Focus Scripture: James 2:14-17
In this passage of scripture, James addresses the correlation between faith and works. To be clear, he is not promoting works-based salvation, for our redemption was an effort of God (alone) by which we are justified by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). Paul also taught the churches at Rome, “For by the works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes the knowledge of sin. (21) But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it -(22) the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe…” (Rom 3:20-22).
What is James endeavoring to communicate about the relationship between our works and faith? He is not describing saving faith, but rather Spirit-led lifestyle that reveals such faith acquired from God. In other words, our deeds are the “outworking” (cf. Phi 2:12-13) of our full confidence in God’s character and promises. What we believe, we shall live out.
Can we truly claim to be a servant of Christ and there be no measurable, evidential, visible fruit of transformation in our lives? Here is a practical example of what I mean. When a prosecuting attorney has indicted a defendant of murder, an accusation alone is not sufficient proof such person is a murderer. In building a case, the prosecutor must compile things a person said and actions they committed that prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the identity of murderer applies to the defendant. There must be evidence. Notice, a persons words and actions are combined to reveal the heart disposition the person lived by, even if such belief is a crime. Similarly, while we can’t always be for certain, the Bible offers us signs of a true believer. Such person will bear fruit in their lives of the indwelling Spirit that was the catalyst of their regeneration.
Today, there exist professing Christians who have concluded they can have faith in Christ and live a life contrary to his word. They believe in Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord (Master) that is to be followed and obeyed. For those who hold this opinion, tell me………. Can a tree claim to be a banana tree, when apples are observed to be growing on it? Jesus taught, “So, every healthy tree bears good fruit; but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. (18) A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. (19) Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (20) Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Mt 7:17-20). Paul also taught, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control…” (Gal 5:22-23). No Christian is perfect; however, such fruit should be increasing in frequency, and growing daily in our lives as evidence of our faith. A living faith produces Christ-glorifying fruit empowered by the Spirit. Remember, a profession of faith does not save anyone.
Later in chapter 2, James reminds us that the evidence of Abraham’s faith was that he was willing to offer his promised son Isaac as a burnt offering as God commanded him (Gen 22). His obedience was fueled by his faith in God. He believed that God would maintain his promise of Isaac to sustain his life, and provide a lamb as substitute of the sacrifice that was required (cf. Rom 8:32, 1 Pt 1:18-19). This is why James says of Abraham, “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;” (Jam 2:22).
The message is this: True living faith obeys God and takes him at his word. The evidence of saving faith has trust in God at its root. If my profession of faith is true, then growth in holy living is the evidence. Like the body apart from the spirit, faith without works is dead. True faith always produces fruits of God.
(Other suggested scripture readings for further study and reflection: Matthew 5:14-16, Galatians 2:20, 5:16-23, Eph 2:10)
Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com