James 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

Works?

There are many people who would say that they have more good works than bad. They think they can get into Heaven because of this. This verse is one in which they use sometimes to make their claim seem valid. Does it? No. James is expounding on the signs of a person that is truly saved by grace. What is faith? I think the more important question is, what is the focus of your faith?

Jesus tells us in John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through Me. So, we know by this that works entry into Heaven is out. The focus of our faith is Jesus. But why the question about works? Because with the inflow of the love we receive from Jesus, there should be some outflow. Hopefully, a lot of outflows. From this outflow, we see the evidence of our faith. This is what James is talking about.

The outflow is needed

James 2:15-16 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?” If you do not help others, or better said, have love for others then how do we reflect Jesus? We wouldn’t. Where is the profit in this? Where is the evidence that you truly serve Jesus? Or how is His kingdom being spread?

James 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Dead faith! A true faith is alive and working towards the goal of being more like God created us to be. He does not leave us in the poor shape in which He saved us from. There should be some form of work.

Why does this matter

James 2:24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Our work from the overflow of our salvation and the love imputed into us is our justification! It is the evidence of the thing that is not seen, our faith. Again, I will ask, do you have works to prove your faith? If not, then I would reassess the relationship that is claimed with Jesus.