Beyond MeSample

Faith First

James—a New Testament writer and leader in the Early Christian Church—tells us that faith without works is dead. What did he mean? Does a person have to do good works to earn their way into Heaven? Nope.

According to the Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 2:8-9, our salvation comes from faith, and even our faith itself is a gift of God. The answer to this seeming contradiction is found in Titus 3:8, which says, …Those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.

Believing—the faith part—comes first, BEFORE good works. We receive salvation by faith in Christ alone, without any of our prior exemplary deeds or acts of goodwill. But upon becoming a Christian, doing good works should be our natural response to God’s immense love for us. Our faith in God is put into action when we do what He asks. Without works, faith is just a theory. Obeying God is the key to our faith coming alive!

In a million years we couldn't work long enough or hard enough to earn the saving grace Jesus bought for us when He died on the cross for our sins—it’s beyond ourselves. Doing good is our response to the unconditional love God has already given us. Understanding this is a key to living the happy, joy-filled life God has for YOU!

As you engage with God’s Word:

● What is God saying to you?

● What does it mean to you?

● What action step do you need to take?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.