James 2:26
James 2:26
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
God makes it abundantly clear through the New Testament that we are saved not by our deeds or works but by His grace, redeemed by His work on the cross through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). What's the purpose of works in Christianity if we're saved by God's grace, not our own works? Our works don't make us righteous before God or justify us, but they are the fruits that grow from obedience and transformation by the grace of God. While we can proclaim our faith in Jesus Christ and quote as many scriptures as we want, if we don't obey God and act according to His Word, we will not produce the fruit of the Spirit. We can never say, “I believe in Jesus, and I go to church, but I will never help those in need.” That kind of faith is dead. A dead body cannot be productive, nor can one's faith be useful if he or she does not carry out good works. As Christians, we are the product of God's workmanship. (Ephesians 2:10) We were saved by faith so that we could do good works for the glory of God. Let's reignite the fire of faith in us and strive to do the good works that God has called us to do!
Romans 5:2
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Psalms 40:1
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
Hebrews 3:14
For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.
1 Peter 1:6
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: