Living Faith, part 5
Mercy triumphs over judgment, James 2:13
James is pointing out two forms of false Christianity that were creeping into the Church. 1) Those who think we must earn salvation. 2) Those who claim to be Christians but do not act like it.
To those of group one: Verse 10: For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. Paul argued against the same idea, no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for the just shall live by faith, Galatians 3:11. Same point from two sides. Those who think we must earn salvation with good works (keeping the law) must be perfect in every thought and action. On this point the Bible is consistent. Salvation is not by works, not of works, lest anyone should boast, Ephesians 2:9.
To those of group two. Verse 17: Thus, also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James is clearly talking about faith, not salvation. Like Paul, he is talking about our new heart leading us to a transformed mind. We act out what we believe. Jesus rebuked His disciples’ lack of faith when they refused to believe those who saw Him alive after three days, Mark 16. Likewise, James is correcting those who falsely think they are saved by simply claiming to be saved. That is dead faith talking.
Both groups need to pay attention to all of Scripture. Abraham and Rahab are examples of people who were justified by their faith. The proof is in what they did. The demons are examples of people who believe but are not justified. The proof is in what they do.
Paul and James agree with Jesus. We should demonstrate our faith. We did not (cannot and will not) earn salvation by good works. But by God’s amazing grace we can produce good works by His Spirit. Consider this, your good works are not to prove to God you are saved. They are not to prove to yourself you are saved. They are for others. Not as evidence of salvation, but as recipients of God’s amazing grace. Verse 1: My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. We are to love everyone, especially those of His Church, without partiality.
