Posted on 06/28/2016 8:19:39 AM PDT by metmom
"Someone may well say, 'You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.' You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" (James 2:18-20).
Even demonic faith is better than dead faith!
In recent years there has been an alarming rise in the number of professing Christians who believe that there's no necessary relationship between what they believe and what they do. They say you can't judge a person's spiritual condition by what he or she does because salvation is a matter of faith alone—as if requiring works violates the principle of faith.
It was that kind of reasoning that prompted James to issue this challenge: "You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:18). The Greek word translated "show" means "to exhibit," "demonstrate," or "put on display." His point is simple: it's impossible to verify true faith apart from holy living because doctrine and deed are inseparable.
Can you know if someone is a Christian by watching his behavior? According to James, that's the only way to know! In verse 19 he says, "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder." In other words, affirming orthodox doctrine isn't necessarily proof of saving faith. Demons believe in the oneness of God, and its implications fill them with fear, but they aren't saved. The phrase "you do well" is intentionally sarcastic. The implication is that demonic faith is better than non-responsive faith because at least the demons shudder, which is better than no response at all.
You can't be a Christian in creed only—you must be one in conduct as well! James makes that very clear. Don't be confused or deceived by those who teach otherwise. Continually aim your life at bringing glory to God through obedient application of biblical truth.
Suggestions for Prayer
Reaffirm to the Lord your commitment to abide by His Word.
For Further Study
Read John 8:12-47. Make a list of doctrines and deeds that characterize dead faith and a corresponding list of those that characterize true faith.
Studying God’s Word ping
As for those who do not believe, there will be none. True, there may be good works in the worlds eyes, but not done in faith. For as Christ says 'I assure you that when you haven't done it for one of the least of these, you haven't done it for me.'
For Me or through ME is the operative words.
again, faith and works, just as the catholic church has taught from the beginning.....James is right on the button.....sometimes it’s amazing the hermaneutical gymnastics some folks will go thru to deny the simple plain truth of what James is saying.....no wonder luther tried to get rid of the book.....
bkmk
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How many of you have been, as Paul has exorted,
“making the world envious of what you have, to come and find out how they can have that, too”?
How many of you, are doing your best to walk the knife edge life of a fervent Sunday-goer, and slothful Monday-doer?
I admit that I’m some kind of ‘doer’. It’s sad, but I can, and do accept that as my responsibility.
Wha’s ‘bout y’all?
When the thief on the cross spoke to Jesus and asked Him to remember him --the thief-- when Jesus comes into His kingdom, was that the result of faithing in Whom Jesus is according to God's sending Him for us and our salvation? Or was the thief hoping to get off of the cross by appealing in a twisted fashion to Jesus to rescue them from the Roman punishment?
The answer Jesus gave should tell you that FAITH came before the man asked of the Lord, and the Lord responded as He did because of the faith the man exhibited in Jesus, ON THE SPIRITUAL LEVEL, for both of them died that day on those Roman crosses.
Salvation came to the thief by his faith in Whom God sent for his salvation. The asking of Jesus came because the man had faith in Whom God sent. The newborns on the day of Pentecost were born from above that day because of the faith they had in their hearts that Jesus IS the One sent by God for them and for their salvation. At the Rapture, they will be leading those who are alive and remain, as ALL faithing in Christ are caught up together int he clouds to meet the Lord in the air. That thief will be there, you can count on it because God NEVER breaks a promise.
You mumbled, “again, faith and works, just as the catholic church has taught from the beginning.....” The religion called catholiciism has been getting that wrong fro a long time! And still catholics refuse to see what the Catholic Priest, Luther, was trying to show you.
again, the church has nvr taught works alone, it has always taught as James clearly states. faith without works is dead....and that is why luther called james’ book, an ‘epistle of straw’ and wanted to get rid of it, as it flew squarely into his face regarding his MAN MADE doctrine of ‘faith alone’
The theif on the cross is the first illustrated example. His only act that could be construed as 'works' was to ask Jesus to remember him when He came into His kingdom. Works do not add to or even aid in Salvation. Being born from above is not something you as an arrogant catholic, mormon, baptist, methodist, episcopalian, etc., can add to. BUT, if God does birth you anew from above, the deeds of life thereafter will exhibit your faith, if that faith/faithing is in Him not your prideful works.
GOD is still in the business of raising up believers in Jesus in the Way that they should go. When you take on that responsibility, it is dead works. Let GOD be God in you.
When Thou comest into thy kingdom ... he believed Jesus was who He said He was .... God with a Kingdom
Jesus said ... Your faith makes it so
Flick a switch, the light goes on
Indeed! But some cannot flip such a switch because it doesn’t serve their pride in self. That thief on the cross had NO pride left when he turned to The Lord from Heaven.
You so brilliantly succinct post is strongly supported by the many illustration JESUS showed on numerous occasions, when He told folks their faith was the means to their healing. And He graphically illustrated that lesson with Nicodemus, referring to the brass snake event! ... I oft times wonder why catholics, especially the apologetics variety, cannot grasp the lesson in that exchange between JESUS and Nicodemus (John 3).
I’ve found that after I stopped fighting the Lord and have accepted his mastery over me, works come much easier. I’m no saint but I do make an honest effort every day to try to make the world better for those that I come in contact with. Sometimes it’s as simple as a smile to a stranger, holding a door, biting my tongue when feelings might be hurt even if what I was planning on saying is truthful.
Other works have been “larger” and required more effort, but I dare not seek attention for them.
I’ve also found that cleaning my mind and body spiritually has helped. I’ve broken bad habits of sexual based sins and have rejected everything in my life that is not of God. Movies, music, literature and humor that only serves to confuse and weaken faith have been cut out of mine and my family’s life.
Pray all day! When you see something beautiful, thank God. When you see something disturbing, ask God to shield you from it. He will always help you out. The most amazing thing I’ve noticed is that my sewer mouth has been much cleaner without even trying to clean it up, as the mouth speaks what the heart feels.
Sorry for being so long winded. I just want to emphasize that works and behavior follow naturally out of not only genuine faith but SUBMISSION.
No, you are in error.
Faith produces works and that is not what the Catholic church taught from the beginning nor is it what it teaches now.
The Catholic church teaches that faith with works added saves. But that’s not what Scripture teaches.
Jesus taught that faith saves and produces works.
That’s how living faith and dead faith (intellectual assent like the demons have) can be distinguished.
Salvation/forgiveness is a gift, freely given. Once received, it produces works as the fruit of the already transformed life.
I mean no disrespect to your post ... I'm just a simple guy looking for simple thought processes
Catholics draw out page after page of explanation and words, to try to "get across" their point of whatever dogma they're trying to get someone to agree to
They don't care if you undertand it or not .. (because a lot can't be understood)
Just .... agree to it.
.... keep the presence of God ever present
Just WHERE do these people GET these ideas???
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