For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Todd Reinhard
It seems to me that the full verse of James quoted above implies that works motivate faith (just as the spirit motivates the body). That is completely antithetical to the Protestant stance on the issue. Any help here? God bless.
James Kraft
If good works would save us, then Jesus died in vain. But since we are saved we do good works to glorify God. Our good works count nothing toward our salvation because Jesus paid for all our sin. James is saying that it is normal for a saved sinner to do some good works, but those add nothing toward our salvation. Even our faith is accounted for righteousness.
Many times I think we do good works without knowing. That is when the Lord is working through us. And if you think about it, all of the good works that we do are because we are saved. If Jesus had not saved us what would we have been like. That is why we have nothing to boast in except the cross.
James is not saying that we are saved by works, but when we are saved we will do at least some good works. If you are married and honor your wife and keep yourself pure to her you are doing a good work. If you do not steal, you are doing a good work even when you are tempted. If you shovel the snow from your neighbor widow lady's driveway and sidewalk, you are doing a good work. But take no thought for yourself and do it to bring glory to God.
We are saved by the grace of God only, but we do good works to glorify God.
I hope this helps
Derrol PORTER
Ephesians 2:8-10, explains all we need to know on the subject. Paul explains that after one is saved through grace, then good works are part our new nature and creation. Before salvation all works that one may do are from flesh, after a new birth then good works flow from a new spirit created as God's workmanship. John 6:28-29, says the only work that pleases God before salvation is the work of believing in Jesus who He sent. Research the word good in Titus 1:6, and you can see that saving faith births Good Works.