Faith Without Works Is Dead

[Walter and Debbie]

Monday 11-13-23 2nd. Day Of The Weekly Cycle, Cheshvan 28 5784, 52nd. Fall Day

“Faith without works is dead” is a phrase that appears in the Bible, in the book of James 2:14-26. The passage explains that faith alone is not enough to save a person, but that faith must be accompanied by good works.

The passage gives examples of how faith and works are intertwined, such as how Abraham was justified by his works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar, and how Rahab the harlot was justified by her works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way. The passage concludes that just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead 12345.

Abraham was justified by his works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar - Bing​

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Love, Walter And Debbie

 

[Ebionite]

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:20

The vain man that James is referring to is Paul, who wrote about Abraham and faith in Romans 4:2 and Galatians 3:6

 

[InChrist]

Certainly faith without works is dead, as stated in the book of James. Nevertheless, the scriptures are clear that it is by faith that one is justified, not works. Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23). Because Abraham believed God and had faith, he lived out his faith with obedience and works.


For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Romans 4:2-3


Therefore we conclude that a man is justifiedby faith apart from the deeds of the law. Romans 3:28


…knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. Galatians 2:16

 

[Ebionite]

the scriptures are clear that it is by faith that one is justified, not works.

Paul quotes Habakkuk, and there are connections between the proud man and the Pauline communion (blood & wine):

Behold, his soul [which] is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, [he is] a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and [is] as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:
Habakkuk 2:4-5

Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!
Habakkuk 2:12

1 Corinthians 2​
2	For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

1 Corinthians 3​
9	For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.
10	According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1 Corinthians 10​
16	The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

 

[Clear]

Hi @Walter and Debbie

1) Authentic, living faith is always manifest by some sort of action
Though we hear this point being made, your reminder that all faith is made manifest by some sort of action (εργα) and that faith, without being manifest by some sort of action is unable, by itself, to justify or save anyone is important and profound.

2) The combination of Faith AND Actions are synergistic
Also, I think the concept that faith and action acting together are synergistic is important.
That is, the effects of both faith and actions together have a greater moral and perfecting and justifying effect upon a person than either faith alone or actions alone.

Thanks

Clear
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