connection between “faith” and “works” is a topic that is repeatedly discussed between Christians. This debate probably peaked in the 15th and 16th centuries during the Reformation. However, the conclusion reached on this topic is of immense importance. First of all, we should look at how the Bible defines the two terms.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as follows:
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
So faith means to hope. A hope for something that can neither be seen nor absolutely proven. So how do works come into play now?
When people talk about salvation, in relation to good works they often mean something that a person does to earn their salvation. E.g. “I was an exemplary Christian, did a lot of good for people and have now earned my way to heaven. Why should God send me to hell?” Or: “Well, God will certainly give me credit for my good works compared to others who haven't done them.” So in the end, good works are nothing more than doing something good for other people, as well as something where you look at your own achievements.
The biblical passage around which this debate often revolves is found in James 2:24:
“You see then that a man is justified by works, not by faith alone.”
Pretty clear, right? Debate over. Well, not quite. In Galatians 2:16 we find the counterpart:
“But knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, we also have come to faith in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law; for by works of the law no man is justified.”
At first glance, these verses seem to contradict each other completely. And it is precisely because these verses are often only read superficially that this debate arises again and again. If we now bring these verses together in the overall context of the Bible, then it cannot be that these two verses contradict each other. (The Bible interprets itself). So there must be a connection between the fact that faith alone saves on the one hand, and that works nevertheless play a role on the other.
Just as you can look at a coin from two sides, we should look at both faith and works as a whole and not tear them to pieces. James does not contradict Paul, but emphasizes in his letter the importance of works in relation to faith. First of all, God's grace comes into play through faith, something that we do not do but that God gives us. Then, out of this faith, good works are produced - or as the Bible also calls them: the good fruits or the fruits of the Spirit, which arise from faith and the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Not in order to be saved, but because we are saved. True faith changes every person.
Faith and works belong together and must not be considered separately. Those who do this anyway cannot really avoid difficult passages in the Bible and put their faith in themselves instead of in God.
Awesome post.
“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” (James 2:26, KJV)
This verse is part of a larger passage (James 2:14-26) where James emphasizes that genuine faith is demonstrated through actions. He argues that faith is not merely intellectual belief but is made alive and complete by good works.
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17, ESV)
The Bible serves as a guide, directing me to the living Word, the Logos. When I hear His voice, believe what He speaks, and act on what I have heard, my faith is made alive through works. This union of faith and action leads me to righteousness—not through legalistic effort, but through obedience to the living Word. It is in this dynamic relationship, guided by the Logos, that I walk in alignment with God’s will and grow in holiness.