By works, faith is made perfect

Posted on Nov. 19, 2025, 8:51 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre

Faith by itself is defined as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb.11:1) Faith is made perfect when it is working together with action towards God and towards fellow man. When it is coupled with a life of good works towards fellow men and obedience to God’s will. Names of some people of God that expressed their faith through good works are listed in the hall of fame of the Holy bible in Chapter Eleven of the Book of Hebrew. They are good for examples and for our admonition also. It shows that good work is the action that manifests perfect faith. It is recorded that Abraham faith was tested when God called him to offer his promised son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. By faith without questioning God, Abraham in obedience sought to offer Isaac as a sacrifice. The Bible says, “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect.” (James.2:22) His obedience to God was the manifestation of his faith and trust in God. His obedience was hinged on his faith that God was able to raise Isaac from the dead if he were to sacrifice him. (Heb.11:19) His action made his faith perfect and alive. The harlot, Rahab was another example of an individual that proofed her faith through good work. (Joshua.2:4-16) Rahab expressed her faith in the God of Israel who is in the heaven above and on earth beneath. She and believed also that the God has given the city of Jericho to the children of Israel. (Joshua.2:9) She demonstrated her faith by her kindness to the two spies that came to spy the city of Jericho. She did not only hide them, but she also helped them to escape, preserving the lives. “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Heb.11:31) Her kindness to the two spies made her faith perfect. It means therefore that faith is not mere confession with mouth that one believes in God, but a believe that is expressed through action. One’s faith must be manifested by one’s kind-hearted actions towards others and obedience towards God. Apostle James asked, “what does it profit, my brethren if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?” (James.2:14) He concluded by saying “Thus also faith by itself if it does not have works is dead. (James.2:17) It means that faith that is perfect and alive is expressed through good works. The works in this context does not refer to keeping the commandments of law but good works towards one’s fellow man. It does not mean also that faith comes through work, but that perfect faith produces good works and obedience. Perfect faith responds to both the will of God and to the needs of the people, more importantly the need of the people of God. Brethren, Abraham’s obedience to the will of God and Rahab’s kindness to the two spies proofed their faith and made their faith perfect. In the same manner, for our faith to be alive and active in us, and to be complete, it should be expressed beyond praying for people who are in need and requires help, but in providing for their needs also. Our faith can only be evident by our good works in action. Our good works show the genuineness of the faith we profess. It is the way to live our faith daily in practical ways. Evangelism Believers are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The grace is still available. Jesus Christ is waiting for your declaration. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre