"Someone may well say, 'You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.' You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?"
James 2:18-20 NASB
(18) But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
(19) You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe and shudder.
(20) But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
Even demonic faith is better than dead faith!
In recent years, there has been an alarming rise in the number of professing Christians who believe that there is no necessary relationship between what they believe and what they do. They say you cannot judge a person's spiritual condition by what he or she does because salvation is a matter of faith alone as if requiring works violates the principle of faith.
It was that kind of reasoning that prompted James to issue this challenge: "You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works"
James 2:18 NASB
(18) But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
The Greek word translated "show" means "to exhibit," "demonstrate," or "put on display." His point is simple: it is impossible to verify true faith apart from holy living because doctrine and deed are inseparable.
Can you know if someone is a Christian by watching his behavior? According to James, that is the only way to know! In verse 19 he says, "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder." In other words, affirming orthodox doctrine is not necessarily proof of saving faith. Demons believe in the oneness of God, and its implications fill them with fear, but they are not saved. The phrase "you do well" is intentionally sarcastic. The implication is that demonic faith is better than non-responsive faith because at least the demons shudder, which is better than no response at all.
You cannot be a Christian in creed only you must be one in conduct as well! James makes that very clear. Do not be confused or deceived by those who teach otherwise. Continually aim your life at bringing glory to God through the obedient application of biblical truth.
Reaffirm to the Lord your commitment to abide by His Word not mans word.
Grove Oak Church
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