by Dave Brown
Ye often hear it said ...
but James said (James 2:24):
"Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith."
Notice that James is not saying that we are justified by works only, or works apart from faith. However, the context of James 2:14f shows that faith and works are inseparable. If you have the type of faith that God requires it will result in good works. Thus, if you are not producing the works of God, you do not have saving faith.
Jesus emphasized this to his disciples in John 15:5-10: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing. ...If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love." When we refuse to observe God’s commandments, then we cease to be abide in him.
This is not salvation by perfect obedience, which is impossible since we have all sinned (Rom. 3:23). It is salvation by the grace of God that is conditional on our faith in Him. This requires us to learn his will for us and then to do it to the best of our abilities. Those who believe in God must also "seek after Him" (Hebrews 11:6).
6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and (so) shall ye be my disciples.
9 Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love.
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.