Can the body live without the spirit? Can a plant boast of being a banana tree if the fruit it actually bears are apples? Can we truly profess to have a faith in Jesus Christ that does not accompany affirming works (i.e., kingdom fruit) as the evidence of its existence? This is the question James addresses in Chapter 2 of his letter. He confronts counterfeit Christianity. Just like in the first century, there remain those who define belief in Jesus Christ to be that only of mind….a sort of intellectual faith. James teaches that genuine faith is ultimately the matter of the heart.
James begins, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” (v14). Is he now advocating that works save? By no means! Remember, the Bible teaches that salvation is given to us by God by his grace, not by merit, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, (9) not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Eph 2:8-9). Concerning the matter of salvation, we are in a passive spiritual position before God. He does all the work, by which we are the beneficiaries.
What does James reveal about the interworking of faith and deeds? Like a fig tree that fails to bear its fruit, so is a faith without works. A faith that does not reflect our love for God and our fellow man is worthless, lifeless, and fruitless. This is why James offers a practical example to elucidate what he means, “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, (16) and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” (v15-16). Does a person who has little to no desire act out their faith actually possess faith? Does the attitude of such a person who appears to only have a intellectual faith (i.e., head knowledge) of God imitate the character of our Savior? Remember, Jesus did not just declare he was the “Bread of Life”, but he also showed compassion on the multitudes who had been with them for days and were starving. He actually fed them bread (and fish) to care for their physical needs as well (Jn 6).
True faith moves from the mind and takes root in the heart that bears fruit for all to see (cf. Mt 13:18-23). Our lifestyle is the evidence of genuine faith. For James reminds us, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (v17). Much like the body apart from the spirit has no life.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com