How can faith die?

Dead faith isn’t new. In fact, in James Epistle, he shared, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).

Christ inspired James to highlight the works of faith. James faced people who didn’t live in active faith. God used James to heighten the way He wants believers to use their conviction of salvation.

Many people misinterpret the link between faith and work. This debate over what brings God’s salvation into a person’s life shows a division between sound biblical doctrine and one that lacks holy truth.

Religions that base their mission statements on works don’t anchor themselves in true doctrine. They stay blinded to God’s truth about the origin of how He grants salvation. I think we can agree salvation comes from God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8) and through faith in Christ (John 14:6). And these two scriptures clarify God’s position on salvation.

Inactive Faith

The divine insight Jesus granted to James shows why faith leads to works. He isn’t saying works are the reason for salvation, but faith isn’t alive without carrying out good deeds.

James put it this way:

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

James 2:26

James reemphasizes Paul’s outlook on holy works:

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

One of the best descriptions of a dead faith comes from Apostle Peter. In his second epistle, he warns us of the reality of an inactive faith.

Peter shared this:

For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.

2 Peter 1:9

Before Peter disclosed that verse, he discussed growing faith through action (2 Peter 1:5-7). Peter shows us the necessity to work with our faith in these scriptures.

Another excellent example of dead faith comes from Apostle John. In the book of Revelation, John recorded Christ’s letter to the seven churches. When He spoke about the church of the Laodiceans (Revelation 3:14-22), it exposed their unwise choice to stay idle in their faith.

The interesting part of God’s book is these two realities are still being practiced today. In fact, many Christians aren’t active in spreading their faith to others in the western world. They cannot show the works of a living faith. Instead, they forget God called them to work for Him (James 1:23-24).

A complacent faith weakens our ability to fight off the devil and allows Satan’s temptations to cause us to sin. As a matter of fact, it blocks Christ’s courage to overcome the devil’s cunning and deceptive plan (Ephesians 6:11). So letting faith die is unwise.

Given these points, we discover the need to do work for God. In living in His will, our actions radiate a faith anchored in good deeds because faith without action is useless.

Faith in Action

The solution to dead faith is Christian action. Nothing pleases God more than watching us live according to His purpose. In walking in Christ’s footsteps, we show others the fruits of the Spirit. This means putting God’s words into action.

Apostle Paul put it best:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 5:22-24

Paul speaks of the daily bread needed to live an active Christian life in these two verses. He lists nine spiritual principles that depend upon personal exertion. It takes effort to show others those holy attributes.

Each of these virtues isn’t noticeable to others unless we act on them. So, the essence of a true Christian’s transformation from darkness into Christ’s light comes from the Holy Spirit. Through God’s Spirit, we radiate a regenerated heart and show people the inner changes Christ brings to a faithful follower (Titus 3:5).

But the most interesting evidence of an active faith came from Christ. Christ teaches us how to trust in Him and follow the narrow gate in each gospel.

For example, in Matthew’s Gospel, he recorded the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5, 6, 7). Contained within this homily are lessons on how to live an active faith. Loving our enemies is a prime illustration of putting faith in the works (Matthew 5:43-48). And forgiving others (Matthew 6:14).

Jesus, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Paul show us faith is a verb. I must follow their lessons because they are God’s truths.

My Experience

In my experience, living an active faith brings me a holy strength. This mighty power comes from my relationship with Christ and gives me resolution to life’s circumstances. Because when I put forth effort in practicing Jesus’s words during troubled times, an inner peace enters my soul. And I realize the problems don’t consume my mind, heart, and spirit.

For instance, one of my coworker’s behaviors isn’t pleasant. This person is bossy and acts like an authoritarian, and I resented this persona. But I didn’t let my animosity grow because I confessed it to God and asked Him for forgiveness. I prayed for the person and no longer held ill feelings toward her.

On another occasion, I needed a job change. So, I prayed several times for God’s answer. I began a job search but wasn’t successful. This work environment kept getting worse, and I continued relying on Christ. I ended up leaving the job without having another in place.

Even though I stayed jobless for a few months, my trust in God gave me a fearless approach to a tricky situation. My financial commitments didn’t suffer (God is exceptional). During these months, I continued living in God’s purpose by helping others, forgiving people, and proclaiming Christ to unbelievers.

God placed me in a new job. This new employer He provided far exceeded my expectations. God is outstanding, isn’t He?

These are only two experiences. I’ve had countless personal records of Christ’s incredible and profound results from a working faith. I’m sure you’re with me when I say God is Almighty!

Given these points, faith without works is dead. Since the Bible is God’s undeniable word and He inspired His trusted servants to record it (2 Timothy 3:16-17), I must believe its entire message.

What are your thoughts on dead faith?