2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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A DEAD FAITH?
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7
James 2:20
Luke 6:49
“…he that heareth, and doeth not,
is like a man that without
a foundation built an house…”
A DEAD FAITH?
Those who falsely argue that good works must be added to faith in order to be saved popularly misinterpret James 2:20. They conclude, “faith without works” cannot save! Such a conclusion is, of course, erroneous for it lifts the verse out of its context. James did not say that works must be added to faith for it to be alive. Rather, he warns that those who say they have faith yet are not producing works are not regenerated. Their faith is dead. James seeks to show that a person who possesses faith in Christ is vindicated as a true Christian by his works; and that a mere profession of faith not evidenced by works is not characteristic of genuine conversion.
Of ignorant men: James points out the vanity of those who believe that an oral profession of faith is enough. That verbal assent is empty. Such hypocritical affirmation of faith without the fruits of good works in their practical lives is not really faith. It does not have any force to bring them any nearer to God. Real faith in God’s inspired words makes a man “perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim 3:17).
Of faith without works: This kind of false faith is antinomian. It is against the law. Those with this kind of faith desire only Jesus to be their Saviour but never their Lord. It is enough for them to be saved from the wrath to come, but they do not want to have to obey the commandments of God. They do not know that keeping the law of God is the way to love God. A man of true faith loves his Saviour and desires to obey His words. Obedience to God’s law is what good works are! Not obeying God’s law is sin!
Dear reader, a genuinely saved person will have a spiritual desire to obey the laws of God. This change in life, following salvation, is what constitutes good works. Saving faith entails more than mere head knowledge. It includes trust in and obedience to God’s Word. The genuinely saved person would have the heart to read, study and obey Scripture.
THOUGHT: Is my faith dead or alive?
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for Thy Word which guides me in doing the work Thou hast assigned me to do.