What does the Bible teach about faith and works?

Scriptural teaching underscores that genuine faith will naturally produce good works as evidence of a transformed life. In James 2:26, it states that 'faith without works is dead.' However, this does not imply that our works contribute to our justification before God. Instead, they are the fruit of a faith that genuinely trusts in Christ for salvation. The Reformed perspective emphasizes that we are justified by faith alone, as articulated in Romans 3:28, which affirms that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

This understanding helps counteract any form of legalism or self-righteousness, reinforcing that our works are a response to God’s grace rather than a means to earn our salvation. The good works we perform are motivated by gratitude and love for God, acknowledging that any righteousness in our lives is a result of God's work within us. Thus, while works are important in demonstrating genuine faith, they do not play a role in securing our standing before God, which is accomplished solely through faith in the redemptive work of Christ.