Faith Without Work is Dead

In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not have any works, is dead. (Jas 2:17)

On the subject of faith alone, there are many books written about it. Lots of preaching and teaching had been delivered in the pulpit in all Christian churches. We have a wide and clear understanding of what faith really is. But what about works said in the book of James Chapter 2? It had been told there that faith without work is dead. What does it really means?

We have learned about faith and how to have a genuine faith but then, what exactly are the works we should work so the faith that we have will not be dead? Or How can we show our faith by our works? Certainly it is not like of what Abraham did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. What he did is immeasurable and beyond comprehension. Not everybody or no one today can allow his own son to die to be a sacrifice offering.

Chapter 2 of the book of James real intent is to show how we should keep the two greatest commandments which have a great relevant to the law- the Ten Commandments. From verse 1-16 the second greatest commandments, “love your neighbor as yourself” is given emphasis. While in verse 21-23 the real emphasis is the first greatest commandment, “love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength” in which Abraham has shown by his willingness and obedience to the will of God.

What then is the logical, measurable, attainable, and probable way to show our faith by means of our works and so everyone can obey and follow? How exactly can we show it in a very practical as well as spiritual we can apply in our daily lives?

God is just. It means God doesn’t make a decree that will not be fair to all people. In fact, He makes a law that is perfect to convert man turning into His likeness.
There’s nothing else but the law which is the Ten Commandments. That is the exact and perfect way to show our faith through the (surpassing) work of the law. It is the law not we heard of long ago but the law the Lord Jesus said, ”Now I tell you…” are the law we need to keep in our mind. When the law conceives in the mind the body will achieve what’s on the mind. The body will achieve not the lust of the flesh, not the lust of the eyes that will undermine God’s law-The Ten Commandments.

On the part of Abraham showing his faith by his work is hard. But in our part showing our faith by our works that we can also show our love, the bible said is not difficult, “For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments; and his (Ten) commandments are not difficult, (1Jn 5:3)

Faith without work is dead. Moreover if faith is dead, love toward others and toward God is cold and dead. What else is the perfect and practical way we can show our love to others and our love to God as well as our faith?