Question

Read James 2:14-26 and explain the relationship between faith and works.

Answer 1

James discusses the relationship between faith and works in chapter 2. James describes all kinds of work such as kindness, giving food to someone, and on-the-job work. The definition of work for James (2:14-26) is completely opposite of Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 5:24; 6:47 etc). Jesus Christ says the faith without works provides eternal life while James says that faith is dead without work because a man is defensible by the works he does, not by just faith alone. He describes that the relationship between works and faith is essential as faith without works is said to be dead as it produces nothing. Faith must be living faith that means it should be accompanied by action. Faith can be said alive if it is escorted by works and if it is not escorted by works, it is dead, fruitless, of no value, or useless. There is no practical sense of faith without works. According to James, good works are the essential sign of saving faith.