James 2:17

"Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself"."Even so" -Just like mere words directed at. Christian in need are completely worthless, so faith that isn't active is completely worthless."if it has no works" -Remember we aren't talking about works of human merit or observing the Law of Moses. Rather, we are talking about faith that does the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21), faith that actively obeys the will of God. The present tense here is used in the Greek, "it if keep on not having works"."is dead" -"destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative" (Thayer p. 424). (James 2:20) Note that such. faith is presently useless, it isn't in danger of dying, it is completely dead right at this very moment. "being by itself" -"being alone" (KJV), "by one's self, alone" (Thayer p. 163). Here is what so many religious people claim as being the only condition for salvation, that is, faith that is alone, "faith only". James makes it clear that "faith alone" is completely worthless. Carefully note that if faith which says something is dead ("be warmed and filled"), then how much more is pure mental assent--- something which is absolutely worthless! Clearly, we do not gain God's favor at the moment we believe that He exists (John 12:42). Jesus notes that many will end up lost who had "faith" that He is the Son of God (Matthew 7:21).