The Companion of Faith

James 2:14-26

We know that salvation is by God’s grace through faith-—not by works (Eph. 2:8-9). So some Christians might assume that our deeds are of no importance. But that’s not true. While good works cannot save us, they’re a steady companion of faith after salvation.   

In fact, as James tells us, faith without the evidence of good works is “dead” (2:17). That’s because genuine faith always expresses itself through action. And when good deeds flow from our trust in the Lord, we will see He’s working through us to benefit others and also in us, drawing us closer to Himself. In this way, genuine faith is revealed through godly conduct—both in deeds that others observe and in things we do that go unnoticed. 

We were created in Christ Jesus for good works that God ordained for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10). He uses us to encourage and strengthen one another, provide for the needy, and share the good news of salvation with those in spiritual darkness. If our life looked no different than before our profession of faith, we would have no assurance that our faith was authentic. Are good works evidence of your transformed life, both to others and to you yourself?

Bible in One Year: Deuteronomy 24-27