Faith and Works

In several of his epistles, the apostle Paul clearly states that we receive the saving grace of God by faith, not by works. For example:

By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast

Ephesians 2:8-9; see also Romans 3:28, Galatians 2:16

But James tells us that true faith is always accompanied by works:

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.

James 2:17-18

His challenge, “Shew me thy faith without thy works,” suggests that our faith may be illusory if we have nothing to show for it. He similarly warned, “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22, italics added). There is clearly a temptation to congratulate ourselves on our supposed religiosity when we have nothing to show for it! Just as Paul worries that we might boast of our works, James worries that we might boast of our empty faith.

Several Book of Mormon prophets speak of works as an outgrowth of faith. For example:

• “See that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works” (Alma 7:24).
• “God conversed with men…according to their faith and repentance and their holy works” (Alma 12:30).
• “Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4).

In each of these passages, the faith precedes the works. We believe in God, and we act accordingly. We don’t try to earn His grace, and we don’t claim credit for what we accomplish with His help.

Elder Larry S. Kacher taught:

As we seek to increase our faith, we may be confused by what James taught. He reminded us that “faith without works is dead.” We may stumble if we think everything depends on us. An overdependence on ourselves can impede our ability to access the powers of heaven.

But as we move toward true faith in Jesus Christ, our mindset begins to change. We recognize that obedience and faith in the Savior qualify us to have His Spirit always to be with us. Obedience is no longer an irritant but becomes a quest. We recognize that obedience to God’s commands enables us to be trusted of Him. With His trust comes increased light. This light guides our journey and allows us to see more clearly the path we should take….

Like the Savior, we want to act “not as I will, but as thou wilt.” We want to do God’s work and be an instrument in His hands.

“Ladder of Faith,” General Conference, April 2022

So we might add a parallel declaration to James’s: Works without faith are also dead, because our own efforts are simply not sufficient to fulfill His purposes. We act in faith, striving to do His will and believing that He will magnify our efforts. We don’t act alone, hoping to somehow earn His approval.

As Paul said, we are saved through faith, not works. As James said, we show our faith by our works.

Today, I will exercise faith in God by acting on His guidance. I will remember that my works are the manifestation of my faith and that faith must be the motivation for my works.