Paul said that his mission was “to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake” (Romans 1:5). We have tended to separate faith from obedience. Faith is expressed by obedience. Faith itself is an act of obedience. Faith without obedience is not faith. If we believe, we act on that belief. Faith and obedience are joined as one and cannot exist in isolation from each other.
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? James 2:17-20 (NASB)
