Faith vs. Works: Understanding Their Relationship
What the Bible Says
The Bible makes it clear that faith and works are not in opposition but are closely related. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast. Yet, James 2:26 says that faith without works is dead. So, how do we make sense of this? Are we saved by faith alone, or do our works matter too? The answer lies in understanding the proper relationship between faith and works.
Are We Saved by Faith or Works?
Salvation comes by faith alone—this is foundational to the Christian faith. It is by faith that we receive the grace of God through Jesus Christ. However, faith that saves is never alone; it naturally produces good works as a response. Our good works do not earn us salvation, but they are the evidence of a living, active faith in Jesus.
As Martin Luther famously said, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” Works follow genuine faith like a shadow follows the body. Just as a shadow cannot exist without a body, faith without works cannot truly exist. When James says, “faith without works is dead,” he is emphasizing that true faith will inevitably produce a change in our actions and behavior.
Faith, Works, and the Struggle with Sin
Some may wonder, “If I am saved by faith, can I continue sinning?” The Apostle Paul addresses this in Romans 6:1-2, where he writes, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” God did not save us so that we could continue living in sin. While we will continue to struggle with sin in this life, the presence of that struggle is evidence that we are alive in Christ. If you are a believer struggling with sin, be encouraged—it is a sign that you are on the right path. You care about your actions because you have faith in Christ.
On the other hand, those who do not believe in God but are struggling with sin are actually struggling with submitting to God. They are wrestling with surrendering to His authority. For both believers and non-believers, the struggle is real, but the key difference is that believers struggle in light of their forgiveness, while non-believers struggle against God’s authority.
Faith and Works Together
Faith and works are inseparable yet distinct. Works do not save us, but they are the fruit of our salvation. When we place our faith in Christ, we are saved. In response to this saving grace, we live out our faith through our actions. Our works are not a means of maintaining our salvation, nor are they a requirement for it, but they serve as a visible demonstration of the faith we profess.
Conclusion: Resting in Christ
Balancing faith and works can be a challenge. Many believers fall into the trap of focusing on their works rather than on the grace of God. However, our focus should always be on God. The battle with sin has already been won on the cross. We do not need to worry about defeating sin in our own strength—that has been accomplished by Jesus.
Instead, we are called to rest in Christ. This rest is not laziness but an invitation to trust in God fully, to spend time in His presence, and to let Him work through us. Rather than striving to prove ourselves through works, we are called to live in the freedom that comes from knowing we are loved, forgiven, and empowered by God.
Final Reflection
So, are you living by faith or by works? True faith will always produce good works, but it is important to remember that these works flow out of a relationship with Jesus, not as a way to earn His favor. Let’s focus on resting in the finished work of Christ, knowing that our faith is real when it is accompanied by a life of love and obedience to God. Spend time with God, enjoy His presence, and trust that He is working in and through you. God is awesome, and He desires a relationship with you!
