St. James 2:26 says, ?...faith apart from works is dead."

The doctrine of salvation is central to Christian theology, with various denominations holding differing points of view on the role of faith and works. A prevalent misconception within some Christian circles is the notion that the Bible teaches salvation by "faith alone." This is incorrect, and today's post seeks to clarify that, according to Scripture and the teachings of the Church Fathers, salvation is NOT by faith alone but involves both faith and works. So, let us begin by taking a deep dive into Scripture.

The Biblical Foundation: Faith and Works in Harmony

As proof against the Catholic view of salvation, Fundamentalists love to quote this scripture:

?For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith?and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God?not by works, so that no one can boast.? Ephesians 2:8-9

Where our Protestant brothers and sisters fall down is they fail

to look at James 2:24.

"You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."  (James 2:24).

By saying that we are justified by ?faith alone,? one must also realize that the expression ?faith alone? only appears once in the Bible, which is in James 2:24, where it is totally rejected.

The New Testament, therefore, provides substantial evidence that salvation involves both faith and works, as read in James 2:24. Let us see what else James has to say.

14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, 16 and one of you says to them, ?Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,? but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it?

17 So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.?

James further illustrates his point with the example of Abraham, explaining that Abraham's faith was "completed by his works" when he offered his son Isaac on the altar (James 2:22). 

20 Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar?

22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works. 23 Thus, the scripture was fulfilled that says, ?Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called ?the friend of God.?

24 See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.?

This integration of faith and actions signifies that genuine faith inherently produces works.

Apostolic Teachings and Early Church Fathers

As you can see, the Apostle Paul, often cited in arguments for ?faith alone,? supports the view that works are integral to a living faith. St. Paul seems to concur. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul states,

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:6). 

This implies that true faith must manifest in acts of love and charity, aligning with James?s perspective.

The Church Fathers also uphold this integrated view.

Clement of Rome, a disciple of the Apostles, writes in his Letter to the Corinthians about the importance of good works:

?Let us cleave, therefore, to those who cultivate peace with godliness and not to those who hypocritically profess to desire it.?

This early emphasis supports the necessity of actions reflecting one?s faith.

The Life of the Saints are Testaments of Faith and Works

The lives of the saints provide compelling evidence of the inseparable nature of faith and works.

Saint Francis of Assisi, for example, is celebrated for his profound faith and corresponding works of charity, which included caring for the poor and sick. His life illustrates how true faith naturally flows into action.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta is another modern example. Her life was a testament to the active expression of faith as she served the destitute in Kolkata. Her works were not separate from her faith but were the direct expression of her faith, driven by her love for Christ.

Modern Theological Insights

Contemporary theologians continue to explore the relationship between faith and works. 

Pope Benedict XVI, in his encyclical "Spe Salvi," clarifies that "faith is hope" and points out that "our actions and their consequences are placed in the hands of God." This encapsulates the Catholic understanding that while we are saved by grace through faith, our actions are essential in cooperating with God?s grace.

Furthermore, the Catechism of the Catholic Church explicitly states, "Faith without works is dead" (CCC 1815), echoing James?s epistle and underscoring the Church?s consistent teaching that salvation involves active faith. (ref. James 2:26)

The Role of the Magisterium

The Magisterium, or the teaching authority of the Catholic Church, was established by Christ to guide Christians in understanding the truths of faith, including the doctrine of salvation. This authority helps clarify misunderstandings and maintain orthodoxy. While our Protestant brothers and sisters may not realize it, Jesus set up the Church over 2,000 years ago to protect its members from straying away from the true doctrine of what Jesus taught and the understanding of what Jesus actually meant. It is not left up to man's individual interpretation, for Jesus knows man way too well.

For example, the Council of Trent was pivotal in addressing the doctrines of salvation during the Reformation. The council affirmed that while salvation is initiated by grace through faith, it is not sustained without our responsive cooperation through good works. This is in direct teaching of Jesus and our Early Church Fathers.

A Call to Holistic Faith

To sum up, this exploration into the depths of salvation reveals that Scripture and the teachings of the early Church do not support the notion of being saved by "faith alone." 

Instead, the Bible and the Church's tradition show that salvation is a synergistic process involving faith and works. This comprehensive approach ensures that faith is lived dynamically and effectively as a catalyst in transforming lives.

As Christians, we are all called to embrace a holistic faith that believes in the heart and, in turn, acts on that belief with works. Therefore, faith is not passive but active in love, striving to fulfill Christ's commandments of love. By understanding and living this integrated approach to faith and works, we align ourselves more closely with the teachings of Christ and the Church Jesus founded.

May the Blessing of Almighty God be upon you and remain with you forever, and may God?s wisdom and understanding be upon you and stay with you forever.

YBIC