MONDAY July 13, 2026

True Faith Produces True Works

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14-17

James taught that true faith produces true works. Some people are gullible; they easily believe doctrines that teach that we are saved by works. Seriously, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith and works go hand in hand. When a person is genuinely saved, faith and works will come together as evidence––true faith results in true works––in a person’s life. James also gave an excellent example of faith and works in giving to a brother or sister in need.

Paul and James agree with each other in their teachings. I like the way Paul, in his Epistle to the Romans, brings up the subject of faith and James balances it out by talking about true works––they complement each other. How can you really do true works without faith?

They both also taught the same doctrine of justification by faith: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

At times, when Jesus healed someone, He was known for saying: “...your faith has made you whole” (Matthew 9:22). Those made well exercised their faith in whom? Christ! It was not their righteousness that made them well, it was through their faith in Christ: For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). Is your genuine faith producing good works?

One's faith is not genuine unless it moves him or her to action. Faith and works are necessary companions. The faith produces the works, while the works demonstrate the genuineness of the faith.
~Chuck Smith~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!