James 2:14
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Notice the wording. It doesn't say, "though a man have faith" rather it says, "a man say he hath faith" Catch the difference?
Many people say they have faith, but if God is not producing fruit in that person's life, does that person have the faith that saves? The faith only found in Bible Chrisitanity?
If in your opinion you have faith, but there is no change in your life, no repentance, no fruit being produced, then you must question if you have faith that saves.
But again it's not you who does the producing of the fruit, it is God, doing the work through you. And He will do the work through you, if you have true saving faith.
“If in your opinion you have faith, but there is no change in your life, no repentance, no fruit being produced, then you must question if you have faith that saves.”
Now we are starting to find common ground. I’m not saying we claim credit for any of the fruit or even the faith ( Some Calvinists go so far as to say that even the faith is not optional but pre-determined — meaning we have no choice in anything).
No credit can be claimed by us for anything, but the faith that saves is not an easy one of cheap grace. That has been my point all along. Thank you for the exchange.
Another false herring. What professing Christian claims to have NO faith? You cannot be a Christian without professing faith in the sacrifice of Jesus. This claim that faith and works do not mix is the sermon of Satan. He would love to mislead people to Hell through this breaking of Gods Law. James 2:10 "Whoever keeps the whole Law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it."
So Satan has put out the lie it's okay to break the Law. The Bible says different. Jesus says different. There will be no excuse at Judgment time for iniquity.
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?