Faith without works explained

[fhansen]

Grace and peace to you, Dear Brother. Thank you for sharing this thoughtful, Scripture‑grounded explanation.
Let's dig into these truths together encouraging, strengthening, and clarifying.

First, you’re absolutely right: Abraham was declared righteous by faith in Genesis 15:6 long before Isaac’s birth. James quotes that in 2:23: “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness”. That initial righteousness was by faith alone.

Yet when Abraham obeyed God’s command in Genesis 22 to offer Isaac, James says “Abraham was justified by works” (2:21), and the obedience fulfilled the scripture: his faith was perfected by his works (2:22), making him “the friend of God” (2:23). In other words, Abraham’s earlier justification by faith is affirmed; then his later act of obedience displays that living, active faith in work.

Many commentators note that Paul and James are not in conflict, but showing different dimensions of the same truth: Romans emphasizes justification by faith (e.g. Romans 4:3), while James emphasizes that genuine faith inevitably produces works as evidence (Romans 4 referenced in Romans 8 context).

Here’s how I’d present it:

1. Faith Alone Saves Yet Not by Faith That Is Alone
   • “Saved by grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:8‑9) but faith that saves is never in isolation. Works follow as the fruit of true faith (Ephesians 2:10, James 2:14‑26).
2. Abraham’s Life as a Portrait
   • Declared righteous by faith in Genesis 15:6.
   • Confirmed by works in Genesis 22. James acknowledges both moments: justification by faith and justification by works. And thus faith and works “work together” (James 2:22).
3. Living Faith Will Bear Fruit
   • James contrasts dead faith (no obedience) with living faith (obedience). A body without spirit is dead likewise faith without works is dead (James 2:26). It doesn't earn salvation but it demonstrates it.
4. Sanctification: A Life Led by the Spirit
   • Your reference to walking in the Spirit (Romans 8:13‑14) rightly emphasizes that life after salvation is a Spirit‑empowered journey, with obedience as its path. Living faith is sustained obedience not perfection, but perseverance.

So yes, your assertion that Abraham was declared righteous decades before, yet his later act of obedience manifested and perfected his faith is biblically sound and encouraging. Your quotation of James 2:21‑23 aligns perfectly: faith credited earlier, works confirming it later.

Gently encouraging next steps for readers:

• Reflect on your own journey are there moments when God’s promises challenged you to obey, and you saw faith borne out?
• Understand that salvation is by grace through faith but spiritual maturity grows through faithful obedience.
• Obedience is not about earning salvation it’s proof that faith is alive and real.

Let these truths fuel your worship. Walk in the Spirit, demonstrate your faith through love and good deeds (James 2:17‑18), and rest in Christ’s finished work. May your faith, like Abraham’s, shine brightly promised, proven, and perfected.

Blessings and grace in Christ.

Well put, Pastor. I’d only suggest that obedience is the ultimate goal, countering man’s disobedience through Adam, an obedience now finally realized by love, the only authentic means of fulfilling the law. It’s all related to our nearness to God. That said, salvation and obedience are inseparable, as faith and works are inseparable.

 

[AbbaLove]

"but I guarantee it won't be resolved with the pretend "holy guy scenario" - ​

(fh)​

So then he doesn't believe it's possible to live a holy life as a [pretend] born again Believer?

"Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.​

For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness."[/indent]​

​

Tustworthy, faithful Christians are called to reflect God's holiness in their conduct. This means living in a way that honors God and distinguishes them from worldliness. Holiness is not merely moral purity but being set apart for God's purposes. It involves aligning their lives with God's Character and Will.​

​

Perhaps he (fh) believes it's impossible for holiness to permeate every aspect of a [so-called] born again beleiver including their thoughts, attitudes, actions and relationships without intentional reliance on the indwelling abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.​

​

And so the following spiritual logic is unaattainable to those unable to grasp the Words of Jesus when He says ...​

"Go and sin no more" and "Stop your sinning or something worse may happen to you"​

were not these Words of Jesus just as applicable during the OT as in the NT?​

​

For the OT scriptures say, “You must be holy because I Am holy.”​

​

 

[fhansen]

So then he doesn't believe it's possible to live a holy life as a [pretend] born again Believer?

