Bible version: REV (Revised English Version)

True faith is a matter of the heart and is “trust” and “allegiance” to Jesus, which fundamentally changes how a person lives. This is contrary to the popular idea that “faith alone is all you need.” While salvation is granted solely by grace through faith, and not by works, the Bible teaches that genuine faith is never alone and must be evidenced by obedience and loving action.

Faith is not something we merely do in our mind; rather, it is something that happens in our heart that then changes how we live.

Popular Christian culture promotes the idea that “As long as I believe in Jesus, how I live doesn’t really matter that much.” This is not what the Bible says.

Faith is “trust,” “allegiance,” and “dependence.” Faith is not mental assent or agreement with an idea. It is a disposition of the heart that results in outward action in one’s life.

But Jesus said, “Only believe!”

Mark 5:35-42 (cf. Luke 8:49-56)

Some take Jesus’ words out of context and make it seem like he was saying that is all a person needs—period. Faith is required for God’s power to operate effectively in a person’s life. But “faith” is never truly alone. It is always accompanied by obedience.

Galatians 2:16

We are declared righteous by trust, not by our works. The basis for salvation is trust (i.e., faith). Our works do not contribute to the gift of salvation that we have received.

Titus 3:5-7

God saved us, but not because of our works.

Acts 16:31 (cf. Romans 10:9-13; John 3:16-18)

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

James 2:14-26

True faith is a faith that works! When you trust God, there will be a change in your life according to that trust.

Galatians 5:13

Freedom is not being “free from all things.” It is freedom with purpose—to love one another as Jesus loved us. That means serving one another and not doing whatever we want.