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THE FAITH THAT SAVES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2
James 2:14

Ephesians 2:8-10

 

“For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus

unto good works…”

 

THE FAITH THAT SAVES
 
The Epistle of James was written long before Paul’s letter to the Romans. Therefore, James was not trying to debunk Paul’s doctrine of salvation. Paul was also not trying to do away with James’ teachings. The Bible is God’s Word and, being the Author, God does not contradict Himself. James is confronted with professed Christians who do not manifest Christlike character in their lives. They say they are believers of Jesus Christ but they are not following His teachings. They profess they have Christ, but they did not possess Him.
 
A faith in words only cannot save: The Apostle speaks of a false profession of faith. “Though a man says he hath faith…” (James 2:14) indeed intimates a hypocritical boast of an empty faith, which is devoid of a regenerated life. James disputes with those who made a false pretence of faith because there is no evidence seen in their lives (Titus 1:15-16).
 
A faith that saves produces works: When James asks, “Can faith save him?” the context tells us that he was asking, “Can that faith which he says he has, save him?” “That faith” is dead and does not save because it does not produce any works. The faith discussed here is the professed faith only. James is not questioning whether faith can save or not. Paul explicitly declares, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; … For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:8-10).
 
Therefore, James is not in conflict with Paul about the basis of salvation, as some interpreters have maintained. They are not standing face-to-face confronting each other, but are standing back-to-back fighting two common enemies. Paul opposes works-righteous legalism, and James contends easy-believism. However, both of them make clear that God-given faith will result in salvation which produces works, which is a sure indicator of genuine conversion.
 
THOUGHT: Do I say that I have faith only?
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for the grace to repent of my sins and believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

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