Faith without works is dead! This truth is of utmost importance, emphasized through repetition, underscoring the necessity of both faith and works in the life of a true Christian. While grace and faith are the means of salvation, as they are gifts from God and not earned by our efforts, works are not to be dismissed. God has prepared good works for His people to walk in, as they are a fundamental purpose of the Christian life. Without them, one cannot truly be a Christian. There is no contradiction in the call for both faith and works. Faith alone, without works, is barren, unproductive, and ineffective, like a land that receives sunshine but lacks rain, unable to yield anything profitable. Both active faith and active works are required to produce godly, spiritual life. Works toward God involve doing His will and obeying His laws, while works toward neighbors mean serving and doing good for them. Such works foster the growth of godly character and exemplify true Christian living. Faith without works is dead, but faith with works brings life—eternal life!

The church of God emphasizes that faith does not replace the need for good works. Works do not save us, but they are required as evidence of our faith. The issue is not works or faith, but works and faith, since faith without works is dead. If faith without works is useless, then faith accompanied by works must have a purpose. We must not believe that works ceased with Christ's death and resurrection, or that He keeps the law for us through the Holy Spirit. Instead, we are called to be coworkers with Christ in our salvation, as we are created in Him for good works which God prepared for us to walk in. It is a tragic error to think that no works are needed in our salvation. Jesus Himself taught that to enter into life, we must keep the commandments, showing that works are expected if we are to live forever with God. The purpose of God's grace and reconciliation is to lead us to stop transgressing His law, to cease bad works, and to begin doing good works, practicing godly love. He pleads with us to keep His commandments if we love Him, underscoring that living for righteousness means living by God's law. Receiving the Holy Spirit through faith does not exempt us from this responsibility, as the Spirit inspires us to keep His law flawlessly. God's goal is for us to cooperate with Him in our salvation, actively working out our salvation with fear and trembling, while He works in us to will and to do His good pleasure.

God expects perfection, but not instantly. We are to become perfect in keeping His law step by step, just as our heavenly Father is. Our attitude can be perfect today by seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, giving top priority to repentance and belief in the gospel. There is no boasting for those perfecting their attitude by working to keep God's law through the faith of Christ. Though we may stumble, God values our heartfelt effort and attitude more than our actual success in self-discipline, knowing perfection will come if our motivation remains right. We are saved by God's grace through faith, but it is a faith that desires to keep His law, a commandment-keeping faith like Jesus had. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Some argue that faith replaces the need to keep God's law, citing verses that seem to support this view. However, balancing statements affirm that the doers of the law will be justified, and the law is holy, just, and good. Paul emphasizes that faith does not void the law but establishes it. He contrasts the spiritual, eternal Ten Commandment law of faith with temporary ritualistic laws that required no faith and could not perfect the conscience. Keeping God's spiritual law produces attitudes and behaviors that please Him, and through it, we work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Examples like Abraham and Rahab show that faith and works together justify a person. Abraham's faith was made perfect by his works when he offered Isaac, and Rahab was justified by her actions. The doers of the eternal, spiritual law will be justified. For those who believe God and work at keeping His law, boasting is excluded because of frequent stumbles. Yet, if we walk in the law-abiding steps of faith like Abraham, God reckons our faith as righteousness. As long as this faith works to keep the Ten Commandments with wholehearted commitment, God continues to impute righteousness to us, producing the same righteousness Jesus had. We honor God by honoring His way of life and law, striving as coworkers with Christ in attitude and works of faith to ensure our place in His Family.

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith; test yourselves, as instructed in II Corinthians 13:5. God measures faith by obedience, as seen in Abraham, the Father of the Faithful. In Genesis 22:12, God acknowledges Abraham's fear of Him because he did not withhold his only son, proving his faith through obedience. Genesis 22:18 further confirms that blessings followed because Abraham obeyed God's voice. Thus, the depth of our faith is known by the level of our obedience, not by feelings or words. The connection between faith and obedience is evident in the Greek word for believe, pisteuo, used in I Peter 2:7, where belief is contrasted with disobedience. This implies that true belief leads to obedience, while disbelief results in disobedience. James 2:22 reinforces this by stating that faith works together with actions, and by works, faith is made perfect. Faith without obedience is incomplete, aligning with the idea that believers are obedient and disbelievers are disobedient. The Greek word apeitheo, meaning to disbelieve and implying disobedience, shows that disbelief and disobedience are interchangeable in various scriptures. This connection is clear in translations across Romans and Hebrews, where the terms are used synonymously. Together, Peter, Paul, and James demonstrate that true faith and obedience are inseparable; one cannot exist without the other. Scripture reveals that while obedience itself does not save, it is the evidence of the right kind of belief that does save. When we read "believe" in the New Testament, it should be understood as "believe and obey." John 3:16, for instance, promises everlasting life not just to those who hear and believe, but to the doers who also obey. William Barclay's translation of James 2:20-26 summarizes this by showing that Abraham's faith was completed by his actions, and Rahab was reckoned good due to her actions. Just as a body without breath is dead, faith without actions is dead. Therefore, our level of obedience serves as the test that measures the state of our faith before God.

