Having a Faith That Works

Grace to You.org ^ | 1993 | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

"What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? . . . You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone" (James 2:14, 24).

True faith produces good works.

Many false teachers claim that you can earn your own salvation by doing good works. Most Christians understand the heresy of that teaching, but some become confused when they read that "a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone" (James 2:24). That seems to conflict with Paul's teaching on salvation by grace through faith.

But when properly understood, James' teaching on salvation is perfectly consistent with Paul's. Paul clearly taught salvation by grace. In Ephesians 2:8-9 he says, "By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast." But Paul also taught that true salvation results in good works, for in the next verse he says, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

In Titus 3:5 he says that God "saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy"; but Titus 2:11-12 clarifies that God's grace leads us "to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age." That's the proper balance between faith and works.

James also taught salvation by grace. He said that God redeems sinners by the Word of truth and implants His Word within them to enable them to progress in holiness (James 1:18, 21). That's a divine work, not a human effort. James 2:14-24 follows that up by telling us how we can know that work has taken place: there will be more than just a proclamation of faith but a faith that does good works.

Don't be confused by how faith relates to good works. Put the two together by being a living testimony to God's saving grace.

Suggestions for Prayer

Thank God for the righteousness He is producing in your life. Look for specific ways to demonstrate your faith to those around you today.

For Further Study

Read John 8:31-32.

What is the mark of a true disciple? What effect does God's Word have on those who heed what it says?

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[MHGinTN]

Should we ping the list of Apologists to this excellent teaching by MacArthur? ... Would they read it? I still like the image of Paul and James back to back defending salvation by faith ...

[MHGinTN]

Meant to ping you ... thanks again for the imagery.

[kosciusko51]

I think I found one possible source: J. Vernon McGee quoting an unknown source, "As someone has said, 'Paul and James do not stand face to face, fighting against each other, but they stand back to back, fighting opposite foes.'". You can also hear it in his discussion of James 2:14-26.

Other places attribute it to Spiros Zodhiates, but do not provide a specific reference, so I can't verify it.

[papertyger]

Many false teachers claim that you can earn your own salvation by doing good works.

How about naming a few?

[papertyger]

I still like the image of Paul and James back to back defending salvation by faith

Where is THAT in the Bible?

[papertyger]

Funny how no one had much of a problem with the synergy of faith and works for what, fifteen hundred years.

Then the Protestants showed up with some shiny NEW doctrines....

[MHGinTN]

Thanks, I spent many hours listening to ThroughThe Bible Radio. Now that you mention it, McGee did say such when going through James!