We do not add our actions to faith in order to be saved. Faith expresses itself in action. For this
reason, James speaks of action as the evidence of a faith that already exists. James affirms what
Paul teaches by contrasting true faith with false or “dead” faith. Works or actions are the fruit of
a faith that saves, not the basis for our salvation. We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ apart
from any effort of our own. Yet those who are saved in this way are enabled to put their faith
into practice by the transforming work of Christ and the power of His Spirit.
When considering the relationship between faith and works, the order is critical. In the
Christian life faith always precedes works. If we reverse the order, the relationship between the
two becomes toxic.
Our acts of obedience are grounded in the knowledge that Jesus earned our righteous standing
by His own obedience, and He paid the penalty for our sins by shedding His blood on our
behalf. This is the only work sufficient enough to reconcile us to God (Heb. 9:14; 1 Peter 3:18).
i say -----I know ---I know ---you already addressed this --------thank you
