Faith Without Works Is Dead

The battery was dead. My car looked clean and tidy from the outside. It had all the parts. The wheels were shiny black, the paint was shiny, the car was washed. The interiors were all clean and even smelled great. It looked like it was ready to roll, but the car wasn’t going anywhere with a dead battery.

Has that ever happened to you? That’s what James is trying to say when he writes, “faith without works is dead.” It looks like it should move. It seems like it should take you somewhere. But it doesn’t. It’s lifeless. This is why the popular “name it and claim it by faith” principle does not work. Because your faith must always be accompanied by a corresponding “work” that demonstrates your faith.

I truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. I truly believe the bible is the Word of God. I came across verses such as Mark 11:24 – Whatsoever things you ask for, when you pray believe you have received it, and it shall be yours, and John 14;13 – “Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

I firmly believed this and whenever I encountered a challenge in life, I prayed an honest prayer firmly believing that it would come to pass. But over time, I learned this truth. “Faith without works is truly dead”. I had faith, but my life did not align with Jesus’ character, will, and purpose. I had faith in God’s Word, but I was still battling sin in my daily life. I had one foot in the world and one foot in God’s Kingdom. I held on to the pleasures of sin, but also wanted all the goodness promised by God. My faith did not have corresponding works that demonstrated my faith. I came to Christ from a Hindu background. I was exposed to idol worship, black magic and fortune tellers. I initially expected some miracles to happen the same way with Christ too.

Many people claim to have faith. They believe in God, attend church, and even know plenty of bible verses. But faith is not meant to be parked; it’s meant to move—through actions, obedience, and love. If our faith doesn’t overflow into how we live, treat people, and make decisions, then it’s like a car with a dead battery—just sitting there, going nowhere.

What Did James Mean by “Dead Faith”?

James wasn’t saying we are saved by our works. Let’s be clear—salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). But once we are saved, something must change in us. Real faith produces action. Real faith bears fruit.

If one has truly encountered Christ, it is impossible for that person to remain unchanged. Their faith causes them to naturally have some corresponding “works” such as an eagerness to be free from sin, eagerness to love others enough to share the gospel, an eagerness to help those in need when you can, and an eagerness to forgive because you have been forgiven. Such corresponding “works” that accompany faith is essential for your faith to be alive and vibrant. Such a person is considered righteous and the prayers of a righteous person avails much.

Think of it like this:
A tree that’s truly alive will eventually bear fruit. Even in tough seasons, you can still see signs of life—green leaves, strong roots, a little growth. But a tree that’s dead? No fruit. No life. Just standing there, slowly rotting. That’s the difference between living faith and dead faith.

James is saying: Show me your faith by how you live.

Let’s say you meet someone who’s hungry and cold. You smile and say, “Bless you, brother. I’ll pray for you!” But then you walk away without giving them food or a jacket. Did your faith help that person? No. Your words may have sounded nice, but they meant nothing without action.

Jesus didn’t just preach. He healed. He served. He loved. He acted. And if we claim to follow Him, then our lives should reflect His.

The Gym Membership

Imagine someone buying a gym membership and telling everyone they’re committed to getting fit. But they never actually go to the gym. They don’t work out, don’t change their eating habits, and don’t sweat a single drop. A year later, they’re still unhealthy. Why? Because believing in the benefits of fitness is not the same as doing the work.

Likewise, believing in God is not the same as following Him. True faith changes how we live, how we forgive, how we treat others, how we spend our money, how we speak, and how we love—even when it’s hard.

You may say, “I believe in Jesus.” Great! But how has that belief changed your life?

• Are you more loving to those who hurt you?
• Are you quick to forgive?
• Are you generous when someone is in need?
• Are you using your gifts to serve others?
• Are you growing in your obedience to God’s Word?
• Are you intentionally battling sin and fleeing from sinful habits?

Faith is not just what we believe. It’s how we live. People should be drawn to you not because of how wonderful you are, but because they see Christ in you. After all, we are ambassadors for Christ, are we not?

Don’t Just Talk the Talk—Walk the Walk

Faith is a gift from God. But like any gift, it’s meant to be used. When we act on our faith—when we serve, forgive, encourage, give, and love—we show the world that our faith is alive and real.

So, let’s not settle for a shiny, parked car with no power. Let’s jumpstart our faith and take it for a drive—fuelled by obedience, love, and trust in God.

Let your actions speak louder than your words.

Because truly… faith without works is dead.