In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17 NIV
I remember the first time I heard this verse. Death typically isn’t associated with good things, so the thought of my faith being dead freaked me out!
I wasn’t sure what dead faith looked like, and I definitely didn’t want Jesus to think I was a failure. If reading this passage makes you feel confused, anxious, or stressed out, then you’re in the right place.
This passage might seem scary on its own, but here’s some good news: Bible verses weren’t meant to be read out of context. Instead of letting one verse send us into a tailspin, let’s read it in the context of James 2 and find out what “faith without works is dead” really means for us today.
Reading This Passage in Context
The best way to understand the Bible is to read it in context. That means reading entire paragraphs, full chapters, and full books. When the New Testament letters were read in churches, they were read out loud and in full. It makes sense that we, as readers today, should take that into account when we approach the Bible. So, what does the rest of this passage say?
‘Faith Without Works Is Dead’ Bible Verses
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:14-26 NIV
Jesus Is Rooted in Love
Jesus’ mission, ministry, and life purpose were all rooted in grace and love.
The full passage tells us what was on James’ heart in this message. Jesus’ mission, ministry, and life purpose were all rooted in grace and love. As followers of Christ, our faith should compel us to care for others, which leads us to good works.
Jesus said that He didn’t come to be served but to serve others (Matthew 20:28). He also said that the two greatest things anyone can do is love God and love the people around them (Matthew 22:34-40). This is because Jesus came so that all people could experience love, forgiveness, healing, peace, and grace from God through Him.
Faith and Love
Two key Greek words from this passage can help us better understand what James meant in this passage. The first is pistis, which means “faith.”
This Greek word describes absolute trust, confidence, and belief in something or someone. It is a trust that does not waiver. Pistis comes from the word peitho, which means “to persuade.”
By James’ argument, even the demons have this kind of faith in Jesus and who He says He is—or at least know enough to be persuaded by His power. So what’s the difference between this kind of faith and a faith that unifies a person with God? This is where the word “works” comes into the picture.
Love Leads to Good Works
The Greek word we translate as “works” is ergon, which refers to tasks, employment, a deed or action, or being made to work. In James 2, James states that faith is made complete by participating in the Lord’s work, deeds, and tasks—the work of loving and caring for others.
The forces of evil have faith, but it does not spur them on to participate in the Lord’s work. So they’re left empty, lifeless, and joyless.
In contrast, someone who allows Christ’s gift of grace and salvation to transform them will experience a faith that propels them to participate in God’s work of loving others.
Why Does the Bible Say Faith Without Works Is Dead?
The Bible says that faith without works is dead because good works are a natural result of a living, loving faith in Jesus. If we trust Jesus and seek to follow His example, then we can’t help but do good works (which the Bible also calls good fruit).
On the other hand, if our lives lack God-honoring acts of love, kindness, compassion, and generosity, then we have a problem. Not because doing good things earns our salvation, but because good works show us that God’s transformative work is taking root in our lives.
Works Don’t Save Us
I want to be clear that doing works for God is not what makes a person whole. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul shares the gospel (or the good news) that we are saved by the grace of God, not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is by grace that we are saved, and we who have been saved are called to follow in the path of Christ.
Christ served others, loved others, and showed others who God is. When we imitate Christ’s behavior, God is glorified, people see Christ’s love through His people, and the kingdom of God grows every day.
Healthy plants pollinate, bloom, and flower, bringing life to a garden. Likewise, God wants to bring joy, hope, and love to others through you. All He’s waiting for is for you to follow Him.
What if My Faith Feels Dead?
Where do you go from here? Maybe your faith feels a little dried out, and you want to take some steps to bring it back to life. Well, there’s good news. There are so many things God could be leading you to do. Here are a few simple ways you can start loving others, sharing your gifts, and growing the kingdom of God today.
1. Invite Someone to Church
Whether you attend a physical church or online, you have the opportunity every day to invite others to church! According to Pew Research, seven out of every 10 adults started attending their church because they were told about it by someone they knew.
You can even invite people who live far away to attend church through Life.Church Online, where you can find service times throughout the week.
2. Serve at Church
In Acts 2, we see followers of Christ meeting together, worshipping together, and serving the needs of their community. This was the foundation of the daily growth the church experienced in its early days.
God has already created a space for you at your church—a space where you can care for others and show them the love of Christ. All you need to do is take the step and say yes! Learn more about the benefits of serving at church here.
3. Serve With a Local Organization
In every city around the world, there are groups of incredible leaders meeting needs, serving others, and working to bring hope and restoration to their communities. You can be a part of the work God is doing in your town right now! Check with your local church to find ways you can love your neighbors this week.