RPG Adults
THE PERFECT FAITH
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9
James 2:22
1 Peter 1:7
“…the trial of your faith,
being much more
precious than of gold...”
THE PERFECT FAITH
James clarifies that faith is wrought together with the believer’s good works. Out of his good works, faith is being made perfect. The Lord Jesus exhorts, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matt 5:48). It shows how important good works are to faith. Please remember that this does not speak of good works being added to faith in order to save. No one can do good except he be saved first.
Faith wrought with his works: The word “wrought” (James 2:22) refers to one engaging in an activity together with another, i.e. to be active together. This reveals the oneness of works with genuine faith such that they are not separate from each other. Thus, Hebrews 11:17 says, “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son.”
Faith made perfect by works: James 2:22 says that “by works was faith made perfect.” It is not that salvation requires faith plus works, but that works are the consequent outgrowth of genuine faith. Genuine faith is said to have been perfected by works because genuine faith is proven to be genuine by works. Therefore, faith is the cause of salvation; and works are the effects of salvation. The effects demonstrate the cause, just as good fruits demonstrate that the tree is good.
We now see how good work is essential in the lives of genuine believers. A mere confession of faith does not show what genuine faith is. A true, born-again child of God will do what his Father wants him to do. Works that are fitting for children of God must be seen in the lives of children of God.
THOUGHT: Do my works prove that I have saving faith?
PRAYER: Father, strengthen my spiritual body to do the works Thou hast for me so that others may come to the saving knowledge of Christ.