Part II. The doctrine: D. Faith and Works

Faith and Works

Faith is certainly the prime mover in spiritual life, but it must be endorsed by works. Our Lord gave us the commandment to work in accord with our faith on more than one occasion; besides, He gave us the parable of the talents, declaring to us that it is by our good works that others will glorify our Father Who is in heaven. The Disciples did not only teach, they were an example to be followed. We are told that faith without works is dead : “Thou believest that there is One God; thou doest well ... shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works ...” (James II : 14-26). And the cause for the rapid spread of Christianity during the early centuries lay in the lives of those who believed. Such was their example that it is recorded in the history of the Copts that when the Pagans found a person behaving courteously, talking politely and dressed decently, they would ask him “have you met a Christian today ?” insinuating that the mere meeting with a Christian was sufficient cause for such behaviour.