This 1 Work Transforms Dead Faith
James 2:14
Saving Faith?
I'm confident you've read or heard about faith without works being dead, James 2:14, and wonder what this means when considering Eph. 2:8,9.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
You may wonder about your faith: Am I saved or not, God? I've had my moments that lasted way too long.
Let's consider what we do know.
God has given each of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) that guides each of us on our salvation journeys. Once we get saved, it only takes a short time before we run into seemingly contradictory teachings.
James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man says he hath faith and have not works? Can faith save him?
Keep verse 17 in mind: Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Faith without works is dead faith. But the Gift of God is the work of His son in Grace through Faith.
So now, saving faith is not alone. We have Jesus' Work. Many don't accept this gift and are left with their dead faith.
Furthermore;
Look at the context of James chapter 2.
Chapter 2 shows the clash between Law and Grace. James is talking about Christians (in Christ) acting like non-Christians, showing favoritism among fellow believers who attend the same gathering. These believers may require food and clothing, but you are too busy fussing over the rich people even to notice. They think they are keeping the Law by loving their wealthy brethren.
James 2:9 But you are breaking this law of our Lord’s when you favor the rich and fawn over them; it is sin.
If your Faith Works is based on keeping the Law, as proof, be aware of the following:
We know the Law brings death.
The Clincher
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
John 6:29 Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one He has sent.”
Jesus' work gives us a living Faith. We know only Jesus kept the Law perfectly. When we try to prove our saving faith through works of the flesh, we will be unsatisfied if saved.
For Christians, faith results in joy and confidence in the goodness and grace of God, granting salvation through Jesus Christ.
We don't need to prove our saving faith because we have trusted God to care for us. He did give us Eternal Life (Jesus).
The Apostle Paul Says:
Walk by the Spirit (you're already in Him) and bear His fruit! Offer your body to do His Work through Him, knowing He is the only one victorious. Gal.5:16(para).
The world will know your faith is authentic.
I'm happy to receive feedback and the Truth spoken in Love.
I pray that you Talk to Dad about anything or anyone that troubles you. He has your back. Remember, no matter what, you have eternal Life in Jesus.
I have two items in my shop. This has been hard, but I can make it work!
