James 2:14-17
What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Christian faith is an interesting thing. Salvation is given to us freely. The cost was paid by Jesus on the cross. All a person has to do to receive salvation is believe in Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and turn from their sin. Scripture even calls it a free gift.
However, upon receiving the free gift, a believer’s heart and mind is instantly moved to good works. While the gift itself is free, the response to the gift is a life of humble service to God. Salvation is the only transaction that costs nothing, yet manifests service. It’s not a payment. It’s a joyful response.