John Gill Commentary James 2:17

"Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself." — James 2:17 (ASV)

Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone . ] It is like a lifeless carcass, a body without a soul, (James 2:26) for as works, without faith, are dead works, so faith, without works, is a dead faith, and not like the lively hope and faith of regenerated persons: and indeed, such who have no other faith than this are dead in trespasses and sins;

not that works are the life of faith, or that the life of faith lies in, and flows from works; but, as Dr. Ames observes ^F2 , good works are second acts, necessarily flowing from the life of faith; to which may be added, and by these faith appears to be living, lively and active, or such who perform them appear to be true and living believers.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F2: Medulla Theolog. l. 2. c. 7. sect. 35.