How do we know that faith is real and not just a belief?

True faith is not merely intellectual assent to doctrinal propositions but is a supernatural gift from God that produces a radical change in a person's life. As seen in James 2:17, 'faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.' This passage highlights that genuine faith will be accompanied by works, serving as tangible proof of its authenticity. A faith that does not lead to a changed life is not saving faith; instead, it is merely a dead faith. The works that follow real faith arise out of love and are a direct response to God's grace in the believer's life.