If a man has Faith but has not Works, can his Faith Save Him?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,817
25,994
113
#2
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Romans 10:13

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Acts 2:21

And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for
on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the
LORD has said, even among the survivors whom the LORD calls.
Joel 2:32

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.


 

mcubed

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2013
1,449
218
63
#4
The rest of that Scripture is AWESOME!!!! I can show you my faith by my works...
James 2:14-24 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 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? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your[a] works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.


Works proves a man's faith....
 

John146

Senior Member
Jan 13, 2016
16,614
3,529
113
#5
The rest of that Scripture is AWESOME!!!! I can show you my faith by my works...
James 2:14-24 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 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? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your[a] works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.


Works proves a man's faith....
Can you list some works that prove that you are saved?
 

Ahwatukee

Senior Member
Mar 12, 2015
11,162
2,380
113
#6
The rest of that Scripture is AWESOME!!!! I can show you my faith by my works...
James 2:14-24 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 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? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your[a] works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.


Works proves a man's faith....
So, do you believe that you are saved by works or are you saved by grace through faith. Scripture proclaims that it is by faith you have been saved and this not of your own efforts. It is the gift of God. Works come after through the indwelling of the Spirit, which glorifies God and by which we are also building up our treasures in heaven.

If we were saved by works, then the man crucified with Christ would be lost. However, just by that one act of faith when he said, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom" he was saved and that without any works.

Likewise, Abraham was credited with righteousness because he believed in God's promise to give him a son and that was it. I was not because of any works that Abraham did that he was credited with righteousness, but by faith alone.

The same goes for Cornelius' household, for they all received the Holy Spirit, speaking in languages and prophesying and that through faith alone.
 

mcubed

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2013
1,449
218
63
#7
Can you list some works that prove that you are saved?

This is a great question? What do you think G-d meant when He had James write this Scripture?

Maybe the person that gives. They don’t have the money to give to the poor but they do any way because they believe G-d is their provider. Maybe the person that will step out in faith, believe G-d for a miracle. Anything as small as being the outcast at work or school because they don’t laugh at crude office jokes or a teenager won’t have sex before marriage. These works bring testimony and glory to G-d that they are Christians and that means something; they are set apart. Or what about the person that in faith lays hand on the sick and they do recover just like Dad said we could? Or what about the person that shares their testimony with another and leads then to Y-shua?....

There are countless works what do you think G-d meant?
 
Feb 9, 2010
2,486
39
0
#8
That is something that people do not understand about Paul when he is talking we are not saved by works,for Paul talked a lot of people doing works of the flesh,thinking it would give them favor with God,but Paul said we are not saved by works,but it is a gift of God by Jesus Christ.

That is the starting point,confessing Jesus Christ,as Paul is not talking about works after we are saved.

Paul was sent to the Gentiles to turn them to Christ,and dealt with their false religions,and was telling them that what they believed in their religions,and the works they did,would not give them favor with God,but only by confessing Christ can they be saved,which is a gift of God.

The same as when we are saved by faith,which Paul is addressing that the only way we can be saved is by confessing Christ,having faith.

James addresses after we are saved being led of the Spirit,that we have to have works of the Spirit to have faith active in our life,and a person is justified by works,and not faith alone.

Which the Bible says quench not the Spirit,and grieve not the Holy Ghost,which if the Spirit has work for you to do,do it,or faith will not be active in your life,for a person is justified by works,and not faith alone.

Paul said we are saved by faith,so they think that he is saying by faith alone,but it is different in this case.

For Paul was addressing people that were not with Christ,that their works will not save them,but they have to confess Christ,and have faith,and that is why he did not say what James said,a person is justified by works,and not faith alone,because when they first come to Christ that does not apply,because they have not received the Spirit yet.

Paul said have faith,and confess Christ,for that is all they can have is faith,for their righteousness is as filthy rags,and there is none that does good,not one,and all are sinners,so we cannot approach God on the merit of being sinless,so we can only do it on faith alone,as well as confess Christ.

And at the time they have this faith,and confess Christ,they have not received the Spirit yet,so the faith without works is dead,cannot apply yet,for they are initially coming to Jesus in faith,and have not started doing works of the Spirit yet.

So Paul is saying that they are not saved by works,prior to Christ,in their religions,but they have to accept Christ,and faith alone can apply here,for they have not started doing works of the flesh,and faith is all they can have,and then James takes it from there when the person is saved,that faith alone is not going to cut it,but they must have works of the Spirit,to have faith active in their life.

So Paul was addressing that it can only be faith alone,for they are initially coming to Christ,not having the Spirit yet,so faith without works cannot apply,for they have not started doing works of the Spirit,and James is saying after they receive the Spirit,and are saved,then a person is justified by works,and not faith alone,for faith without works is dead.

Paul and James are talking of two situations in the person's life,Paul,not saved by works,have faith,confess Christ,and after they are saved,James picks it up,have works of the Spirit,faith active.Paul not saved by works,prior to Christ,James after being saved,works.Not saved by our own ability in the falseness of worldly religion,or what we think would be pleasing to God,and saved by being led of the Spirit,doing works.

Also Paul said a Spirit led life will not sin,we do not void out the law through faith,but we establish the law,and if you do not continue in what you started you will be cut off,work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,and he would be a castaway if he did not abstain from sin,we are not under the law means we are not breaking the law,abstaining from sin,so the law cannot touch us for prosecution.

So Paul and James are on the same page,abstain from sin,to be saved,which Paul would be saying do works of the Spirit to be saved,like James,for Paul said be led of the Spirit,and you will not sin,and if you have not the Spirit of Christ you are none of His.

