February 17, 2012, Reading

2:14	My brothers, what benefit is there if someone claims to have faith, but he does not have works? How would faith be able to save him?
2:15	So if a brother or sister is naked and daily in need of food,
2:16	and if anyone of you were to say to them: “Go in peace, keep warm and nourished,” and yet not give them the things that are necessary for the body, of what benefit is this?
2:17	Thus even faith, if it does not have works, is dead, in and of itself.
2:18	Now someone may say: “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works! But I will show you my faith by means of works.
2:19	You believe that there is one God. You do well. But the demons also believe, and they tremble greatly.
2:20	So then, are you willing to understand, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
2:21	Was not our father Abraham justified by means of works, by offering his son Isaac upon the altar?
2:22	Do you see that faith was cooperating with his works, and that by means of works faith was brought to fulfillment?
2:23	And so the Scripture was fulfilled which says: “Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.” And so he was called the friend of God.
2:24	Do you see that a man is justified by means of works, and not by faith alone?
2:26	For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

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