The Meaning of Faith (Part 3): The Saving Power of Works

Quick Overview

In part three, the relationship between faith and works is clarified. Salvation comes by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8‑9), yet genuine faith produces visible obedience. Drawing on James 2, this article insists that “faith without works is dead”; just as a tree is known by its fruit, believers prove their faith through actions. Christians are described as Christ’s ambassadors whose conduct can draw others to salvation. Good works do not save, but they demonstrate the living faith that honours Christ and influences the world.

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For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— not from works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8–9

We know this truth to be the cornerstone of our salvation in Christ. A statement widely attributed to 18th-century theologian Jonathan Edwards is that “you contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” No one can boast and say that their deeds have put them right with God. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” [Rom 3:23–24]. So, since our actions do not contribute to our salvation, why did Jesus and his apostles leave us with commandments, and was Paul so concerned with the conduct of believers in his letters? The simple answer is this: “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come” [2 Cor 5:17]. Once we understand that sin is bondage, we will understand that true freedom is found in God’s righteousness. Sin separates a person from God because sin is everything God is not. The enemy relentlessly works to weaken your disobedience toward God, trying to tell you that your actions do not matter. It is the oldest trick in the book [Gen 3]. To come before Him, we ought to be holy, for He is holy [Lev 11:44-45]. Because we cannot achieve a pure and holy conduct due to our sinful nature, He sent His only Son to live a perfect life for us and die as the payment for our sins. Three days later, He broke the bondage of death. By this alone we are saved.

A Reflection of our Faith

But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22

In his letter, James is determined to clarify the importance of someone’s work in relation to their faith. He goes so far as to ask the question, “what good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can his faith save him?” (Jas 2:14). In his last question, the negation style used in the Greek here clearly indicates James is implying that the answer to this question is “No.” We have learned that Abraham was justified by faith. However, James makes the following point: “wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?…You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone” [Jas 2:21–24]. So, if we believe Christ has died for our sins, but show bad conduct, will we still lose the salvation that was not even acquired by our conduct in the first place?

A statement made by Jesus that is worth considering here is “if you love Me, you will keep My commands” [John 14:15]. In other words, if you believe in me in the way you say you do, this will be displayed in your actions. As mentioned in part one of this study, if you truly trust your doctor, you will follow their advice; if you claim to trust your spouse’s driving abilities but refuse to get into the car with them, they are right to question the validity of your claim. Your actions are a reflection of your faith. We can say that our claim of faith saves us, but in the words of James: “You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe—and they shudder. Foolish man! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?” [Jas 2:19–20] Demons will bow to the Name of Jesus. In fact, all creation will bow and confess that Christ is Lord (e.g. Phil 2:9–11). This has nothing to do with our attitude towards Christ, but with who He is. The question is: Is your reverence for Him visible in your actions? “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead” [Jas 2:26]. We shouldn’t wonder if we either need faith or works. A body without a spirit is useless, and no one can see a spirit without a body. One cannot be without the other.

For each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs aren’t gathered from thornbushes, or grapes picked from a bramble bush. - Luke 6:44

Christ’s Ambassadors

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, "Be reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20

This does not mean that the moment we accept Christ, we turn into a perfect human being. Rather, we will start to consider what He has called us to be. This brings us to the next layer of this idea. When Paul is giving Timothy instructions for ministry, he tells him this: “Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers” [1 Tim 4:16]. Paul points out to Timothy that not just his sermons will save others, but also his conduct. We are ambassadors for Christ. This leads us back to our anointing: When God gave us His Holy Spirit, we were called to walk this earth on His behalf. Everywhere we go, we carry the Name of Christ with us. In everything we do, we should realize that we represent God. Blessings and favor are for us to receive from God, but an anointing is not for you; it is for those around you. This means we look after orphans and widows [Jas 1:27], the poor (Deut 15:11), and forgive, just as He has forgiven us [Eph 4:32]. We present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God [Rom 12:1]. Becoming a brand ambassador means that an athlete’s actions carry more weight. They influence not just his own status, but the story the brand is telling. What we do and teach affects how people look at God’s kingdom. This is why God has called us according to His purpose [2 Tim 1:9], and that is to represent His goodness, because it is His goodness that leads to repentance [Rom 2:4]. So, no, your works may not save you, but they might save someone else.

In what aspect of your life would you like to serve God better?

• My speech (James 1:26)
• The way I serve others (Luke 6:35)
• My prayer life (Romans 12:12)
• My Bible reading habits (Psalm 119:11)

Bible translation: The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009).