I realized quite some time ago that the modern debate (largely between Protestants and Roman Catholics) positing "faith alone" versus "faith and works" is largely meaningless in the light of the early Christian understanding of faith as a dynamic, experiential thing. This quote from Irenaeus is an excellent short summary of that understanding.
And for this purpose did the Father reveal the Son, that through His instrumentality He might be manifested to all, and might receive those righteous ones who believe in Him into incorruption and everlasting enjoyment (now, to believe in Him is to do His will); but He shall righteously shut out into the darkness which they have chosen for themselves, those who do not believe, and who do consequently avoid His light. (St. Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, book 4, chapter 4, paragraph 3)
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