17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble!20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James 2:17-26
A faith that does not result in works is a faith that has no worth. The Apostle makes this point abundantly clear. Genuine, saving faith in Christ will, of necessity, result in a changed life that desires to do the works of God.
Even the demons believe that God exists and they know His truthfulness is secure. But mental assent to the reality and power of God is not enough. Just saying true things about the Lord is inadequate. For the Christian, saving faith results in a changed life.
Abraham and Rahab are used as examples of the point James is making. Both persons believed God by faith about events that had not yet taken place. And each one acted upon their faith by doing what God said to do. Rahab and Abraham, though far from perfect, are sterling illustrations of biblical faith and works.
Christians are saved by grace, through faith. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Christians will also perform good works as a result of and evidence of saving faith. (Ephesians 2:10) Faith and works are not in competition with each other. Both will be revealed as authentic in the life of a Christian over time.
Tony French
mrtonyfrench 