Faith Without Works is Dead

“Faith Without Works is Dead”

                There is occasionally confusion about what it is meant to be a Christian. Some believe that a Christian is anyone that believes in Christ, which is true. They also sometimes believe that believing in Christ is all we need to do to be saved. We must believe in Christ, but the scriptures have taught that believing is more than just saying, it is an action. We have to have faith in Christ and in His atonement, and then show our faith through our works.

                In James 2 we are given several examples on how faith without works is dead. Essentially, if we are not working to strengthen and validate our faith, then really our faith isn’t being used properly and dwindles away. This chapter proves the point that we must always be involved with good works in order to receive the associated blessings of eternal life. In Revelation 20: 12-13 it clearly teaches us that each and every action we do on this life will be recorded and we will be judged according to how well our actions match the example given by Christ. Matthew 7:21 simply lays down the boundary and says that when we do the will of the Lord then we can enter into God’s kingdom. ‘Do’ is an action, it requires effort and determination to complete.

                In order to be a true Christian we have to prove our commitment to the Lord. One way that we do it is by keeping the commandments, which return helps us to obtain eternal life (Matthew 19:16-7). To keep the commandments is essentially a work that validates and strengthens our faith. We have been called to do good works, we have been given the example of Christ to follow and have the expectation that we will do so (Ephesians 2:10).

                A Christian is more than just a belief, it is a continual action. 2 Nephi 25:23 helps us to understand how we are saved through the grace of Christ, but only after we have done all we can to prove our faith with the lives we have been given. We prove our faith through our works of service and love toward our fellowmen. We prove our faith by walking after the footsteps of the Savior. A true Christian understands that by keeping the commandments and following the example of Christ we can reach eternal salvation.

James 2: Faith without works is dead, by works faith is made perfect

Matthew 7:21: “…he that doeth the will of my Father” enters into God’s kingdom

Matthew 19:16-17: keep the commandments and have eternal life

Ephesians 2:10: We are ordained to walk in good works

Revelation 20:12-13: We will be judged according to our works

2 Nephi 25:23: We believe it is by grace we are saved, after we have worked to prove our faith