Paul addresses faith when a person comes to Christ before having the Spirit,and doing works of the Spirit,and James addresses faith after a person receives the Spirit,for they have to do works of the Spirit to have faith active in their life,and quench not the Spirit,and grieve not the Holy Spirit,but do what the Spirit wants you to do.

Why do people not understand what Paul is saying,and distinguish when he is speaking of those that are in the flesh,and those that are in the Spirit,not saved by works,flesh,faith alone,initially coming to Christ before they received the Spirit,James,having the Spirit,do works,to have active faith.

Paul faith alone,not received the Spirit yet,so no works of the Spirit yet,James,received Spirit,do works,faith active.

Jesus,abstain from sin or you are not saved,by led of Spirit.Paul,abstain from sin or you are not saved,be led of Spirit.James,abstain from sin or you are not saved,be led of Spirit.They are all saying the same thing,but people do not understand what Paul is saying,and then some people think Paul is a heretic because of their misinterpreting Paul.

And if Paul says anything about us not being saved by the law,again he is speaking to us of our fleshy nature,because the flesh cannot live up to the spiritual law.

Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

But by the Spirit the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us,why,because we are not sinning,therefore we are not breaking the law,but keeping the law,which Paul said we establish the law.

Paul is called a heretic by some because they believe the misinterpretation of people concerning Paul,which if they knew the truth,they would not call Paul a heretic anymore.

People have to understand when Paul is saying something according to our fleshy attempt to be saved,and our spiritual attempt,by the Spirit,to be saved,and not confuse things,so that dear Paul will not be labeled a heretic by some people.
 

mcubed

Senior Member
Dec 20, 2013
1,449
218
63
#10
So, do you believe that you are saved by works or are you saved by grace through faith. Scripture proclaims that it is by faith you have been saved and this not of your own efforts. It is the gift of God. Works come after through the indwelling of the Spirit, which glorifies God and by which we are also building up our treasures in heaven.

If we were saved by works, then the man crucified with Christ would be lost. However, just by that one act of faith when he said, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom" he was saved and that without any works.

Likewise, Abraham was credited with righteousness because he believed in God's promise to give him a son and that was it. I was not because of any works that Abraham did that he was credited with righteousness, but by faith alone.

The same goes for Cornelius' household, for they all received the Holy Spirit, speaking in languages and prophesying and that through faith alone.


What does the Scripture say? Are we not saved by grave and are works show are faith?..... Is it not plan what G-d says? I copied the Scripture....
 
Last edited:
E

Emmalico

Guest
#11
Faith and works cannot be separated, they are lovers,they mingle together,you cannot tell me that you are saved without showing the prove through your works. And your work is useless without your Faith in Christ. If i say that I have faith but cannot allow God to be glorified through my works, then i am not building on existing foundation. So we are saved by our Faith in Christ, but our salvation is complete by Living our Life to testify the goodness of God. The way you live or relate with people is also a work. How can you prove that you aresaved and have faith and yet fail to recognize your suffering neighbour, your faith then is as useless as the man who recognizes his neighbour and helps him out but yet the helper did not believe in God. Gratias
 

Bladerunner

Senior Member
Aug 22, 2016
3,076
59
48
#12
The rest of that Scripture is AWESOME!!!! I can show you my faith by my works...
James 2:14-24 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 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? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your[a] works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God.


Works proves a man's faith....

See Jesus Christ Gospel and study it. Start at (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

It is all you have to have. A little Faith!
 
P

pottersclay

Guest
#13
So what about the thief on the cross...hhhmmmmmmm Jesus said ( today you will be with me in paradise) ...looking for some works this man did...hmmm...got it....he bled and hung like a true Christian....nope...hhmmm get back to you on this .
 

NotmebutHim

Senior Member
May 17, 2015
2,919
1,590
113
47
#14
Hey, if you're gonna use bold, underline and a big font, then at least make sure you proofread.
 
Jan 24, 2009
1,601
31
48
#15
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Eph 2:8-10

People like to quote Eph 2:8-9. Let's not forget the verse immediately thereafter.

We should work out our faith. Why? God prepared works/good/charity for us to do.

What opportunities are we missing because we aren't hearing His voice and seeking Him as we should? Worse yet, what opportunities are we rejecting?

Notice I used the word "opportunities". Instead of viewing the works God prepared for us as responsibilities, we should view them as opportunities. :)

For the record, the person who started this thread was banned.
 
Oct 8, 2016
25
2
0
#16
Can you list some works that prove that you are saved?
Carrying my own cross is a lot of work. Very hard work. But for the grace of God I will finish the race and endure till the end.

Then God will reward me with that free gift.

Life on the new earth.
 
Last edited:
Oct 16, 2016
80
6
0
#18
Only 3 days...that was quick.
Yeah, but one thing that gets me is how much time ppl will spend engaging with someone like this, answering questions, posting scriptures, arguing, etc. when it's so easy to see they have no intention of hearing the truth, they're not a seeker, they just want to antagonize.

You just have to check their recent history of posts, usually they join and immediately start making their own threads that pose nonsense questions or borderline heresy, and when an answer or two comes in, they either deflect or argue, or generally hop to another thread, or start a new one.

Meanwhile, ppl are still answering and arguing, while they're long gone and probably watching the fights and laughing about it.

With so many ppl genuinely hurting and needing Jesus and His Word or prayer or encouragement, I just don't get why so much time is given to obvious antagonists and ppl who only come here to try to knock down Jesus and us.
Maybe it's just the joy of battle, idk.
 

Calmador

Senior Member
Jun 23, 2011
945
40
28
#19
The thief on the cross....


case closed ;D
 
R

RobbyEarl

Guest
#20
Faith without works is dead. However, true faith will produce works. Faith in works promotes the flesh and not acceptable by God. Faith in the work of the Cross will allow the Holy Ghost to produce in you good works. Amen