FAITH WITHOUT WORKS?
Memorise: But without faith it is
impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is,
and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6
Read: James 2:14-17, Bible in one year:
Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, Acts 26:1-23
It is necessary to first establish the
fact that the statement of James that “faith without works is dead”, applies to
the fellow who knows the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Such a person knows
the facts about God in the mind, is persuaded of the truth of the gospel and is
in agreement with Christian principles. In fact, such a person takes part in
Christian worship, is a church-goer and believes with all sincerity that he or
she is a true child of God. The only issue is that such a person fails to
commit to Jesus in a way and manner that leads to changes in lifestyle. Such
people refuse to allow old things in their lives to pass away – there is no
crossing the line from darkness to light, there is no spiritual development or
growth and such a person does not bear the fruits of righteousness. James 2:17
describes a person whose faith is dead because there are no works to show for
it. In Matthew 7:21, Jesus was referring to such people when He said.
“Not
every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of
heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
it is very clear therefore that there is
a form of action that must follow any profession of faith in Christ Jesus
before such faith can be called a living faith. When profession of faith is not
backed up with action, then such faith is dead. Many are in the Church today
living their lives the same way as people who do not know Christ. The Bible in
2 Timothy 3:5a, described such people as
“Having
a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:”
Such people profess faith in the Son of
God; they claim that they believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ but they flatly
deny the transforming power in the Word of God. They would do anything in the
Name of God except allow any genuine transformation to take place in their
lives.
“And
be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of
God.”
Romans
12:2
Children of God, faith without works is
dead, and dead faith is of no use to anyone. Renew your faith today by backing
it up with active works of righteousness. Put on the new man who is renewed in
knowledge and transformed into the image of Christ (Colossians 3:10)
Action Point
Faith without works is dead, follow up
your faith with works of righteousness.
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