Posted on 06/28/2023 9:24:45 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.
From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
I sense no sarcasm.
I think what James means is, You do well, to have gotten to that point, but you need to further build on that knowledge.
“ Even demonic faith is better than dead faith!”
Where does this statement come from?
“ I think what James means is, You do well, to have gotten to that point, but you need to further build on that knowledge.”
Yes. James says this in 22.
“Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?”
James 2:22 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/jas.2.22.NKJV
A pastor trying to use guilt and manipulation to get you to “do right for yer own good”.
Usually the behavior being encouraged is tithing and marketing (aka “evangelism” and “church growth”).
A tree is known by its fruit.
:: (aka “evangelism” and “church growth”). ::
The Theology of (human) Glory.
Up until Mac writes, “obedient application of biblical truth”, everything...every word, letter and punctuation...is just plain anthro-centric theology.
Mankind is incapable of “bringing glory to God”.
MacArthur?
But to me it doesn’t make any difference. I think of what he calls *demonic faith* as merely intellectual assent, which is hardly any different in its outcome than non faith (dead faith).
THAT will preach!
Probably get an excommunication from 95% of the places calling themselves "Christian", but that is not a bad thing...
Getting expelled from a social club filled with a---oles is a good day.
You are correct MM. Devils, unclean spirits, demons, whatever one wants to call them, know about Jesus. They know what He did for us. They know about their eternal destiny, but in no way, shape or form, do they have saving faith. No way.
It should be noted, that while most people had no idea who Jesus was, the unclean spirits recognized Him immediately. Perhaps they thought he was going send them to hell, or worse, Tartarus, since they asked Him if he was going to torment them before the appointed time. He didn’t, but they didn’t know that.
Nice to see you again, BB. 👍😀
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.