In the Christian mainstream culture, the connection between ‘Faith’ and ‘Works’ has always been a debated topic. How one views this relationship has significant consequences. Martin Luther, for example, wondered if we even ought to keep the book of James (James 2:26b reads, “Faith apart from works is dead.”) in the Bible. Let us, then, carefully investigate how Faith & Works are linked together. Let’s start with clear definitions of ‘Faith’ and ‘Works’.
What do we mean by ‘Faith’?
The Oxford Dictionary defines Faith as “complete trust or confidence in someone or something.”
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith: “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” According to this verse, Faith is hoping, it is believing something and being sure about it. There seems to be no role of work here. After all, there’s no work when it comes to trusting, right?
What do we mean by ‘Works’?
Work or works, in the context of salvation, is usually some good work(s) that a person does in order to achieve one’s salvation. This work could include anything from feeding the hungry to donating thousands to a charity. In general, good works, according to James, is helping others.
Now that we’ve defined both terms, let’s look at why there’s a controversy regarding their connection.
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The Point of Debate
James 2:24 says, “A person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” On the other hand, Galatians 2:16 reads, “A person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” Both of these verses seem to contradict each other. So, how shall we integrate both of these in light of salvation? Three common views talk of their relationship.
The first view, as shared earlier, is Martin Luther’s solution to this issue which is to neglect the book of James. However, this is to be seen and interpreted in the context of the Reformation when the Catholic church was hyper-focused on works. But that is not the only view. Since James is part of the Biblical canon, it should not be neglected, but rather it should be integrated appropriately.
The second view is that salvation is achieved by works. This view endorses that in order to receive salvation one needs to work for it. If one has gained enough good works, one achieves salvation. However, this view goes against the clearly established doctrine of salvation by faith or justification by faith. The Bible teaches us: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.
The third view states that works do not lead to salvation but that they are a result of it. It means that salvation is not achieved by works like many think. However, works are a result of salvation. This makes much sense as it integrates both the Faith and the Works taking into consideration both James 2:24 and Galatians 2:16.
Conclusion
‘Faith’ and ‘Works’ in the salvation context are the two sides of the same coin. James is not going against Paul when he writes that “Faith without works is dead.” Because, according to James, if one has faith, one will definitely bear fruits.
May the good Lord help us to understand these things and may he help us to bear fruits!