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FORMULA OF GENUINE SALVATION
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5
James 2:18

Titus 3:8

 

“…they which have believed in God
might be careful

to maintain good works…”

 

FORMULA OF GENUINE SALVATION
 
James gives a hypothetical situation where someone says to him, “You have faith, and I have works.” Which one of these two has genuine salvation? Can a man show his faith without works? Such a man can only say he has faith, nothing else; whereas the man who has works has the evidence of his faith.
 
Faith equals salvation without works?: This is a wrong formula. James challenges those who claim to have faith but do not produce works. The redemption wrought by this kind of fake faith is no redemption at all. Such faith is the faith of a false believer. Even though he may mimic the true believer and try to do good works, the Lord knows his works are not of God because it is not a product of the salvation wrought by God-given faith. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt 7:22-23).
 
Faith equals salvation plus good works: This is the right formula. True faith by God’s grace gives new life. This salvation will surely bring forth works profitable to men and that will glorify God. The Lord Jesus “…gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
 
The Roman Catholic Church holds that both faith and works are needed to earn salvation. “Good works” through the sacraments and devotion to the church adds to the merit of Christ. On the other hand, today’s liberal Protestants and modernistic churches teach antinomianism. Faith to them is identification with Christ without a manifestation of Christ in them. For them, a professing Christian can live any way he wants. The biblical faith is the living faith that James teaches. Faith alone brings forth salvation, and salvation brings forth a Christ-like conversation.
 
THOUGHT: Am I truly saved or not?
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for the assurance of salvation in my life which produces the good works which Thou hast ordained for me to do.

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