19th October 2024

19th October 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (James 2v18-23)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


To further cement his point that true saving faith is always accompanied by good works, James imagined a conversation with someone saying “you have faith and I have works.” (v18). There will always be those happy to suggest that salvation is accomplished in all manner of ways. Some might be content to rest on their faith while others will argue strongly for their works. Bitter and loveless people can talk eloquently about faith in God while others are convinced that they do not need Jesus because they have a multitude of good deeds which will certainly please God if they ever meet Him. James would never accept either approach. He was convinced, as we should be, that true faith will always display itself in Christ exalting works. Faith without works is dead and even the best of works without saving faith are like filthy rags.


To help us understand, James reminds us that even Satan and his angels believe that God is one (v19). That’s interesting isn’t it? The demons have a correct understanding of God’s unity - you might even say that in this area they have good theology. But what cannot be said is that the demons have saving faith. They “shudder” at the thought of God (v19) because they know He will judge them, but they do not know Him as Saviour and Lord. James’ point is this - you can believe the right things, your theology might be correct and you may even read the right books but giving a nod to the faith is not enough. True saving faith will always display itself in good deeds - faith without works is useless (v20).


Consider the example of Abraham. He was not saved by works but by his faith. The Scriptures say that Abraham believed the promises of God and it was counted to him as righteousness (Genesis 15v6). Abraham was not declared righteous by God because he did some good things. If good deeds earned salvation then we would have something to boast about before the Lord (Romans 4v2). Therefore, just like Abraham, the Christian is someone who has trusted the promises of God in Christ. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.


Even so, Abraham’s faith displayed itself in his works as he carried his son Isaac to the altar (v21). James would say that Abraham’s “faith was completed by his works” (v22). Does this mean faith in Christ lacks something that we must add in order to be saved? By no means! If our salvation gives us any room to boast then Christ has been robbed of His glory. Rather we understand this verse correctly by stating that faith is shown to be complete or true when works are present.


To be a friend of God (v23) you must repent and put your faith in Christ. The genuineness of this faith is then shown by the works which flow from it. Paul, James and Abraham all agree - faith without works is dead.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q13 Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created? Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.
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