James 2:17

“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

The Greek word for dead is ‘nekra’ and literally means: ‘what lacks life’; ‘not able to respond to impulses or perform functions; powerless’. 

Could it be said that…

Faith by itself, if it does not have works, ‘was never even alive’? That a person who claims faith but does not have works was never ‘born again’? 

James is clearly frustrated with ‘religious people’ who don’t have actions that are consistent with faith:

1:26 – “If anyone considers himself religious…”

James is looking for the ‘fruit of faith’ which are ‘actions of love’ like…

2:8 “Love your neighbor as yourself” vs showing partiality. 

Paul looks for the same:

Galatians 5:6

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

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Jesus went as far to say: 

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

If I see a ‘man of faith’ or a ‘religious man’ and there are no actions of love – it just may be that he is powerless, he lacks life, he is dead – because he has yet to be born again.