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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DEAD FAITH AND DEAD WORKS
LORD’S DAY, NOVEMBER 13
James 2:26
Matthew 3:7-9
“Bring forth therefore fruits
meet for repentance.”
DEAD FAITH AND DEAD WORKS
No one wants a dead faith, just as no one wants false salvation. But why do many choose to have a faith that is not proven by works? Why are so many Christians content to label themselves as believers without evidence of being regenerated? It is baffling to imagine how they will face the Lord and be asked, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
Like a body without the spirit: James ends his discussion on faith with this real analogy: “…as the body without the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26). He compares faith to the living organism which possesses two indivisible elements: material (the body) and immaterial (the spirit or soul). He likens the absence of the immaterial part from the organism to the absence of works in the life of those who say they have faith. It is clear that the organism is physically dead, just as the one who says he has faith has a dead faith. A claim of faith that is not followed by obedience to God’s law is dead. It is phoney faith, not true faith at all. It brings no assurance of salvation but rather condemnation.
Works without faith: Let us clarify that good works outside of faith are equally dead. Whatever good works a man without faith will offer to God will all be in vain. The Roman Catholics believe that you must add good works to your faith in order to be saved. This way equally leads to a dead end! The person has nowhere to go except hell and the Lake of Fire (for purgatory does not exist)!
My dear reader, we have gone through several days discussing how a man can be made just before God: by faith or works? I trust that it is now clear to you that we are justified (i.e. saved) by grace through faith alone. This genuine salvation will produce good works in the life of the believer. That is the living faith! For those who trust in the “alone-faith” without works, their faith is dead (i.e. false). Do not be deceived by of those who claim to be saved but do not want to live according to God’s Word.
THOUGHT: Am I clear what living and true faith is?
PRAYER: Father, help me to have a humble heart to receive Thy instructions according to Thy Word.