The New Testament is full of references to faith as the foundation of righteousness and a power for the accomplishment of good. The same is true of our Leader's great commentary on the Bible, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures." But we are reminded, in no uncertain terms, in both the Bible and in Science and Health, that inactive faith is dead. It must result in good works to be effective. If not, it is little better than mere belief. James said, "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" And again, "Seest thou how faith wrought with his [Abraham's] works, and by works was faith made perfect?" The faith that does not inspire and impel to works of righteousness, done in love, is of little worth to the believer and profiteth nothing to others, but good works, done in faith, are profitable both to him that gives and to him that receives.
One of the characteristics of the Christian Science religion is its imperative requirement that our faith shall be demonstrated by the good works we do by reason of that faith. Jesus was not content solely to preach the gospel, but he went about doing good. He not only declared by word of mouth that God would heal the sick, he demonstrated by the healing of the sick his faith in God, thus proving that what He preached was true. So must we do, if we are to maintain the teachings of our Leader and prove our faith in God and in the teachings and works of the Master. It is not enough to say, I believe, I hope, I have faith. Our works alone will prove the strength and purity of our faith.
We are told that "the just shall live by faith," and that, "being justified by faith, we have peace with God;" but we are also told that faith without works is not faith, being dead. Therefore, to be justified and have peace with God we must be active in good works, and our faith must "not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." So, from the standpoint of a Christian Scientist our work is twofold; first to overcome and destroy faith in matter and material things, and second to inspire and maintain faith in God and spiritual things. One is faith in the wisdom of men, the other faith in the power of God. The latter cannot exist completely, in fulness and purity, without the destruction of the former. "When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away." Nor can the works be effective if not done in love. It is only "faith which worketh by love" that availeth. "Now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity," and if I "have not charity, I am nothing."
