You Won’t Believe What “Faith Without Works is Dead” REALLY Means | James 2 | Beyond the Words 

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

"We are not saved on the basis of deeds done in righteousness, but by grace through faith" Apostle Paul

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments". Not, If you want to go to heaven, prove you love me.

Dear brother, this is exactly what the Holy Spirit has been teaching me! God bless you and your ministry.

Few people think about the doctrine of faith, but if it is a gift from God himself, then we must understand that anyone who possesses this gift, has been filled with the Holy Spirit. The natural outworking of the Holy Spirit is good works. Ephesians 2:8,9 are beautiful, but many forget about verse 10. Paul and James are in perfect harmony.

When james said faith without works is dead he was talking about faith that is benificial to helping your fellow man not salvation faith! The bible says even though they work not their faith alone is counted for righteousness! People use this verse to creat a works based salvation which leads people to hell.

A helpful image of this is to see faith as a tree and works as its fruit.

Good Works will prove your faith ! "Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me".

This verse tears at me. In the past, I have helped "the poor". A few have been lifted up and gone on to even help others. But others have continued on to sometimes go deeper into despair. Today, I see many around me in need of help. But I also see that most of them aren't even trying to lift themselves out of their situation. I hate having to "judge" and choose who I help, but I have my own enslaving debts that I must take care of, and trying to help those who have become beggars out of laziness and addiction does not serve them, and does not serve me. So I say a quick prayer for them in my heart as I tell them "no", and go on my way. In The Chosen, Jesus told Jesse to get up, take up his bed, and go. So Jesse still had to do something for himself, or he'd still be lying there. I find myself asking The Guider to show me The Way, to soften my heart, and harden my heart when appropriate. I pray that this is an appropriate prayer.

We are save by grace

there's a humility n a soundness in your speech that makes it easy to listen. Abba help us all entreat n contend appropriately instead of shout argue n seek to always be opposing...

To anyone that gets a chance to take this class with Pastor Robbins ... do it ! It has been such a blessing to my life and understanding of God's Word! God bless you and keep you !!

I just realized something that fascinated me as you mentioned Abraham's story. God told Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac for Him, but did not really let Abraham go through with it. But then in His own time, it was actually God who ended up sacrificing His Son Jesus for us. God's selflessness is beyond comprehension. His love is unfathomable.

This is a great book of the Bible. Good coverage also. God Bless

I absolutely LOVE Brandon's videos! I have always been aware of how much gets lost in translations, but I have rarely had access to a source who can explain WHAT was lost in translation! The information and learning that I get from these videos is such a blessing! What could be better than helping people better understand and know who our Father in Heaven is and how He wants us to live? Leading people to Christ and help them grow in the will of God are the most important things someone can do, and I am truly grateful for these videos and the work that is put into them! Thank you, Brandon!

Woah!!!! Another great lesson!! One of the best! I've not only struggled with this one, I've taught it. You, Brandon, have nuanced it in such a way that makes so much sense. You wonder how you have missed what the context makes so obvious once the context is explained to you. The book of James has just gotten even more inspiring. 😊

Beautifully explained! Thank you for your teaching.

I memorized the book of James and I recite it several times every morning before I leave for work. Looking forward to this video.

Thank you for your insights and knowledge, Brandon. I have been blessed by both! 🥰

"Time is money." But money isn't time. Faith is works, but works is not faith.

Love is a command which requires us to make a choice and that, as you said, is work. We must 'work' to overcome ourselves. Thanks for this teaching. Pete Vogel

James is simply explaining that works are evidence of true faith, not lip service. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe-and shudder!

Beautifully taught! Thank you! 👁️👁️☝️☝️☝️☝️👰✈️✈️✈️✈️👑👰💕💕💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏🙏The King is coming!!!!

People have misunderstood this more often than not. So glad you made this. I was going to make a gospel video to explain this but haven't yet.. glad you did! "The Royal Law" is SO important.

ThankYou Lord Thankyou brother.. Sending much love to you and all here from South Australia 🙂💕

Faith alone saves but the faith that saves is never alone. We don’t do good works to be saved but because we’re saved. Faith is the animating factor if works.

