[metmom]

As for "faith in Lord Jesus Christ alone"--true. Our faith has to be demonstrated by loving God and each other. We demonstrate our love of God by acts of mercy and kindness towards our fellows.

Sure we are to demonstrate it. But that doesn't save us. The faith alone does.

The works are the natural outgrowth of that faith by which we know that we have been born again.

[boatbums]

As for "faith in Lord Jesus Christ alone"--true. Our faith has to be demonstrated by loving God and each other. We demonstrate our love of God by acts of mercy and kindness towards our fellows.

Sure we are to demonstrate it. But that doesn't save us. The faith alone does.

And may I add the demonstration of our faith is for the benefit of OTHERS, not for God who alone sees the heart, the inward motivation and faith. That's what James was teaching concerning a dead faith vs. a living, active faith that was evidenced by good works. The works that we do - the kind of life we live - is a witness to what we believe, who we follow and love. A genuine faith produces works "meet for repentance" but the works have no bearing on making us worthy of or meriting salvation. It is by grace THROUGH faith we are saved and NOT of ourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast.