“But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:18-20).
Satan is the master counterfeiter. If he cannot defraud you of your immortal soul with his “faith” and words scam, he may be able to convince you that “faith” or works is the way for you. This is a win-win proposition for him.
On the one hand, you can place such a high regard upon “faith” that you discount the need for any sort of obedience. You embrace “faith only” and claim that all works are meritorious and, therefore, unnecessary. (In our world today, this is called the Protestant approach.)
On the other hand, you can place such a high regard upon works that you discount the need for faith. It is unnecessary if you perform a sufficient number of meritorious works. (In our world today, this is called the Catholic approach.)
This false dilemma of faith vs. works is a hoax. Faith without works is dead. Works without faith is useless.
Though wildly popular in today’s religious world, “faith” or works is a scam.
