What is the biblical understanding of faith vs. works?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Faith and works are inseparable in the Christian life, but works are the result, not the cause, of salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith alone, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:8-9, with no room for boasting in our own deeds. While good works are not the means of salvation, they are the evidence of true faith, which transforms us and produces fruit. James 2:14-26 clarifies that genuine faith is demonstrated through works, highlighting that faith without works is dead. True faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, leads to good works that reflect the transformative power of Christ in our lives.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Israel worked diligently at the sacrificial system but didn’t put their trust in God (Isaiah 29:13).
• Our best works are a stench in God’s nose (Isaiah 64:6).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Before salvation, mankind is absolutely incapable of pleasing God due to an inherent sin nature (Romans 5:12). When we come to Jesus, the difference is in the change that the Holy Spirit works in us to conform us to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). It is because of His work in us that we are becoming more like Christ and less like the natural human condition. We have a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17).
• Ephesians 2:8–9 tells us that we are saved by faith, not by works: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
• Paul points out that salvation leads to good works: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).
• When a person is saved, he is changed (2 Corinthians 5:16–21; Philippians 2:12–13; Ephesians 4:17–32; Colossians 3:1–17). The Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives that give evidence to our faith (Galatians 5:22-24).
• Faith without works is dead (James 2:14-17).
• James does not contradict salvation by grace through faith; rather, he points out that faith is not mere intellectual assent. True faith is seen in the fruit it produces (James 2:18–26).
• Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). In other words, we cannot do anything good apart from the work of Christ in us, which comes through the Holy Spirit (Philippians 1:6; 2:12–13; Romans 8:28–30).
• When we are truly saved, the Holy Spirit makes His dwelling within us and begins to change us, making us more like Jesus (Ephesians 1:3–14). The result of these changes produces good works, which are also referred to as good fruit. Jesus said, "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit" (Luke 6:43) And since we cannot do anything good apart from Jesus, the good fruit we bear is really His fruit. We call this the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–24).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1) and "without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). Works are the result of saving faith. This is the biblical understanding of faith and works; that faith results in good works, but good works do not produce faith, and especially not the faith that is necessary for salvation.

Faith is on display through works. We are not saved because of them, but rather because we are truly saved, our works are a testimony to our salvation. Jesus said, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). This is what James is referring to; that his light shines forth through his works. Just as Jesus didn't say to do good works so you can be saved and have a light to shine, neither is James saying this. The works do not result in salvation, the salvation results in works.

UNDERSTAND

• Salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.
• True faith produces good works as a natural outcome of salvation.
• Faith without works is dead, and works testify to genuine faith.

REFLECT

• How does the understanding that faith is the foundation and works are the result shape how you approach your relationship with God?
• How can you ensure that your works reflect a genuine faith and not just a desire to earn favor with God?
• How can you remain mindful of the Holy Spirit’s role in producing good fruit throughout your life?

ENGAGE

• How can we support others to grow in faith that produces good works?
• What are some common misunderstandings about the relationship between faith and works, and how can we address them?
• How can we display our faith through works that glorify God in our daily lives?