Don't get caught up in the word WORKS.

James 2:17-21 Don't get caught up in the word WORKS.

This is some scripture that gets debated so much because of the word works. That’s apparently a bad word or a convicting word . So I'm going to post the scripture but instead of using works I'm going to use evidence and action.

7 So also faith by itself, if it does not have action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have actions.” Show me your faith rapart from your actions, and I will show you my faith sby my actions. 19 tYou believe that God is one; you do well. Even uthe demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from actions is useless?

7 So also faith by itself, if it does not have evidence, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have evidence.” Show me your faith rapart from your evidence, and I will show you my faith sby my evidence. 19 tYou believe that God is one; you do well. Even uthe demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from evidence is useless?

By using action and evidence doers it change the meaning of the verse's .? No It gives better understanding .

Works = Action = Evidence=Faith indeed.

No works = No action = No evidence=No faith

NASB James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

Most versions just say”be doers of the Word” I like the NASB because its a stronger command “ Prove Yourself” Show me the evidence ?. How do you get the evidence?

Works = Action = Evidence .

Works are needed as evidence of faith Acts 26 :20bbut  that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance. Deeds ,Actions ,Works inline with repentance

Waymouth New Testament

James 2:22 You notice that his faith was co-operating with his actions, and that by his actions his faith was perfected; 

Notice faith and actions co-operating together and by his actions faith perfected ,might even say maintained and strengthened.

By not having works = actions =evidence then then you have no faith!

Heb 6:4For it is impossible, in the case of those qwho have once been enlightened, who have tasted rthe heavenly gift, and shave shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and thave tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 anduthen have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since vthey are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

Greek :phōtizō =enlighten meaning:to enlighten, spiritually, with saving knowledge

Works strengthen our faith ,it produces evidence for those around you ,it maintains you salvation. With out work or action you will fall away with no opportunity to return.

May I encourage you today to put your faith into action and do the works God has set before you.

Eph 2:10For fwe are his workmanship, gcreated in Christ Jesus hfor good works, iwhich God prepared beforehand, jthat we should walk in them.