No, I'm obviously saying that a vicarious, strictly declared righteousness is not enough to make a person a holy guy. To be justified means to made just, to be forgiven and given the "gift of righteousness" as Scripture puts it, directly related to grace and the Holy Spirit and love as we're given new hearts and new spirits. Otherwise there would be no change, no reason for or possibility of the person being more holy and living accordingly-if they are only forgiven but not also "improved", so to speak, and to put it another way.

 

[Dan Perez]

"but I guarantee it won't be resolved with the pretend "holy guy scenario" - ​

(fh)​

So then he doesn't believe it's possible to live a holy life as a [pretend] born again Believer?

"Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.​

For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness."[/indent]​

​

Tustworthy, faithful Christians are called to reflect God's holiness in their conduct. This means living in a way that honors God and distinguishes them from worldliness. Holiness is not merely moral purity but being set apart for God's purposes. It involves aligning their lives with God's Character and Will.​

​

Perhaps he (fh) believes it's impossible for holiness to permeate every aspect of a [so-called] born again beleiver including their thoughts, attitudes, actions and relationships without intentional reliance on the indwelling abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.​

​

And so the following spiritual logic is unaattainable to those unable to grasp the Words of Jesus when He says ...​

"Go and sin no more" and "Stop your sinning or something worse may happen to you"​

were not these Words of Jesus just as applicable during the OT as in the NT?​

​

For the OT scriptures say, “You must be holy because I Am holy.”​

​

And they cannot what ( so-called ) Born. Again Is. in. John 3:3. he cannot see the kingdom of God !!

Then. in. verse 5 Except a man. be BORN. of Water. and of THE SPIRIT (. How do they get the Spirit ). of course the

answer is in. Acts 2:38 , BUT they rejected the Holy. Spirit and KILLED there Messiah !!

And Israel was set aside in Acts 28:25-28 !!

dan p

 

[fhansen]

As I stated in another post:

Part of the difference here is that some of us believe that it’s all a done deal, that a believer becomes permanently saved all at once, that his will plays no part in that work of God’s. But God beckons and calls us; He informs and prompts and stirs and moves us to come to Him, and continues to do so in order that we will remain with Him. That’s all part of His bringing us into the Life he has for us-the life He’s always wanted man to have. But He never forces Himself upon us-He's not a puppetmaster-that's not what He wants for and from us. And to the extent that we remain near to Him, we will become more and more like Him. And that’s really the whole point. If we aren’t becoming more and more like Him, then we aren’t truly near to Him. And nearness to God is salvation.

 

[AbbaLove]

"It is love alone that gives worth to all things." St. Teresa of Ávil

She is believed by some faithdul members of Roman Catholic doctrine to be a patron saint for releaving headaches and migraines. Hopefully she is of some help to faithful RC believers.

Part of the difference here is that some of us believe that it’s all a done deal, that a believer becomes permanently saved all at once,

More than a few RC priests and faithful RC parents believe that when their infant is sprinkled with holy water the infant/child is saved or born again. However, the length of time a saved (born again) RC adult may have to spend in purgatory depends on their sins ...

In Roman Catholic doctrine it's a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven.​

 

[Dan Perez]

As I stated in another post:

Part of the difference here is that some of us believe that it’s all a done deal, that a believer becomes permanently saved all at once, that his will plays no part in that work of God’s. But God beckons and calls us; He informs and prompts and stirs and moves us to come to Him, and continues to do so in order that we will remain with Him. That’s all part of His bringing us into the Life he has for us-the life He’s always wanted man to have. But He never forces Himself upon us-He's not a puppetmaster-that's not what He wants for and from us. And to the extent that we remain near to Him, we will become more and more like Him. And that’s really the whole point. If we aren’t becoming more and more like Him, then we aren’t truly near to Him. And nearness to God is salvation.

And it seem that we are on the same page as in Gal 3:28 that we ARE //. ESTE ,One in Christ as the WORD ARE // ESTE is

in the Greek Present Tense , and means we are ALWAYS SAVED , OSAS. !!

dan p

 

[fhansen]

And it seem that we are on the same page as in Gal 3:28 that we ARE //. ESTE ,One in Christ as the WORD ARE // ESTE is

in the Greek Present Tense , and means we are ALWAYS SAVED , OSAS. !!

dan p

Yes..."are" means are. If you wish to woodenly interpret the author's intention as meaning ALWAYS SAVED that's up to you. Years ago there was an advertsing jingle that started out, "We are the world". It was as much an exhortation to be part of the world as it was a general statement of truth- whether one necessarily identified with that truth was another matter. As it is, Paul is encouraging, exhorting and warning the Galatians in his letter to them-and it's reasonably doubtful that every single member of that audience who first heard and applied it to themselves necessarily ended up saved anyway, But interpret it in whatever manner you wish even if that excludes the understanding of the ancient churches and ECFs, etc.

 

[Valletta]

She is believed by some faithdul members of Roman Catholic doctrine to be a patron saint for releaving headaches and migraines. Hopefully she is of some help to faithful RC believers.

More than a few RC priests and faithful RC parents believe that when their infant is sprinkled with holy water the infant/child is saved or born again. However, the length of time a saved (born again) RC adult may have to spend in purgatory depends on their sins ...

In Roman Catholic doctrine it's a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven.​

Catechism of the Catholic Church:
1263 By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin.65 In those who have been reborn nothing remains that would impede their entry into the Kingdom of God, neither Adam's sin, nor personal sin, nor the consequences of sin, the gravest of which is separation from God.

1264 Yet certain temporal consequences of sin remain in the baptized, such as suffering, illness, death, and such frailties inherent in life as weaknesses of character, and so on, as well as an inclination to sin that Tradition calls concupiscence, or metaphorically, "the tinder for sin" (fomes peccati); since concupiscence "is left for us to wrestle with, it cannot harm those who do not consent but manfully resist it by the grace of Jesus Christ."66 Indeed, "an athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules."67

"A new creature"

1265 Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes the neophyte "a new creature," an adopted son of God, who has become a "partaker of the divine nature,"68 member of Christ and coheir with him,69 and a temple of the Holy Spirit.70

1266 The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, the grace of justification: - enabling them to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him through the theological virtues; - giving them the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit; - allowing them to grow in goodness through the moral virtues. Thus the whole organism of the Christian's supernatural life has its roots in Baptism.

Part Two Section Two The Seven Sacrements Of The Church Chapter One The Sacraments Of Christian Initiation Article 1 The Sacrament Of Baptism VII. The Grace Of Baptism

www.vatican.va

 

[AbbaLove]

1265 Baptism not only purifies from all sins, but also makes the neophyte "a new creature," an adopted son of God, who has become a "partaker of the divine nature,"68 member of Christ and coheir with him,69 and a temple of the Holy Spirit.70Part Two Section Two The Seven Sacrements Of The Church Chapter One The Sacraments Of Christian Initiation Article 1 The Sacrament Of Baptism VII. The Grace Of Baptism

Titus 3:5

1266 The Most Holy Trinity gives the baptized sanctifying grace, the grace of justification: - enabling them to believe in God, to hope in him, and to love him throughthe theological virtues; - giving them the power to live and act under the prompting of the Holy Spirit through the gifts of the Holy Spirit; - allowing them to grow in goodness through the moral virtues ...

asume you're referring to the nine fruits: Galatians 5:22-23

Thus the whole organism of the Christian's supernatural life has its roots in Baptism.

Titus 3:5 and John 3:5 ... "the Christian's supernatural life" ... are you referring to: 1 Cor 12:1-11 the nine supernatural Gifts

This equally applies to born again, (e.g.) Messianic Jewish Christians, Roman Catholic Christians and Protestant Christians having received water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). This baptism by water and the Holy Spirit ( is the result of their faith as inspired by the triune nature of the Godhead (trinity).

4 Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve of them in all. (Acts 19, NCB)​

 

[fhansen]

She is believed by some faithdul members of Roman Catholic doctrine to be a patron saint for releaving headaches and migraines. Hopefully she is of some help to faithful RC believers.

That's a little tiny part of what she's about-and that practice became popular with some only because it was known that she, herself, suffered from those particular maladies. But she was extremely knowledgable about the faith as well as one of the most spiritual people the church has known. A true heart for God who contributed greatly to our understanding of Him and His love.

More than a few RC priests and faithful RC parents believe that when their infant is sprinkled with holy water the infant/child is saved or born again. However, the length of time a saved (born again) RC adult may have to spend in purgatory depends on their sins ...

In Roman Catholic doctrine it's a place or state of suffering inhabited by the souls of sinners who are expiating their sins before going to heaven.

That belief and practice was received at the very beginning of our Christian faith, in all the churches in both the east and west. Jesus both modeled and commanded baptism and so we do as He instructs. Salvation also entails a corporate aspect so whole households could be saved by virtue of the faith of one according to Acts 16:31 and the church has taught that the faith of the family and community stand in for the infant until they're old enough to confirm- or deny-their baptismal vows, until their own faith can take hold, IOW, baptism being known as "the sacrament of faith" to begin with (the sacrament is actually considered to be worthless apart from faith). But at the end of the day we'll be judged by our hearts in any case, which God knows far better than any of us do. The Catholic Church puts the ultimate judgement this way, quoting a 16th century believer in this case:
"At the evening of life we shall be judged on our love."

A state of final purification has been part of Christian teachings from early on as well-along with prayers for the dead which was also a Jewish practice. Only the pure of heart will see God-and until then we're still attracted to other, lesser things than Him first above all else. We need to be "perfected in love" as John put it. Then we'll want to see Him-and will be capable of receiving that gift which is the very purpose of our existence.

 

[BelieveItOarKnot]

Faith "WORKS" through love. Gal. 5:6

So where we see LOVE, there is faith. Love shows there is faith there. Some people have various doctrines painted upon themselves, and are often the least loving, if any love at all. Is that faith? Nope.

Where there is NO LOVE, there is NO FAITH regardless of doctrines

Where there is LOVE there is faith, even without doctrines

These are intimately intertwined, faith and love. They do not exist, apart

Any thing that is not of faith is SIN, Romans 14:23

And we "all" sin, so there is that.

Sin does not defeat or eradicate love, nor does the existence of sin defeat love. The LIGHT shines from the DARK.

Not every single thing we do is out of love or faith. We probably sin more than we ever realize.

We do not become "sinless" by faith or by love.

 

[fhansen]

Faith "WORKS" through love. Gal. 5:6

So where we see LOVE, there is faith. Love shows there is faith there. Some people have various doctrines painted upon themselves, and are often the least loving, if any love at all. Is that faith? Nope.

Where there is NO LOVE, there is NO FAITH regardless of doctrines

Where there is LOVE there is faith, even without doctrines

These are intimately intertwined, faith and love. They do not exist, apart

Any thing that is not of faith is SIN, Romans 14:23

And we "all" sin, so there is that.

Sin does not defeat or eradicate love, nor does the existence of sin defeat love. The LIGHT shines from the DARK.

Not every single thing we do is out of love or faith. We probably sin more than we ever realize.

We do not become "sinless" by faith or by love.

Faith, hope, and love are separate virtues. All three are supernatural gifts of grace. We must accept, embrace, and express those gifts. Anyway, while faith is the means to love as faith is the means or connection to its Source, to God, faith does not necessarily guarantee love. Love remains a choice of its own-and it happens to be the crowning choice for man, that which defines his justice/righteousness, that which he was created for. The more that we’re “perfected in love” (1 John 4:18), the nearer we are to God, and vice versa: the nearer we are to God, the greater will be our love. Anyway, as Augustine put it,
“Without love faith may indeed exist, but avails nothing.”

And Paul,
“…if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Cor 13:2

And we don’t become perfectly sinless by love in this life but the greater and more perfect our love, the more sin will be excluded, as the two are mutually exclusive.

 

[BelieveItOarKnot]

Faith, hope, and love are separate virtues. All three are supernatural gifts of grace

I'd consider dividing them no different than dividing the Trinity

 

[fhansen]

I'd consider dividing them no different than dividing the Trinity

They're definitely related and, together, can be said to define the most basic righteousness for man. But they're separable as well. It's a matter of where our hearts are. The Jewish leaders come to mind in John 12:42-43:

"Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God."

Teachings that I'm familiar with maintain that we're not complete, not fully children of God, unless all three are present in us.

 

[BelieveItOarKnot]

They're definitely related and, together, can be said to define the most basic righteousness for man. But they're separable as well. It's a matter of where our hearts are. The Jewish leaders come to mind in John 12:42-43:

"Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God."

Teachings that I'm familiar with maintain that we're not complete, not fully children of God, unless all three are present in us.

1 John 4:7 makes it clear enough that anyone who loves knows God and is born of God

These then also have faith because faith works through love. Intimately tied.

Jesus taught that we all have One Father, Matt. 23:9

The devils in pharisees were berated for blocking the gates of heaven and making people twice the sons of hell they were

Still happening

 

[fhansen]

1 John 4:7 makes it clear enough that anyone who loves knows God and is born of God

These then also have faith because faith works through love. Intimately tied.

Jesus taught that we all have One Father, Matt. 23:9

The devils in pharisees were berated for blocking the gates of heaven and making people twice the sons of hell they were

Still happening

The idea is that faith can exist without love (even demons believe, etc), while love always includes faith. Either way, yes, love and the fruit it naturally produces is the surest sign that we're one of His.

 

[AbbaLove]

The idea is that faith can exist without love (even demons believe, etc), while love always includes faith. Either way, yes, love and the fruit it naturally produces is the surest sign that we're one of His.

Titus 3:5 (Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition)​

"he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit,"​

John 3:5 (RSVCE)​

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.​

"It is love alone that gives worth to all things." Teresa of Avila

St. Teresa of Ávila (born March 28, 1515, Ávila, Spain—died October 4, 1582, Alba de Tormes; canonized 1622; feast day October 15) was a Spanish nun, one of the great mystics and religious women of the Roman Catholic Church, an author of spiritual classics and a warrior of the Counter-Reformation..

She was the originator of the Carmelite Reform, which restored and emphasized the austerity and contemplative character of Carmelite life. St. Teresa was elevated to doctor of the church in 1970 by Pope Paul VI, the first woman to be so honored. Her writings on the Christian soul’s journey to God are considered masterpieces.

Quotes by St. Teresa

"Your imperfections do not shock me, for I see myself with so many"

“We shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God; for, beholding his greatness, we realize our own littleness; his purity shows us our foulness; and by meditating upon his humility we find how very far we are from being humble.”

As a mystic, Teresa was bombarded with supernatural experiences and visions. Jesus once said to her in a vision, “I would create the universe again just to hear you say that you love me."
​

 

[fhansen]

Titus 3:5 (Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition)"he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit,"John 3:5 (RSVCE)Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Yes, not to exclude the results of that regeneration, that entrance into the life of God, of grace, that life by the Spirit without which we don't put to death the deeds of the flesh that earn us death, the grafting into the Vine that produces fruit without which we're like branches that are cut off and burned, of the grace that produces love without which we don't even know God according to John in his letters. No wonder Paul can say:

"To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life." Rom 2:7

Faith is all about seizing onto the Redemption that Christ gained for us. It's to realize reconciliation with God; it's to become that engrafted branch. It's to acknowledge God as God. It's all about restored union or relationship with Him. That's the real meat, the core, of the new covenant/the gospel.

"Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God." 1 Pet 1:21

Now we exist in a state of justice, no longer lost, finally in right stead and relationship with God as man was meant to be-even if that relationship will not be consummated fully until the next life.

St. Teresa of Ávila (born March 28, 1515, Ávila, Spain—died October 4, 1582, Alba de Tormes; canonized 1622; feast day October 15) was a Spanish nun, one of the great mystics and religious women of the Roman Catholic Church, an author of spiritual classics and a warrior of the Counter-Reformation..

She was the originator of the Carmelite Reform, which restored and emphasized the austerity and contemplative character of Carmelite life. St. Teresa was elevated to doctor of the church in 1970 by Pope Paul VI, the first woman to be so honored. Her writings on the Christian soul’s journey to God are considered masterpieces.

Quotes by St. Teresa

"Your imperfections do not shock me, for I see myself with so many"

“We shall never learn to know ourselves except by endeavoring to know God; for, beholding his greatness, we realize our own littleness; his purity shows us our foulness; and by meditating upon his humility we find how very far we are from being humble.”

As a mystic, Teresa was bombarded with supernatural experiences and visions. Jesus once said to her in a vision, “I would create the universe again just to hear you say that you love me."
​

Yes, a beautiful soul, a life and a testimony well worth looking into. She was all at once a hardworking practical woman, and one profoundly drawn to-and touched by-God. Sort of a Martha and Mary rolled into one.