What does it mean that faith without works is dead?

TL;DR:

Faith must always result in works. If there is no fruit in our lives showing that we are His, our “faith” is suspicious.

People generally act according to what they believe: the facts they accept. For instance, if we believe a stove top is hot, we will not place our hand on it. If we believe vitamins are essential for good health, we will take them. Good marketers persuade people to believe they need a certain product to induce people to buy it. But it’s possible to act against our beliefs. What we can’t act against is our ultimate trust in something: our “faith.” Actions always require some level of faith, and without some faith, no actions are possible.

The actions that result from our faith are no different from those that result from other of our beliefs. If we truly believe God is who He says He is and that the Bible means what it says, we will act accordingly.

Faith without works is dead because genuine faith results in a transformed life and actions that reflect belief. True faith is not just intellectual assent but leads to good works that glorify God. James 2:14-26 and John 15:1-17 emphasize that faith is demonstrated through our actions, as a branch bears fruit when connected to the vine. While works do not save us, they are evidence of a faith that has genuinely saved and transformed us. Our good works, empowered by the Holy Spirit, reflect the change that has occurred in our hearts and confirm the reality of our faith.

from the old testament

Israel worked diligently at the sacrificial system but didn’t put their trust in God (Isaiah 29:13).
Our best efforts aren’t much more valuable than a stench in God’s nose (Isaiah 64:6).

from the new testament

John commanded those getting baptized to do works of repentance (Matthew 3:8).
Jesus healed a man who said he believed and then continued to sin (John 5:5-14).
Those who believe in Jesus should stay in constant communion with Him (John 15:1-17).
Our faith means nothing if there are no works to show it (James 2:14-17).

implications for today

When we have true faith in Christ, we are made new (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our lives are transformed and good works result. Faith is not intellectual assent only; it involves life change. Our faith is evidenced by the way we live. Once we are saved, our lives will produce good works. We are a reflection of Christ. As such, we do good to those around us (Galatians 6:10). We are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17), so we act in new ways. The works we do come from a transformed heart and by the work of His Spirit in our lives. Jesus said that people would know His followers by their love (John 13:35). In this way we are a light to the world (Matthew 5:14). Good works, then, demonstrate the veracity of our faith and the character of the God in Whom we believe.

Faith without works is dead because true faith transforms a life. A lack of works implies that there is no deep, ultimate trust in those ideas. It is also true that works without faith are dead. Jesus said that some would call Him "Lord, Lord," but would not enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23). Some of these people will not have demonstrated the fruit of good works. Others will have done works apart from faith in an effort to save themselves. All our works are as filthy rags to God apart from Christ (Isaiah 64:6). They are tainted by our sin and not sufficient to take us from being dead in our trespasses (Colossians 2:13) to being alive.

understand

Genuine faith results in a transformed life which reflects that belief.
Works do not save us but are evidence of a faith that has genuinely transformed us.
Works confirm the reality of our salvation; a lack of works does not prove we are lost, but it’s more consistent with unbelief than with salvation.

reflect

How do your daily actions reflect your faith?
Where in your life do you see transformation as a result of your faith in Christ, and how are you actively reflecting that change?
How can you ensure that your works are not done in an attempt to earn God’s favor?

engage

Some people, such as those in the Catholic tradition, believe that works play a role in salvation, viewing them as necessary to cooperate with God's grace. This perspective contrasts with the biblical teaching that salvation is solely through faith in Christ, with good works being the fruit of that faith rather than a means to earn salvation.
How can we help others understand that good works are a result of salvation, not a means to earn it?
What does it look like to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to transform our actions and produce fruit in our lives in keeping with our faith?