Dead Works and Living Proof

 

Dead Works and Living Proof

Intro:

We all know salvation can’t be earned — it’s a gift from God. But once we’ve received it, what does it look like in our lives?
This post explores the difference between dead works that try to earn God’s favour and living works that prove our faith through obedience.

When we speak of dead works, the meaning is simple enough: you cannot earn or buy your salvation.
The Word makes it clear — salvation is a gift, undeserved and unearned, received through faith in Christ alone.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9

No amount of ritual, religion, or personal effort can purchase what Christ already paid for with His blood.
To rely on works for salvation is to engage in dead works — things that may look holy but lack the breath of the Spirit.

Yet Scripture balances this truth with another:
Real faith produces real fruit.
We are not saved by works, but the evidence of salvation is seen in what we do.

“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” — James 2:17

Think of Abraham.
When he lifted his hand to offer Isaac, that act didn’t earn his righteousness — it proved it.

“Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?” — James 2:22

Abraham’s obedience was not an attempt to impress God; it was the outflow of a trust so complete that it acted.
That’s living proof.

And Peter — after denying Christ — was not cast away but lovingly challenged:

“Do you love Me more than these?” — John 21:15

Each time Peter answered, Jesus responded with a command: “Feed My sheep.”
Love for Christ is proven not by words but by obedience.
Faith without action is lifeless confession.

There was a moment recently when I had to admit — I have been found wanting.
I saw that parts of my walk had grown comfortable, even complacent. My intentions were good, but my actions didn’t always match my confession.
It was a sobering reminder that God still weighs the heart, and that faith must continually be proved in obedience, humility, and love.

Yet even that realization is grace.
Because when God exposes where we fall short, He’s not condemning us — He’s inviting us to grow deeper, to move from dead effort to living obedience.

We are not striving to earn God’s acceptance — we already have it through Jesus.
But we prove our love and faith by our obedience, service, and endurance.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

Dead works try to reach God through effort.
Living works flow from God through grace.*

So yes — salvation is the gift.
But the proof of that salvation is a life that reflects the Giver.

Faith is the root.
Obedience is the fruit.

Let us not serve to be seen,
but let our lives prove that we know Him, love Him, and trust Him —
just as Abraham did, and as Peter learned to do.

🔥 SHOW ME YOUR FAITH WITHOUT YOUR WORKS, AND I WILL SHOW YOU MY FAITH BY MY WORKS. 🔥

— James 2:18

In His grace,

Signing off

Tyrone ✝️