J.C. Ryle: The Works of a Professing Christian

"The works of a professing Christian are of great importance.  They cannot save your soul.  They cannot justify you.  They cannot wipe out your sins.  They cannot deliver you from the wrath of God.  But it does not follow because they cannot save, that they are of no importance.  Take heed and beware of such a notion.  The man who thinks so is fearfully deceived.

"I often think I could willingly die for the doctrine of justification by faith without the deeds of the law.  But I must earnestly contend, as a general principle, that a man's works are the evidence of a man's religion.  If you call yourself a Christian, you must show it in your daily ways and daily behavior.  Call to mind that the faith of Abraham and of Rahab was proved by their works (James 2:21-25).  Remember it avails you and me nothing to profess we know God, if in works we deny Him (Titus 1:16).  Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'Every tree is known by its own fruit' (Luke 6:44)."