The central theme of the book of James is practical Christianity. It’s the thread that runs through the entire book holding it together. The first chapter sets forth the principle that we must not merely hear the Word but also doers of it (James 1:22). If we are merely hearers and not doers, we deceive ourselves into believing we are something we’re not. Faith without works is worthless for James. Saving faith is an active faith. In James 2:14-26 James answers the question, what makes faith real? And, can we be sure that our faith is saving faith?
Our English word “Faith,” as found in the New Testament, is the translation of a Greek noun that is often defined as firm persuasion, conviction, or trust. This noun comes from the Greek verb, translated as believe, have confidence, persuade, trust, or obey. This quality of faith is fundamental to Christian living.
We discover four ways faith is defined in James 2:14-26. First, saving faith includes works (vv.14, 20). In fact, James clarifies that any faith without works is useless. