Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Hebrews 11:17-20 (KJV)
In the quest to explore the delicate relationship between faith and works, we’ll seek to clarify misconceptions and shed light on their intrinsic connection. Faith commences with a divine imperative and is revealed when the believer acts in harmony with the command.
The Cambridge Bible Commentary for Colleges and Schools asks and answers a question on faith when commenting on Hebrews chapter 11, as follows. “What then is faith? It is nowhere defined in Scripture, nor is it defined here, for the writer rather describes it in its effects than in its essence; but it is described by what it does. The chapter which illustrates “faith” is full of works; and this alone should shew how idle is any contrast or antithesis between the two.”
The epistle of James also posits a question on the matter of faith and works. James 2:17-20 says “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”
When we examine Hebrews chapter 11, we see that all the persons who are regarded as faithful, worked in harmony with what God said to them even when it appeared impossible. The truism that Faith can only be experienced when it works is seen in the words of Jesus in Revelation 22:12 which says “behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
The existence and intensity of faith is revealed, not in the profession made in linguistic utterances and language, but by the works done. Consider the following cases.
• Great faith – Matthew 8:10 – Centurion to Jesus
• Little faith – Matthew 6:30 – worrying about being clothe is little faith
• No faith – Mark 4:40 – Jesus calmed the storm and said to His disciples
When you examine your works considering what God has commanded you, how intense is your faith.
Prayer: Lord help us to increase our Faith in you so that it can be great in Jesus name we pray Amen.
By: Pastor Obed Babb
