Faith Manifested by Works
Works is the test of genuine faith. Says James, "Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works." But while works are the test of faith, faith and works are by no means distinct and separate. Works are only the outward manifestation of the inward faith. It is the faith that works, and without faith no works would be done. So works, being the outward manifestation of faith, become the test of that which one may profess to have. But if genuine faith manifests itself in works, and those works must of necessity be good, does not credit belong to the individual for his good works?—By no means. The faith is the "faith of Jesus Christ," and the good works are only the manifestation of Christ in the individual. The man of himself is sin, and sin only. He can do no good thing, but when controlled by the Spirit, "it is Christ that worketh" in him, and the life that he lives, he "lives by the faith of the Son of God." Christ is all and in all, and from him emanates every sincere purpose, holy desire, and righteous work.