Faith toward God is a fundamental doctrine that Christians must not only grasp at conversion but also develop toward spiritual maturity. Many profess faith in God yet do not truly know Him, as their worship is vain and based on human doctrines rather than divine truth. True faith begins when God initiates a calling, for man cannot find Him on their own. This faith comes by hearing the Word of God through a preacher sent by Him, and it must be verified by searching the Scriptures to ensure the message aligns with truth. Expressing faith toward God requires obedience and keeping His law, for without these, faith is dead and worthless. Examples of this living faith are seen in those who believed God's words through true ministers, obeyed His doctrines, and walked daily in the footsteps of the apostles and Jesus Christ. However, faith toward God is not a static achievement; it must grow from a tender trust into full-blown conviction. Christ questions whether even the elect will possess the kind of faith He requires, emphasizing the need to expand from faithfulness in small matters to absolute trust in submitting to Him without wavering. Paul urges believers to recall their initial faith and early trials as reminders that God fulfills His promises, encouraging them not to draw back but to live by faith. Mature faith, as exemplified by the faithful in Hebrews 11, is unwavering and persists even when everything is at stake. This living faith, which pleases Him, is essential for salvation and enables the righteous to inherit the Kingdom of God.

The recent emphasis on faith underscores our need to strengthen it, as Jesus' disciples requested in Luke 17:5. Jesus teaches that the key to increased faith lies in working with a specific attitude, as illustrated in Luke 17:7-10. He instructs us to strive to be as profitable as the servant described, performing our duties without expecting recognition, and to humbly acknowledge that we are unprofitable servants who have only done what was our duty. Humanly, we might feel entitled to praise for going beyond expectations, but in our relationship with God, the concept of "above and beyond" does not apply, for we can never do enough to place God in our debt. Scriptures remind us that we owe God everything, as He has redeemed us through the precious blood of His Son, and we are commanded not to grow weary in doing good to all. Jesus also taught that seeking honor from men hinders faith in God, as seen in His words to the religious Jews in John 5:41 and 44. Their faith was blocked because they sought approval from one another rather than the honor that comes from God alone. In both tithes and offerings, as noted in Malachi 3:8, we are reminded that failing to give is akin to robbing God, and no good deed we perform can be considered beyond our duty, for we are commanded to do whatever is in our power. Taking credit for good works leaves no basis for faith in God, as it shifts trust to ourselves. True faith is measured by good works, not signs or miracles, and true humility, giving all glory to God, will increase our faith. We must avoid the error of seeking recognition for ourselves and instead honor others for their growth and works, so that we may all grow together in faith.

