A Faith That Works Saves - 01/28/2024

After talking about the royal law, James is instructing the brethren about their faith. He tells them that the only way their faith will save them is if their faith is producing action, otherwise their “faith” is dead (James 2:14-17).

Beginning his discussion, James asks, “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works?” This question introduces the topic as well as getting the brethren to think about their faith. The conclusion James will reach is if a faith is not producing action, then it is a dead faith; it will not save anyone.

Illustrating his point, James says having a faith that is not producing any works is like telling a fellow believer who “is without clothing and in need of daily food” to “go in peace,” but you do not provide clothing and food. It is like telling your “brother or sister” in Christ, a fellow Christian, to “be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them what is “necessary for their body.”

The faith a Christian is to have is one that is productive. It is a faith that motivates a person to do what they have been taught. This would include how to become a Christian as well as living the Christian life.

Considering the word faith, one of its major components is the idea of trust. If someone has faith in something or someone, then they are willing to put their trust in what that something will do or what that someone will say. They will use the “something.” They will act upon what “someone” has said. True faith produces action.

The same is true with us today. If we really have faith in God and His word, then we are going to do the things He says in His word. We are going to put it into action.

Consulting a standard dictionary, one finds that the word “faith” is a noun; it is not a verb. In this circumstance “faith” is something we possess. It is obtained by hearing God’s message and deciding to put our trust in this message. (Romans 10:17).

After making the decision to put our “faith” in the message of God, then we are going to do our best to follow the instructions and commands contained in God’s message. There will be nothing in our thoughts and attitude that says, “I don’t have to do that!”

When a Christian has the faith James is talking about, it will be a faith that is demonstrated by their actions. Everyone who observes the life and actions of this Christian will have no doubt they are living God’s way. - cgm

Scriptural quotations from the NASB1995.