Faith Alone or

Faith and Works?

7 April 2022
Edited version of an original article by Prakash Nazareth

One of the most enduring questions in Christian theology is this: Are we saved by faith alone, or by faith together with works? Some Christians strongly affirm salvation by faith alone, while others insist that works are also necessary. Why does this difference exist? More importantly, what does the Bible actually teach?

To answer this, we must look carefully at Scripture as a whole, paying attention to context, audience, and the harmony between faith and action in the Christian life.

Scripture and Salvation by Faith

Many passages in the New Testament clearly emphasize faith as the foundation of salvation.

A powerful example is the penitent thief on the cross:

Luke 23:40–43
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

This man, moments from death, had no opportunity to perform good works or follow religious laws. His salvation rested entirely on his faith in Christ.

Jesus Himself repeatedly teaches the necessity of faith:

Mark 16:16 — “The one who believes and is baptized will be saved.”
John 3:14–16 — “Whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”
John 3:18 — “Those who believe in him are not condemned.”
John 5:24 — “Anyone who hears my word and believes… has passed from death to life.”
John 6:40 — “All who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life.”
John 20:31 — “Through believing you may have life in his name.”

The apostles echo this teaching. St Paul, writing to Gentile converts, stresses that salvation is not earned by observing the Mosaic Law:

Acts 13:38–39 — “Everyone who believes is set free from all those sins.”
Acts 16:31 — “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”
Romans 3:21–28 — A person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Romans 4 — Abraham is justified by faith, not works.
Romans 10:10 — “One believes with the heart and is justified.”
Ephesians 2:8 — “By grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God.”
Philippians 3:9 — Righteousness comes through faith in Christ.

At first glance, Scripture seems clear: we are saved by faith, not by works of the law.

Passages That Seem to Challenge This View

Other biblical texts, however, place strong emphasis on works.

In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31), Jesus describes a rich man condemned not for explicit wrongdoing, but for ignoring the poor man at his gate. His failure to act with compassion leads to judgment.

Romans 3:31
“Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.”

Most notably, St James writes:

James 2:17
“Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”

So is the Bible contradicting itself?

Understanding Paul and James Together

The key lies in understanding the audience and purpose of these writings.

St Paul addressed Gentiles who were being told that they had to become Jews—through circumcision and strict observance of the Mosaic Law—in order to be saved. Paul firmly rejected this idea. Salvation, he taught, comes through faith in Christ, not through adherence to Pharisaic interpretations of the Torah.

St James, on the other hand, wrote to Jewish Christians who already professed faith but failed to live it out. They showed favoritism toward the rich and neglected the poor.

James 2:14–17
“If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and you say, ‘Go in peace,’ but do nothing—what good is that?”

James is not denying salvation by faith. He insists that true faith must be visible in love and action.

The Teaching of Jesus: Faith Expressed Through Love

Jesus consistently teaches that faith must lead to compassionate action.

In Luke 16:19–31, the rich man’s failure was his inability to see God’s presence in the poor man before him.

This teaching reaches its climax in the Parable of the Judgment of the Nations:

Matthew 25:31–46
“I was hungry and you gave me food… I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Here, judgment is based on whether love for Christ was expressed through love for others.

Faith, Charity, and Freedom: Pope Benedict XVI

Pope Benedict XVI clarifies the harmony between faith and works by explaining that Christian freedom is not freedom from love or responsibility, but freedom from a legalism that cannot save.

For St Paul, the Law meant the Torah in its entirety. While the Law cannot save, it is fulfilled in the twofold love of God and neighbor. Faith unites us to Christ, and this union necessarily produces charity.

There is no contradiction between Paul, James, and the Gospel. Charity is the fruit and fulfillment of faith.

Conclusion

So, are we saved by faith or by the law?

We are saved by faith. But authentic faith is never isolated or inactive. It includes charity—the lived expression of Christ’s love in our relationships with others.

If we claim to believe in Jesus yet fail to recognize Him in our fellow human beings, our faith is incomplete. As St James reminds us:

James 2:17
“Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.”

True faith believes in Christ, lives His teachings, and sees His face in every person—regardless of wealth, status, or background. Only then is faith made complete.

References

Benedict XVI, General Audience, St Peter’s Square, 19 November 2008
Image credit: Flickr (Creative Commons BY-ND 2.0)

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