James 2:14-19
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
James 2:14-19 NIV
Genuine faith is visible only to God in the inner heart of a saved person, but genuine faith is not visible to other believers as we cannot see into the heart of one another. Only the fruit of saving faith can be demonstrated through the good deeds that are carried out to the glory of God by the spiritual Christian who is walking is spirit and truth.
We are encouraged to walk, day by day, in spirit and truth so that we will produce fruit, much fruit, and more fruit to the glory of God. James starts to address the important issue of faith, a living faith, a demonstrable faith, a faith that honours God and demonstrates true Christian character.
He quite correctly states that Christian faith should be accompanied by acts of kindness, good deeds, and worthy works. He explains that good works, kind actions, and generous gestures, should be the identifying mark of every child of God and no believer would argue with this position.
However, these verses causes certain Christians some concern. They fear that if a Christian does not demonstrate good works in their life, their faith is dead, which they interpret to mean that they have lost their eternal salvation.
However, when the whole council of God is sought, it is very evident this position conflicts with the vast majority of Scripture which clearly teaches that we are saved by grace, through faith and not by works lest any man should boast.
James is pointing out that a lack of good works in the life of a Christian demonstrates dead faith. However, dead faith does not equate to loss of salvation as many teach, but rather loss of reward. God has prepared good works for each one of His children to carry out in their Christian life.
Works that are carried out in the strength of God rather than through our own efforts, are good works which will be rewarded. They are good works that are fulfilled through God's sufficient strength and they are described in Scripture as a living faith.
The spiritual Christian who works the work of God in His power and strength, has a living faith. The carnal Christian who does not work the works of God, has a dead faith. The former has a living faith, while the latter who does not honour God in His Christian life, is said to have a dead faith.
The carnal Christian who tries to do good deeds in his own strength or does them for his own glory, has a dead faith. He remains saved by God's grace, because of his faith in Christ's finished work at Calvary, but he is saved as though by fire. Saved but without any spiritual reward. Saved but demonstrating a dead faith.
There are many that profess faith in one God which is a teaching that not only dominates Christianity but also Judaism, Islam, and other religious groups and certain cults. But as James points out, you believe that God is one and you do well, the demons also believe, and shudder.
Yes, even the fallen angels and unredeemable demons, believe in the existence of God but they tremble at the coming judgement and final punishment, which they know awaits them.
Belief in One God is a step towards biblical faith, but believing in the wrong God is an unbiblical faith that leads to condemnation. True faith must be placed in the One and Only, True, Living, and Eternal God, and His Son, Jesus Christ, Whom He has sent.
Faith and its fruit are inseparable attributes of the child of God. To have faith is to live by faith. To live by faith is to work by faith. To live and work by faith is to glorify God by a fruitful faith!!!
Father thank You for this day and that You sent the Lord Jesus Christ to be the propitiation for our sins and that our salvation is through trusting in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ and does not depend our good works. Lord let Your abundant blessings be my friend and family’s portion today. Lord as we walk in spirit and truth, we pray that You would be seen in us and that we may bring forth the fruit of good works in our lives, to Your praise and glory. Lord we pray that we may work the works of God and demonstrate a living faith that honours Your Holy Name. Lord we pray that we will not try to carry out dead works in our own strength but rather that we will demonstrate a living faith using You as the pattern for our Christian walk. Be a blessing.
Father, we love You amen !
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