I agree!! That is my understanding also! Faith is faith. Works in faith means no matter what it looks like we have faith in Christ and God to fix the situation.

this brings to mind the term “In La’kech” which means “i am another you”. it is used as a greeting and reflects this biblical concept perfectly

I am sure the class is fabulous. I have learned so much in these short lessons. Thank you Brandon for sharing your knowledge and understanding of the Word. Really helps a person grow.

Faith without works is unprofitable, yet it still saves. Read Romans 4:5. Dead faith =/= no faith, justified before men =/= justified before God.

Thank you for this, Brandon.

Shalom and blessings Brandon. It's all the Torah of YHWH, given to His people at Sinai and now, in the renewed covenant, written on our hearts and in our minds. Simple. Every blessing.

Enjoy your videos. I get so much out of them. I pray for you daily for God to give you wisdom so you can teach us. God bless you.

I still learn as a child. And seeing something new in god is priceless. Love in action.

Lord Jesus, please "liberate the oppressed" in Afghanistan, the oppressed in North Korea, and the people of Ukraine. Have mercy on our hurting world!

You have me clicking the subscribe button! Great work & Very edjumicational!! That was my funny for the day :)

We are saved by faith alone, but not a faith that remains alone!

ορατε οτι εξ εργων δικαιούται ανθρωπος και ουκ εκ τιστεως μονον. "You see that a man is being justified from works and not from faith alone." Justification comes both by having πιστις και εργων. Νοt works of the law, as Paul says, but works that demonstrate one's faith. However, I would like you to elaborate on the present continous passive verb (δικαιοω). This is the real heart of the matter. If there are no works then there can be no saving faith. This is why faith without works is dead. If one just denies James' claim, like Luther did, then it is an epistle of straw. Please comment on how one is continuously being justified by both faith and works. thanks your comments were helpful

Thanks for explaining this. I loved the Greek and Hebrew explanation. I have always thought of this with an example of a chair. I can say that I have faith that a chair is strong until I am blue in the face but if I refuse to sit in it, it is demonstrating that I don't really have the faith I said.

This reminded me of the reminant of grace which means that no one can earn the grace of God because it is given to all. There is a sermon here on RU-vid called the reminant of grace and I always found it to be a good explanation. I think it's true to someone we feel like we need 20 lucky charms for God to be like okay I'll bless you now not realizing that he gives his love without the need for us to jump through a flaming hoop. Also I think people who can't see that message often have the evil spirit of condemnation and that's why they reject it so badley and try to give behind self righteous yet if there is anything the bible teaches us is that God never worked with anyone who was righteous in fact you work with people that were flawed.

Thank you, Pastor Robbins. I love your videos. ❤

I really love how you explain those verses.learning so much from you,thank you and God bless you more Brandon!!

Dear brother, this is one of the most powerful, impactful "sermons" I have ever heard!

James 2:15 “Yea, a man may say, I will show thee I have faith without works; but I say, Show me thy faith without works, and I will show thee my faith by my works” James makes it clear he means our faith is SHOWN by our works, they aren’t separate. One causes the other We know because of Matthew that if we are good, what we produce will show that Mathew 7: 16-20 “16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” This is talking about identifying false prophets, but i think it’s also used to identify the faithful. A Good tree will produce good fruit as much as an corrupt tree will produce corrupt fruit. Our faith caused us to want to be like Christ and do good wherever we go. Our works are the result of our faith. We do good BECAUSE love God. BECAUSE we have faith. They don’t contradict, because they are the same.

Your ministry and sharing of the gospels is so beautiful, my friend! Thank you Brandon, and I would be honored to speak with you someday. Your ministry is beautiful about works and faith, we can still work on increasing our Faith. We underestimate God when we underestimate ourselves and each other. I have Faith in the God that allows me to keep enjoying and experiencing moments, and my goal is to eliminate the Lies of money. Poverty exists because of human selfishness, but nothing God creates could be considered "poor".

Great teaching, Brandon - faith is proven by obedience! We could paraphrase this, “Show me your faith without obedience and I will show you my faith BY my obedience.” Faith without obedience is dead faith, not saving faith. I really appreciate how you tied this into the total context. We so often learn to quote verses in isolation from context (you know, like “judge not” and such.)

Excellent. This is a very important aspect of our Christian faith

A person who is saved has the Spirit of God in him. The believer's good works show that God is in him. A heathen can do good works and think they will show that he deserves to be let into heaven. But the saved person is already in heaven, and he works because it is natural for God in him to do good works.

