Works

 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
James 2:26 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.2.26.ESV

This is a controversial verse for many Christians. Aren't we saved by faith alone, in Christ alone, according to God's word alone, according to grace alone, to the glory of God alone? James says faith without works is dead!

Here's how we reconcile the two. We're saved by faith alone. Our salvation isn't dependant on our works. However, the faith that saves is never alone: it is always accompanied by works.

James gives examples to prove his point. Abraham was saved by faith, but he still had to be willing to sacrifice his son Isaac. Rahab was saved by faith, but she still had to put the red cord in her window.

If we wish a beggar well but do nothing to help them, James calls that dead faith. We might have faith that the beggar will be okay, but unless we do something to help them, our lack of works betrays the fact that our faith is meaningless. As William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army said, 'a hungry stomach has no ears'- in other words we have to look out for people's physical needs as well as spiritual.

'Almighty God, thank You for Your care of us. Please help us to care for one another, and so evidence our professions of faith. In Christ's name, amen'

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