FAITH WITHOUT ACTION IS DEAD!!

JAMES 2:17-20

17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that and shudder. 20You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

2: 17-18   At first glance, these verses seem to contradict what Paul says in Romans 3: 28: “We maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” Deeper investigation, however, shows that the teachings of James and Paul are not at odds. While it is true that our good deeds can never earn our salvation, true faith always results in changed lives and good deeds. Loving service does not substitute for faith in Christ, but rather, it verifies one’s faith in Christ. Paul speaks against those who try to be saved by deeds instead of true faith; James speaks against those who confuse mere intellectual assent with true faith. After all, even demons recognize who Jesus is, but they don’t obey him (2: 19). True faith involves a commitment of one’s whole self to God.

Tyndale. NIV Life Application Study Bible

ON THE WAY HOME WALK WITH JESUS and let your faith be seen by your actions in your life!!

onthewayhomeministries.org by RICHARD DEAN BROOKS