Yes! The difference in hebrew and Greek thought is absolutely exposed in the language. Hebrew is an extremely concrete language. They didn't abstract well. Which is to a large degree why these spiritual concepts in the law became literal actions (strapping boxes with the commandments inside to their foreheads...frontlets between your eyes) Greek on the other hand abstracts extremely well.

Best explanation of this troubling, controversial passage in James, I have heard. Faith alone does not mean faith that is alone but I love the way he explains the difference between Jewish & Greek thinking. Love it.

Thank you Pastor Robbins. I don't really know how to carry out the task of that Greatest Commandment, but I will try. My actions need to get more action in them.

Beautiful leson, Brandon. Thank you for helping me gain a way to articulate this very matter. It always amazed me the arguments generated over this passage wjen, once I think about it the intention of those on both sides of the issue were actually in agreement. They simply did not know how in the English language to understand it.

It means exactly what it says. It doesn’t need explained. You have faith? Good. But if don’t have works, your faith is meaningless. If you love Him, you will obey Him. Period.

You teach me something new every week.thank you.

I would love to see this brother delve into the apocalyptic gospel with John Harrigan, Bill Scofield, and Josh Hawkins. It's excellent stuff. I really appreciate his work. Context is key! The Torah isn't bad; it's actually amazing. And it's for us and teaches us how to live as free humans that have been made in the image of Elohim. It's heartbreaking to see so many skew the Torah into something bad. Maranatha.

James is correct and his writing is commendable.

I agree, if you truly believe, there should be some kind of action involved saying "I think exercise is good for you" but never doing it is useless. Same as calling God and Jesus your Lord (aka master) but never doing what His will or what He asks of you, and/or remaining in sin. Jesus has a couple of scriptures about this, where He says many will say to me Lord Lord, or why do you say Lord Lord but do not do what I tell you?

Faith without works is dead, and works without Faith is dead also!

Concerning what you said about the Greeks, all thoughts take place in the mind (of course) and there's nothing wrong with ideas, concepts, questions and theories. Kudos for them, they were thinkers.

The Book of James is not about Salvation. It is a Book about justification in the eyes of Men about your faith by works.

Faith doesn’t require action it produces action

Please do not take offense to my comment. I’m only trying to bring clarity. There is some VERY important context that is missing that will help give more insight into what James is saying. First James is not talking about justification in the eyes of God. He’s talking about justification to us (humans on earth). The verses after a verse are important, but also the verses prior. James 2:18 he says, “show me your faith apart from your works and I will show you my faith by my works.” This is why Paul and James could both bring up Abraham as their example. Paul was explaining how Abraham was saved/justified by faith before any works. Genesis 15:6 says, which he believed on God and was credited for righteousness. This was BEFORE he ever offered Isaac, so therefore he was saved before the “works” that James mentions. Abraham was saved by putting his faith in God. So James is speaking about justification to humans. Another proof of this is to look at who James is speaking to. This letter was written to the 12 tribes which were the Jews who were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria because they were being persecuted for their faith (we read this in Acts 8:1 and Acts 11:19). These Jews were running from Saul (who would later be named Paul, the writer of much of the New Testament) because he was persecuting Christians... little bit of history --> the Bible is not written in chronological order nor should it be understood that way. The book of James was written sometime between the events recorded in Acts 8 up to Act 15… why Acts 15? We see in Acts 15, that James and some of the other Apostles are actually with Paul discussing the works and salvation. Paul and James were actually together, but the letter of James was written to the tribes being persecuted by Saul (aka the same Paul with James in Acts 15). So the Bible isn’t in chronological order. But back to the point. In Acts 15, Paul gets into a huge debate with some of the religious leaders on the issue of faith apart from works, circumcision, and keeping with the law and they told him to go talk to the other Apostles about this issue and see what they say. After discussing with the Apostles, they (Peter, JAMES, Paul and others) were all in agreement that salvation was APART from works. Acts 10:44-45 was/is evidence of those who believed receiving the Holy Spirit (proof of our salvation) when they BELIEVED. This was apart from works. So James stood in agreement with Paul that they were justified (eternal salvation) apart from works. Then in Acts 15:7, Peter stands up and says (I’m paraphrasing) stop telling them they they must do these things that is only a burden on them. Something that no one could accomplish. It is by grace that we are saved just like everyone else. Then later (Acts 15:13), James (the same writer we are discussing) stands up and says, we need not to tell those turning to God to do all these things, but we should urge them not to do these things. Not to do these things to be saved, but because they are saved, that’s not how they should act. This is consistent with what James is teaching on in chapter 2. Believers shouldn’t act like this. They shouldn’t favor the rich over the poor. That’s not right. That’s not what God would have/want from us. So James is in agreement with Paul. So he’s not speaking about eternal salvation when he talks about being justified. He’s speaking about justification in the sight of others (James 2:18). The faith that Abraham and Rahab acted on, justified them in the sight of others. Not only that, but it was a faith that benefited them. Abraham became the father of many nations because of his faith. Rahab and her household was spared in the destruction of Jericho because of faith. Because they ACTED on what they believed. They put their trust in God and it benefited them. It came to life. What James means when he says faith without works is dead, he’s DOESNT mean they aren’t saved (eternally) and aren’t real believers, but he’s saying if you never act on your faith, you will never see it come to life. And it’s true. If we never act on our faith because we have a weak faith (which is possible), our faith will just lie there, as if it’s dead. Benefiting and doing nothing for us or even others. We will never get to experience all that God has for us. Works grow our faith and mature us. Brings our faith to maturity. When we put our faith to work, when we act on it, it perfects us. It brings us to a place where God is showing up and showing out in our lives here on this earth. So James is not speaking on a salvation that justifies us before God. He and Paul agree that we are saved by grace through faith. He’s saying we reveal to others what we believe, that we are saved, when we do what God commands us to do. I hope this helps bring clarification.

