Focal Passage: James 2:14-26
The relationship between saving faith and good works has always been a source of controversy. Some would argue that we must work for our salvation, demonstrating to God that we are worthy of His love and grace.
On the contrary, Scripture teaches that saving faith is a Spirit-empowered gift from God through and in Jesus Christ. We do good works not to be saved but because we are saved. Pastor James addresses this issue in clear terms.
Saving faith, v. 14. James begins with the assumption that saving faith occurs when a person repents of their sin, trusts Christ by faith and commits to live a life following Jesus as Lord and Savior. In fact, James would have no “beef” with his readers if they had made a profession of faith that was accompanied by deeds of righteousness. James’ whole point is that if saving faith is present, such faith will exhibit itself in good and godly works.
Kevin Shrum
Working faith, vv. 14-17. The connection between saving faith and working faith is essential. James argues that the kind of faith that does not exhibit itself in good and godly works is no faith at all. If we see our brother in need and do not respond the question arises, does that person actually possess saving faith. Faith without works is dead.
We’re saved by faith alone, but the kind of faith that’s never alone — saving faith is followed by good works (Ephesians 2:8-10). The root of faith ought to produce the fruit of faith — good works (Gal. 5:22-26).
Believing faith, vv. 18-20. Some would argue that they believe all the right things and that such belief is enough to demonstrate the possession of saving faith. Sound doctrine is essential. It does matter what a person believes. Too many people do a great number of good things, but have no sound biblical basis for what they do. If genuine faith is not present then whatever we do, no matter how good it is, is sin (Romans 14:23).
Good works connected to unsound doctrine is no better than sound doctrine that has no outlet for good works. James makes the case that even if a person believes all the right things about God but does not express that faith in righteous deeds, they are no better than demons. Even the demons believe, but do not work the works of God.
Obedient faith, vv. 21-26. One of the best demonstrations of the connection of faith and works is the lives of Abraham and Rahab. Abraham demonstrated the possession of a real faith in God through his obedience to God. God called Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac (Genesis 22).
The text notes that Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Abraham’s deep faith in God enabled him to obey the unbelievable task of sacrificing his only son Isaac, trusting that God had a plan even if unseen at the time. Abraham’s saving, working faith produced a friendship with God that was intimate and personal.
Rahab the prostitute (Joshua 2), the mostly unlikely candidate for saving, working faith was rewarded by God for her discreet handling of Israel’s spies sent to investigate the Promised Land (Hebrews 11:31). Her courageous effort to protect Israel’s investigative spies demonstrated her faith in God.
In the end, true saving faith (1) works the works of God, (2) believes sound doctrine, and (3) obeys the call of God. It is this kind of faith that not only saves, but that demonstrates that faith produces righteous living. B&R
