Scripture: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” – James 2:17
Examination: James writes about the interconnection of faith with works. He declares that it is not the works that save, but rather the works come as a result of one’s life after salvation. It is a direct result of being saved and becoming a child of God.
Application: Believing in God is not enough to be classified as placing one’s faith in Him. The Bible tells us in James 2:19, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Satan believes in God, as do his evil angels, but there is no repentance or salvation for demonic beings.
Like anything else in life, having faith in someone or something involves active decision-making. Having faith in God means that a person couples their intellectual belief , the knowledge received from the Word of God, with purposeful action related to that belief.
Faith in Jesus involves the intellectual belief that He is the Son of God; He did die on the cross to pay for our sins, and He rose from the grave 3 days later. The purposeful action is repenting of your sins, asking Him for forgiveness, making Him your personal Lord and Saviour, and surrendering your will to His in every aspect of your life.
Once a person’s faith and trust is placed in Jesus, and His gift of salvation has been accepted, that faith is reflected in a new life lived according to the Scriptures. 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Being “new” in Christ means there is a life change. Titus 2:11-12 tells us, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”
Our faith in Christ should be manifest in what we say, what we do, how we interact with others, and how we give to God what He deserves from us. Faith in action is our testimony to a lost and dying world that Jesus is the One who makes the difference in our lives. Hebrews 13:21 tells us that faith in Christ will “make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Let your works shout to the world that you belong to Jesus and He belongs to you!
Memory Verse: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” – Colossians 3:23
My life, my love I give to Thee,
Thou Lamb of God who died for me;
O may I ever faithful be,
My Savior and my God!
I'll live for him who died for me,
How happy then my life shall be!
I'll live for him who died for me,
My Savior and my God!
(from “I’ll Live For Him” by R. E. Hudson)