What did James mean when he said that faith without works is dead?

“This does not mean that true faith is dead until works bring it to life, as some seem to construe it. James is here writing of showing charity to the needy, and very truly declares that to believe without acting would be a dead thing. If one believes and does not put his faith into activity, it is like the miser's money while locked up in his chest. The money may be all right, but it will not be useful for practical business if it lies idle. So a man's faith will be of no practical benefit while it is not coupled with obedience” (John R. Daily, Zion's Advocate, Vol. 44 [1905], emphasis added).

Thank you to Valtteri Lahti for finding this quote. If you come across a Free Grace-friendly quote, send it to me.

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