Brandon, I love your videos! Abraham's faith goes even beyond your short summary.... Isaac was a miracle child born by Sarah who was in her 90's. It was to fulfill a promise God made to Abraham multiple times that his descendents would be more numerous than the stars. Abraham must have adored Isaac. Abraham's entire future and promise from God rested entirely on Isaac, yet when God asked Abraham to kill Isaac, he obeyed. Even though it contradicted God's earlier promise, and didn't make sense, Abraham acted in faith to trust in what God told him to do, and only stopped when he was told to stop. That's faith

We all want to hear, "Well done good and faithful servant!" but we won't hear it unless we do something well. Therefore do everything as unto the Lord and what you do for the least of these you do it unto Him. Persevere to the end.

Salvation in the Church-Age is by Faith alone.

Your explanations are always insightful. In this video you demonstrably show what Catholics believe and that the artificial challenge of Faith Alone is silly.

Great presentation!

Just as the text and context says very clearly, "Faith without works is dead". James also says, "Works without faith is also dead". James' words and intention completely agrees with Paul's messages on faith, works and grace. and although James does have a specific point of reference, his statement CANNOT be limited to just that intention of James letter. Hence we thank Holy Spirit that He brings these words to our attention. Indeed faith without works IS dead. Because "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Hebrews chapter 11)... it's as if faith is truly dead. It takes us back to basics of Salvation and being "Born-again" (John 3:14). IF we are born of the Spirit there WILL BE works that follow..... Not all perfect works all at once, but certainly a desire and flow of Faith FROM the direction and inspiration of God

Your works is proof you have faith.

Catholic Church has been teaching this for thousands of years and has been consistently attacked by Protestants for this truth. Thanks for explaining the Catholic teaching on faith and works 👍

I've always thought about the story of sacrificing Isaac was a test for Abraham, which I'm sure it still was. But I've never thought about it in that way. It sheds some more light on it. Thanks :)

So good!

What about James 2:24 - Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only?

You are loved! Jesus is real and alive! The KJV Bible is true! It's the real, God breathed, word of God!!! You are loved!! Jesus loves you so much, that He died for you!! He paid for all sin for all time with His death on the Cross! He rose again on the third day!!! To prove that He is God and that you have been declared innocent! We all sin! The instant you believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord, you are Saved from the penalty of sin, which is death! Jesus already paid your fine, in full!!! Call on Jesus! Believe and run to Him!!! Just as you are!!! His arms are wide open!!! 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 John 3:15-18 Ephesians 2:8-9 Romans 10:9-13!

This is so deep and inspiring.

Thanks!

This is what we Catholics believe and act upon. It's good to hear YOU say it! We get blasted by fundamentalist protestants all the time on this issue. "We are given Grace to do the good works God gives us" ( paraphrased, I think.)

It means keeping Torah! Plain and simple.

The greatest commandment was to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and mind (heart mind and strength in Deuteronomy 6). The second was like unto it, love your neighbor as yourself…Matthew 22:34-40

This is a POWERFUL SERMON

A very interesting analysis of the text, whitch resonates with my own understanding. I feel that compassion for our neighbour - our fellow man in need, manifests by default, with our deeper Awakening, or as other faiths say, enlightenment or salvation. If one has to be told to help a neighbour, or you have to force yourself to “do the right thing” you are clearly not awakened - you have not realised and awakened the Devine that you are. I’m personally not keen on the word “salvation” as this implies another issue.

God bless you

Faith in Jesus can only be validated by our acts of faithfulness. These acts of faithfulness are evidenced by the good works we do for others. Ergo, if our faith in Jesus does not translate into good works, we are taking Jesus for a ride. So can faith alone bring us to heaven? Yes of course, but only the kind of faith that’s deep and mature enough to produce good works.

Truth to all of this.

I got really excited when I saw this, because I apparently have a very novel reading of James, and I thought someone else might have come to the same conclusion. James 2:15-16 isn't really an example. It's a metaphor, where the words "be warm and well fed" represent faith, and the meeting of physical needs represents works. If the two correspond then the words were meant. If not, the words are hollow. The examples are Abraham and Rehab in the following verses. I think it is significant that the examples of acts of faith are not acts that are independently meritorious. They are good only in the context of being works of faith. They are actions taken because the people really believe in God and his promise and so are the seal of faith. Until the acts are completed there is room for escape, but completing the acts shows that they are trusting in God.

Perhaps we could say that Works is the fruit of Faith.

The algorithm is weird, i just finished editing a video study on faith without works and then your video popped up!

I believe many would agree with me when I say that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone. What is the benefit of works? The benefit of works is allowing the light of Christ in you to be of help to others which should also motivate others to want to believe in Jesus Christ. I also believe that our faith , and our works are all gifts from God because in John chapter 6 verse 44 it talks about how God draws people to Jesus therefore it is God‘s power that allows us to believe in Jesus subsequent works would also be a direct gift from God after faith has been established.everything starts with Jesus and ends with Jesus

James 2:15 sounds like works involves giving to charity, whether money,food or clothes. You say works is to " love your neighbor ". It sounds like james is saying " loving your neighbor isnt enough". I dont think " love your neighbor as yourself " is the works james means.

The work of faith is love and love is work. Faith produces Love . The work of the spirit is the fruit of the spirit ,whereas are personal work is love. Can a loveless faith save you? The demons believe but do not love GOD

Faith is obedience to Christ, our first act of obedience is repentance from sin and turn to Jesus as Lord and as we continue to obey Jesus we continue in faith.

There are two (not one). Love God with all your heart soul mind AND your neighbor. Faith works, work faith.

This ties in with Matthew 25:35-40

The way i see it is connecting it with Romans 4 bc in Romans 4 Paul also talks about Abraham being justified by works, but it says not before God meaning you're justified by works before men but justified by faith before God.

Works is about how you show your love for God the Father through faith given by the Holy Spirit and your acceptance of Christ as your Savor, and in order to fully understand this you need to understand the Old Testament. Let's keep this simple. Do you obey the commandments of God through sacrifice in order to love God? Yes or No? If no, this is where you should start to WORK.

Very true…. I agree

I have a struggle here. Paul makes it clear in 2 Thess 3:10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. There were people back in Biblical times who liked to live off the community, rather than participate in it. We see it today as people see themselves as deserving of food rather than working for it. In the great depression of the 1930s, men would be willing to work for a meal, chopping wood, weeding the garden, shoveling snow. But today, people want you to give them money. In fact, some people play the beggar as a living. Easy money, no taxes. As I see it, I help the people I know, but am reluctant to give money to some stranger for purposes which cannot be verified.

So simple yet so edifying. Thank you, brother.

Spent many hours on this passage. I found some clarification in Dietrich Bonhoeffer’ s discussion, but your discussion is even mote helpful. Thank you.

AwEsomE = love. Love is an example set over time and sacrafices made for the betterment of others. 🎉