Let’s look at what faith is. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1. Faith is not a feeling; however, it claims the promises of God that brings forth fruit. Faith is taking that next step even though we can clearly see that there are no more steps to take. With faith, we are surrendering our thoughts and our ways to trust what God will have for us. Children depend on the parents for food, clothing, and a place to sleep. They have all faith in their parents that they do not worry or see the consequences from the parent’s perspective, but has total faith that everything will work out accordingly. This is the same exact faith that Christ talks about “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 18:3. We must be dependent upon Him for everything; Lord what shall I wear, eat, go etc. The Bible says “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” Hebrews 11:6.

So where does works come in? Are we the ones that produce fruit?

Works is the result of faith; “..faith which worketh by love” Galatians 5:6. The Bible says “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” James 2:21-26. Faith and works work hand in hand; they are inseparable. By faith does the Holy Spirit come in and as a result do the works in us, not of ourselves. The Holy Spirit’s job is to cleanse us from our unrighteousness. The Spirit is given as our guide to lead us in the way. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” Titus 2:11-12. The Holy Spirit is not able to force us to do his will; we have to be willing to obey what the Holy Spirit says. As the Psalmist wrote “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart” Psalms 40:8. When we are lead by the Spirit of God others will begin to see the results in our life without us having to say a word. The Holy Spirit leads us to pray, study the word of God, and be a witness for Him; and the more we listen and obey the more connected we become with Christ, and less of this world. We will begin to see that all the things that this world has to offer does not have a desiring effect; therefore we begin to stand out from the world since we won’t partake in what the world has to offer. This is the transformation that Paul speaks of “ And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” Romans 12:2. Allowing the Holy Spirit to come in and do what’s called some “spring cleaning” from our worldly desires. This is the fruit. If all we had to do was have faith only then why can’t the angels who have fallen make it back to heaven for it says “..the devils also believe, and tremble” James 2:19. It is because their works are not justified, they don’t add up to God’s standard.

We are saved by grace(influence of the Spirit) through faith; the faith that produces works. “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:12.