Living Faith

In this passage of Scripture, James addresses the correlation between faith and works. To be clear, he is not promoting a “works-based” form of salvation, for our redemption was an effort of God (alone) by which we are justified by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (alone). Ephesians 2:8-9 states: “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.” Similarly, Paul also taught the churches at Rome (Romans 3:20-22): “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…”

What is James endeavoring to communicate about the relationship between our works and faith? He is not describing saving faith but rather a Spirit-led lifestyle that reveals the faith acquired from God. In other words, our deeds become the “outworking” (cf. Philippians 2:12-13) of our complete confidence in God’s salvation, character, and promises. What we believe, we shall live out.

Can we honestly claim to be servants of Christ without observable, measurable, evidential, visible fruit of transformation in our lives? Here is a practical illustration of what I mean: When a prosecuting attorney has indicted a defendant for murder, an accusation alone is not sufficient proof that such a person is a murderer. In building a case, the prosecutor must compile evidence and facts that prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of murder. There must be evidence. Notice that a person’s words and actions reveal the disposition of their heart, even if such beliefs are criminal. Similarly, while we can’t always be certain, the Bible offers signs of a true believer. Such a person will bear fruit in their lives as evidence of the indwelling Spirit, which was the catalyst for their new birth in Jesus on the day of salvation.

Today, some professing Christians have concluded that they can have faith in Christ and live contrary to His Word. They believe in Jesus as Savior but not as Lord (Master) to be followed and obeyed. For those who hold this opinion, I ask: Can a tree claim to be a banana tree when apples are observed to be produced on it? Remember, Jesus taught (Matthew 7:17-20): “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.” Paul also taught (Galatians 5:22-23): “But the fruit [evidence] of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (23) gentleness, self-control…” No Christian is perfect; however, such fruit should increase in frequency and grow 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 (alone) saves no one.

Later in chapter 2, James reminds us that the evidence of Abraham’s faith was his willingness to offer his promised son, Isaac, as a burnt offering, as God commanded (Genesis 22). His obedience was fueled by his faith in God. He believed that God would fulfill His promise to Isaac to sustain his life and provide a lamb as a substitute for the required sacrifice (cf. Romans 8:32; 1 Peter 1:18-19). This is why James says of Abraham (James 2:22): “You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.”

The message is this: True living faith obeys God and takes Him at His word. The evidence of saving faith is trust in God at its root. If my profession of faith is true, then growth in holy living is the evidence. If I BELIEVE, I will also DO what He says! Like the body apart from the spirit, faith without works is dead. True faith always produces the fruits of God.