There are two kinds of faith: a living faith and a dead faith. A dead faith, blindly trusted by many today, will never save a soul. As James 2:20 states, faith without works is dead. Abraham, our father, was justified by works when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar, showing how faith wrought with his works, and by works, faith was made perfect. Thus, by works a man is justified, and not by faith only (James 2:21-24). We are not saved by works instead of faith; rather, we are saved by faith, but faith wrought with our works, and by works, our faith is made perfect. This is living faith. Sin, defined as the transgression of the law (I John 3:4), brings the penalty of death. Though some claim we are under grace and not under the law, Paul declares, "God forbid" that we should sin because we are under grace (Romans 6:15). The law holds power over the sinner, claiming their life, but when a sinner repents and accepts Christ's sacrifice as payment for the penalty, they are pardoned under grace. Only those who, through repentance, obedience, and faith, turn from disobedience and keep the law are truly under grace. The law serves as God's spiritual mirror, revealing sin but not cleansing it—only the blood of Christ can do that. By the law comes the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20). James explains that we must be doers of the word, not hearers only, for a hearer who does not act is like a man who looks in a mirror, sees his face, and forgets what he saw. But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, being a doer of the work, shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:22-25). Some argue that no man can keep the commandments, claiming faith voids the law. Yet Scripture answers, "God forbid: yea, we establish the law" through faith (Romans 3:31). Jesus Himself taught that to enter into life, one must keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17). Though with men this is impossible, with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:25-26). It takes faith in the power of God, coupled with diligent effort, to make perfect obedience. A living faith, the only kind that saves, is an active faith that trusts God to make it possible to obey Him and keep His commandments. God's law is perfect, spiritual, holy, just, and good, standing fast forever (Psalm 19:7; Romans 7:12, 7:14; Psalm 111:7-8). It is a law of love, given to make man happy, and it requires the love of God, shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, to fulfill it (Romans 5:5). Through faith and the gift of God's Holy Spirit, it is possible to keep His commandments. The true commandment-keeper must trust God to make obedience possible, establishing the law through faith. An example of living faith is seen in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to worship a golden image despite the threat of a fiery furnace. Trusting in God, they declared that He was able to deliver them (Daniel 3:16-18). Though cast into the furnace, God protected them, and they emerged unharmed, demonstrating that with God, it is possible to keep His commandments (Daniel 3:25-28). A dead faith, merely believing in the facts of Christ's existence and sacrifice without obedience to God's laws, is in vain. Christ warned that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father (Matthew 7:21). He also declared that worship is in vain when it lays aside God's commandments for the traditions of men (Mark 7:7-8). God's purpose in salvation is to rescue men from sin and its consequences. To repent of sin is the first step, then the blood of Christ cleanses past sins upon acceptance and faith, and by faith, we are kept from sin in the future. Though we are justified by the blood of Christ and not by the law, only the doers of the law shall be justified (Romans 2:13).

Spiritual dualism has distorted the biblical truths of justification and sanctification, promoting the notion that mere belief in Jesus Christ and acceptance of His grace are sufficient for salvation, rendering physical actions inconsequential. This view narrows the comprehensive process of salvation to justification alone, suggesting that as long as the mind or spirit is holy, a corrupt body bears no real significance. Such a perspective perverts the doctrine of justification by faith and implies imperfection in God's creation by assuming inherent corruption in the flesh. In contrast, Jesus Christ emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's way of life, declaring in Luke 9:59, 62, "Follow Me. . . . No one, having put his hand to the plow commits to God's way of life, and looking back to the life left behind, is fit for the kingdom of God." He further asserts in Luke 14:25-33 that whoever does not forsake all cannot be His disciple, highlighting that good works are indeed necessary. Modern science supports this by revealing that physical actions influence the brain, altering thought and capability, which in turn affect the quality of actions. This connection between thought and action is evident in the biblical concept of character growth, where actions shape experiences, experiences orient perception, and perception influences future actions. Thus, good works are essential to a Christian's life, as they foster growth in character. Justification, however, can only be through faith, since man, born physical and without God's Spirit, cannot alter his perception of God's truth by works alone. When one is justified by faith and receives God's Spirit, his perception is transformed by God. Spiritual dualism wrongly views justification, grace, and the Holy Spirit as sufficient in themselves, dismissing the need for good works. Yet, God's way of life demands a circumspect walk, where good works—such as sacrificing for others, daily Bible study, meditation, prayer, and encouraging others—contribute to attaining the unity of faith and the fullness of Christ with God's help through His Spirit.

God requires us to be ready to perform self-sacrificial acts both toward Him and toward other people, as we are called to be living sacrifices throughout our Christian lives. Yet, human nature is self-centered, often driven by the instinct for self-preservation and comfort, making sacrifice a rare and difficult act. We naturally react carnally rather than with godly love for others, looking out for ourselves in both dire and mundane situations. This reluctance to sacrifice is evident in our refusal to change harmful lifestyles or give up personal desires, even when it would benefit us or others. The Bible provides examples of self-sacrifice, with Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah standing as a profound demonstration of faith. His actions elevate him to the status of father of the faithful, showing how faith must be accompanied by works. Abraham's righteousness was initially credited to him through belief in God's promise of a son, a faith that was imputed as righteousness without works at the start. However, over the years, his faith was made manifest through his works, culminating in the near-sacrifice of Isaac, which proved his spiritual conviction. James emphasizes that faith without works is dead, asserting that Abraham's actions on Mount Moriah fulfilled the righteousness credited to him earlier. Works do not justify in the initial sense but show the growth in righteous character over time, aligning with God's standard. Faith and works are two sides of the same coin; one starts the process, and the other completes it, demonstrating to God that the faith is real. Abraham's journey from profession of faith to performing significant works took decades, illustrating that God gives us time to grow and produce the fruit of faith through our actions. Abraham's faith remained strong even during long periods of peace and prosperity in Beersheba, where he could have become complacent. He never wavered, always looking forward to the city with foundations, the Kingdom of God, rather than settling for temporary comforts. His steady yearning and pressing toward God's Kingdom, even in ease, ensured that his faith was active and prepared for the ultimate test of sacrifice.

