“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26).
Faith produces the fruit of good works. The problem with understanding faith and works is in getting them out of order. The Bible doesn’t teach us that we can do anything to add to our salvation. It is by faith alone that we are saved. Too many people fall into the religious heresy of working hard to earn salvation when it is a gift from God that comes only by faith.
What, then, about good works? They are a product of faith. Faith comes first. It is receiving God’s gift of salvation without trying to add anything to it. Salvation then changes the way we do things. We aren’t instantly perfect but we are totally and dramatically changed.
Where sin once came naturally it no longer does. We have a new nature. The fruit of the Spirit begins to grow in our lives and we find it increasingly affecting the way we live. Apple trees naturally produce apples and the person who has the Holy Spirit naturally produces His fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
When we believe in Jesus salvation, the Holy Spirit and His fruit are part of the package. We are transformed completely from the inside out. The outward change may take time but it is inevitable when we first believe.
