James 2:17 (14-26) “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”
At this time, in church history, the Pharisees had begun to effectively shut the believers out of everyday life. They could buy or sell nothing in the city. Those who had money or business outside the city of Jerusalem were trying to help. But there was a group forming who were hording what they had and not sharing with those in need, Acts 5:1-11.
Satan took this opportunity to try and destroy the young church. James like Paul (in his later letter to the church in Corinth) wanted the believers not to forget their debt of gratitude to God for their own salvation. They were supposed to be working with each other to win the city and the world. A faith that doesn’t result in a changed life is like a dead body, v. 26. After a while all it does is stink.
James points out that Abrahams faith resulted in a changed life, a life willing to take big risks (putting his own son on an alter for sacrifice), v. 21. If the faith you claim hasn’t resulted in a changed life, a life willing to make the big decisions to stop those bad habits and start those good ones then what’s the difference between your faith and any other? Does that kind of faith prove you’re saved (changed)… to anybody?
Gratefulness implies my willingness to pay Him back although I know it’s not possible.
Leave a Reply