Note 2 at Lk. 5:20: Faith is what Jesus saw and rewarded (Heb. 11:6) with forgiveness of sins and healing. Certainly, this man and his four friends had corresponding actions (Jas. 2:17), and that's how Jesus saw their faith (see note 4 at Mk. 2:5, p. 88). However, he had done none of the works (i.e. water baptism, keeping of the law, etc.) which some people teach must be done to receive forgiveness of sins. The man's faith saved him. We should obey every command that Jesus gave and have good works (Eph. 2:10), but holiness is a fruit (Rom. 6:22), and not a root, of salvation.