Although we are saved by faith, our belief in our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9, 10), if we truly believe, our life will show forth "good works;" not because we have to in order to work our way to Heaven, but out of a heart of love and understanding of what God has for others.

The scripture passage in James 2:17, 18, 22 says:

"Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works...Do you see that faith was working together with his work, and by works faith was made perfect?"

The study notes in the Spirit-Filled Life Bible, of which Pastor Hayford served as General Editor, says of verse 18:

"Our works show the genuineness of what we profess." Concerning verse 22:

"Working together, sunergeo. Compare "synergist" and "synergism." From sun, "together," and ergeo, "to work"; hence, to cooperate, help, collaborate, colabor. There is a practical harmony or synergism between vertical faith in God and horizontal works to a needy world. Faith is both spiritual and practical."

The study notes in the Spirit-Filled Life Bible under Philippians 2:12, 13 says:

In view of the obedience of Christ and His lordship, the Philippians should show a like obedience. Paul does not teach that salvation is dependent on one’s continued works, but that salvation must express itself in progressive Christian living and upright character, not only individually, but through obedient participation in God’s corporate call to a local church.upright character, not only individually, but through obedient participation in God’s corporate call to a local church.

Without denying man’s freedom, Paul stresses God’s part in man’s salvation, both in its initial resolution and in its subsequent progress.