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Faith One
Faith One
INTRODUCTION
It is important to realize, however, that there are different kinds of faith, but only one that is truly
"saving faith"
In James 2:14-26, we find James discussing the different kinds of faith, with an emphasis upon that faith
which works to the saving of the soul
[Beginning with verses 14-17, we notice the first kind of faith. We might call this kind of faith...]
But they have never really submitted themselves to God and trusted in Jesus for salvation
They know the right "words", but they do not back up their words with their "works"!
NO! Three times in this passage, James emphasizes that "faith without works is dead" - Jm 2:17,20,26
Any declaration of faith that does not result in a changed life and good works is a false declaration: A
DEAD FAITH!
Dead faith is counterfeit faith and lulls the person into a false confidence of eternal life
"No man can come to Christ by faith and remain the same, anymore than he came into contact with a
220-volt wire and remain the same." (compare this to 1Jn 5:12)
PERHAPS TO SHOCK ANY COMPLACENT READERS, JAMES REMINDS US THAT EVEN "DEMONS" HAVE A
KIND OF FAITH!
We saw that the man with "dead faith" was "touched only in his intellect"
The demons are "touched also in their emotions" (note that they "believe and tremble")
This is one step above a "dead faith" - it involves both INTELLECT and EMOTIONS
NO! A person can be enlightened in his mind and even stirred in his heart and still be lost forever!
True saving faith involves something more, something that can be seen and recognized: a changed life!
(cf. Jm 2:18)
We do, if we just BELIEVE the right things and FEEL the right things
We do, if our service to God does not go beyond...
[Thus, James has introduced us to two kinds of faith that can NEVER save: DEAD faith (involving the
intellect alone), and DEMONIC faith (involving the intellect and the emotions, but stopping there).
He closes this section by describing in verses 20-26 the only kind of faith that can save...]
We know from other passages that such faith is based upon the Word of God - cf. Ro 10:17
DYNAMIC faith involves the intellect, the emotions, AND the WILL!
It is not emotionalism
TO ILLUSTRATE, JAMES REFERS TO TWO WELL-KNOW PERSONS IN THE BIBLE: ABRAHAM & RAHAB
Abraham was a godly man; Rahab had been a sinful woman, a harlot!
Abraham was the friend of God; Rahab had belonged to the enemies of God!
What did they have in common? Both exercised saving faith in God!
That "faith only" (the only time this phrase is found in the Scriptures) cannot justify one - 24
CONCLUSION
It is important that each professing Christian examine his or her own heart and life, and make sure that
they possess true saving faith, which is a dynamic faith
Here are some questions we can ask ourselves as we examine our faith:
Was there a time when I honestly realized I was a sinner and admitted this to myself and to God?
Was there a time when my heart stirred me to flee from the wrath to come? Have I ever been seriously
worked up over my sins?
Do I truly understand the gospel, that Christ died for MY sins and then rose again? Do I understand and
confess that I cannot save myself?
Did I sincerely repent of my sins, making the decision to turn from them? Do I now hate sin and fear
God? Or do I secretly love sin and want to enjoy it?
Have I trusted Christ and Him alone for my salvation by responding to the commands He has given?
Have I confessed my faith in Christ and then been baptized for the remission of my sins as He and His
apostles commanded?
Has there been a change in my life? Do I maintain good works, or are my good works occasional and
weak? Do I seek to grow in the things of the Lord? Can others tell that I have been with Jesus?
Am I ready for the Lord's return? Or will I be ashamed when He comes for me?
To be sure, not every Christian has the same degree of faith; those who have had more time to grow
should be stronger in faith
But for the most part, the spiritual inventory can assist a person in determining his or her true standing
before God
Note: Much of the material for this outline was adapted heavily from The Bible Exposition Commentary,
Volume 2, by Warren W. Wiersbe, pages 353-357.
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