Works are essential in fulfilling God's creative purposes and enhancing our spiritual well-being. While they do not earn salvation, they play numerous roles in our calling. God expects us to engage in many works as He creates practical holiness within us. It is a biblical principle that whatever God requires, He provides the means to accomplish it, enabling us to draw from His inexhaustible well and be renewed daily in the spirit of our minds. A holy person strives to shun every known sin and keep every commandment, whether in physical action or spirit, driven by an enthusiastic desire to perform God's will and a greater fear of displeasing Him than the world. This individual labors to have Christ's mind, deeply desiring to be conformed to His image, bearing with others, forgiving them, and endeavoring to be unselfish, just as Christ sacrificed Himself for our sakes. The holy person humbles himself, walks in love, serves others, and remains meek and patient amidst undeserved insults, while being bold in denouncing sin and compassionate toward the weak. Furthermore, the holy person separates from worldly influences, remains instant in prayer, and shapes his life to walk in the footsteps of His Savior. He exercises self-control and self-denial, putting to death fleshly desires, pursuing love and brotherly kindness, and observing the Golden Rule in associations with others. He abhors lying, slandering, backbiting, cheating, and dishonesty, striving to adorn his attitude and approach with beauty, doing good rather than merely avoiding harm, and relieving the misery of others. The holy person pursues purity, dreading all filthiness of spirit and avoiding temptations, while abiding in a deep respect for God, wishing to live always before Him as a loving Father whom he desires to please. As a child of the faithful God, he strives for faithfulness in all duties and relationships, aiming to do everything well, whether in private or public roles, driven by higher motivations and the help provided through his relationship with God.

The Bible clearly states that Christians are required to do good works. While justification, which acquits us and aligns us with God's legal standard for access to Him, cannot be earned by any works of a sinful person, it is a gift given through the perfect works of Jesus Christ. Our gracious Creator freely accounts Christ's righteousness to those who believe and repent. However, works are still necessary as evidence of belief and repentance, even though they do not justify us before God. No change of conduct or attitude can erase the stain of past sins; only the blood of Jesus Christ provides forgiveness and entrance into God's presence. Sanctification, a distinct process from justification, involves intense work over the course of a Christian's life. It is the inward spiritual work that Jesus Christ performs in us, laboring to separate us from our natural love of sin and the world, instilling a new principle of life to make us holy in our actions and reactions. Sanctification requires works of submission and cooperation with Almighty God to bring His purpose for us to completion. Without holiness, achieved through these works, no one will see the Lord, as it prepares us for living in God's Kingdom. God requires works not only as evidence of conversion but also because they please Him, even though they do not justify us. The works of sanctification are the only sure sign that one has been called of God and impregnated by His Spirit. Where the fruit of these labors is absent, the Spirit of God is not present, indicating spiritual death. As a faith that does not work is dead, sanctification is necessary as a witness to the Christian's character before the judgment seat of Christ. God will judge according to works, and without them, there will be no evidence of preparation for His Kingdom, proving that one does not belong there. The practical application of works in a Christian's life includes daily efforts to live in a manner worthy of the high calling, maintaining unity, speaking truth, controlling temper, being honest, and edifying others. These works, enabled by the indwelling Lord, are essential to glorify Him and grow in His image. Additionally, constant use of prayer and Bible study is vital, as without a relationship with the Father and the Son, one cannot achieve the required works to progress in sanctification. Neglecting these efforts risks being cast into outer darkness, as they are the means by which God empowers us to fulfill His ordained purpose.

