“By Faith”

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. without: some copies read, by 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? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? Seest...: or, Thou seest And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. spirit: or, breath - James 2:18-26

    The faith of God’s elect is a gift of God, not of works (Eph 2:8). Faith in Christ is not an attribute of man. We are not born with faith, nor can we acquire faith by religious works. If we have it, God must give it. Faith has only one object—Jesus Christ. The Object of our faith is the Author and Finisher of it (Heb 12:2). Faith is the result of spiritual life, not the cause. Good works, which God has ordained his people unto (Eph 2:10), and performs in them (Phil 1:6), is the fruit of the Spirit carried on by the Spirit of God (Eph 5:9; Gal 5:22).

    That which is not of faith is sin (or of the flesh) and unrighteous (Rom 14:23, 1 Jn 5:17). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). Faith is always active in producing good works; works which honor and glorify God. Where there is no works there is no faith, and where there is no faith, all of man’s works are self-righteous works. So, it is by faith that God has given, that we live before Him.