Why Catholics Believe Faith and Works Go Together

Why Catholics Believe Faith and Works Go Together

A question often asked by non-Catholics is how faith and works relate in the Catholic understanding of salvation. Some believe that Catholics rely on “good works” to earn salvation, while others think faith alone is sufficient. The truth in Catholic teaching is that faith and works are inseparably connected, and both are essential for a living, authentic Christian life. Understanding this balance begins with Scripture, is explained through Church teaching, and is supported by centuries of theological reflection.

Catholic teaching on faith and works begins with the Bible. James 2:17 states, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” This passage makes it clear that faith is not only an internal belief but must be expressed outwardly through action. Similarly, Ephesians 2:8–10 emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith, but also notes that we are created “in Christ Jesus for good works.” Catholic theology does not see these verses as contradictory; instead, they describe a harmony in which faith motivates works, and works demonstrate the authenticity of faith.

Faith, in the Catholic understanding, is the initial response to God’s grace. It is a gift from God that enables us to believe in Him, accept His promises, and enter into a relationship with Christ. Works, on the other hand, are the tangible expression of that faith. They include acts of charity, obedience to God’s commandments, participation in the sacraments, and moral choices that reflect Christ’s teachings. Works are not a way to “earn” salvation independently; they are a necessary fruit of living faith. Without works, faith remains incomplete, just as a tree without fruit is not truly alive.

The connection between faith and works is also evident in the teaching of Jesus. In the Gospels, Jesus consistently calls His followers to love God and neighbor through action. The parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25:31–46 illustrates this principle clearly. The righteous are praised for feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick, while the unrighteous are condemned for failing to act. These passages show that works are a visible expression of faith in God and love for others. Faith that does not result in love and action is not fully aligned with Christ’s command.

The early Church consistently taught this integration of faith and works. Church Fathers like St. Augustine and St. Irenaeus emphasized that faith is alive only when it transforms life into acts of love and obedience. The Council of Trent in the 16th century clarified the Catholic understanding against the Reformation debates, affirming that salvation is by grace through faith, but that grace calls for cooperation through good works inspired by that faith. The Church continues to teach that faith alone is insufficient for salvation if it is inactive or separated from love expressed in action.

Catholics also understand that works are empowered by God’s grace. They do not rely on human effort alone. Participation in the sacraments, prayer, and cooperation with the Holy Spirit strengthen believers to act according to God’s will. For example, when a Catholic gives alms, volunteers, or forgives someone who has caused harm, these works are a response to God’s grace and a demonstration of faith lived out in real life. They are tangible ways to participate in God’s plan for the world and grow in holiness.

Faith and works are therefore complementary rather than competing. Faith is the root; works are the fruit. One without the other leads to imbalance: faith without works is dead, while works without faith risk becoming mere moralism or self reliance. Catholic teaching shows that both are necessary for a faithful Christian life, and both point to the transformative power of God’s grace in the believer’s life.

In conclusion, Catholics believe that faith and works go together because Scripture, Church teaching, and tradition all point to a unified vision of salvation. Faith is the foundation that opens the heart to God, while works are the living expression of that faith. Through faith-inspired actions, Catholics grow closer to God, serve others, and participate in the redemption offered by Christ. Faith and works are not opposing forces but complementary dimensions of the Christian life, showing that true belief is active, tangible, and rooted in love.