As believers, we overcome the world through our faith, a conviction that Jesus is the Son of God. This faith, born from our new birth by God, equips us with a new disposition and outlook, enabling us to resist the influences of an evil world. We are begotten of God, and through our relationship with the Father via Jesus Christ, our Advocate and Mediator, we defeat worldly pressures. This victory is both a completed state and a continuous process, as we have already overcome and are still overcoming. Our faith operates in two dimensions. First, it enables us to overcome passively by directly relying on the power and ability of Jesus Christ. We go to Him, trusting in His strength for deliverance and protection, acknowledging our weakness and realizing His power. This simple act of reliance on God the Father and Jesus Christ builds the foundation for living by faith in the Son of God. Second, faith manifests actively through works. Faith without works is dead, and as we walk with God daily, living by every Word of God and imitating Jesus Christ, we work out our faith. This active faith involves thinking through, meditating on, and rightly acting on the knowledge God has given us. It is through this dynamic, living faith that we see the true nature of the world and overcome it, understanding the essence of the problem that dominates those without faith. God demands that we live by faith, for without it, we cannot please Him. This faith, a gift from God, comes through applying His way of life as described in His Word. We must believe what God says and trust Him, even when human reasoning and material distractions challenge our belief. Faith is spiritual, the evidence of things not seen, and must be demonstrated by action, not eroded by excessive questioning of how or why God works as He does. Ultimately, our faith in Christ and His faith in us make victory over the world possible. This intimate connection with Jesus Christ, established through our new birth from above, allows us to draw strength and power from His fullness. As we run to Christ in helplessness and work out our faith with Him, we produce righteous fruit with the power of His Spirit. Our works, aligned with this living faith, reflect our belief in Him and are the basis for our reward and responsibility in God's Kingdom. This is the victory that overcomes the world—our faith.

Faith and works are inseparable in demonstrating true loyalty to God. We can only show our love and faithfulness to Him by keeping His commandments, understanding that love is an action, not merely a feeling. Faithfulness means living continually by faith, completing a commanded act, even if it costs us something of value. It is a lifestyle of consistent dependability, proving itself over and over again as love that endures to the end. Human nature often inclines us to doubt, yet we must grow in faith by trusting God and following His instructions. As our faithfulness increases, we become more resolute in our belief in Him. Faith is a gift from God, given in the measure we need, and it never runs out unless we choose to quench it. However, faithfulness is our response to that faith, the action we take with it, and that responsibility lies with us. When something feels amiss in our walk with God, it is not a lack of faith but a lack of faithfulness that we must address. The tangible measure of our faith is our faithfulness, trust, and loyalty to Almighty God. Without obedience, there is no true faith; faith without works is a counterfeit in God's eyes. We must not waste time wishing for more faith but instead focus on what God requires of us and faithfully accomplish those objectives through obedience and living by every Word of God. God desires that we become as faithful to Him as He is to us, and Jesus Christ longs for His collective Body to demonstrate the same faithfulness to Him as He does to her. We are motivated to be faithful because we know of a God who is absolutely faithful. His faithfulness is the foundation that inspires us to aspire to the same. If we simply do what God tells us to do, our faith will grow. Instead of seeking more faith, we must increase our faithfulness and obedience to His holy law, for there is no true faith without works.

God's gifts, freely given through grace, are the foundation of our faith, enabling us to approach Him and be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ. These gifts, testified by God, were evident in Abel's life as he offered by faith, believing and obeying God's word, which produced a work in agreement with God's purpose. Faith, coming by hearing God's word, motivated Abel to act, showing that belief and works are inseparable in the life of one created in Christ Jesus. Abel's witness demonstrates that salvation begins with God's initiative, providing the faith that justifies us and moves us forward. God ensures everyone a fair chance, as no one can muster sufficient works to pay for sin without His intervention. He designs this process to instill humility, placing us in debt to Him for the most vital aspect of life—eternal salvation. Without humility, we cannot submit to God, and without submission, the process of salvation cannot advance. Enoch's example further illustrates the necessity of walking with God through faith, showing agreement and submission to His will. This walk, a vivid metaphor for a virtuous life, requires us to live in conformity with God's commandments, setting aside carnal preferences to obey His desires. Enoch's faith pleased God, not through perfection, but through a life lived in harmony with Him, demonstrating that works are essential in the sanctification process. Hebrews 11 powerfully affirms that works are required for those being sanctified by God. While works do not save us, they are indispensable for God's laws and image to be written in us through experience. Living like God, cooperating with Him as fellow-laborers, is how His holy character is formed in us. Thus, faith and works together are crucial in our journey toward the Kingdom of God.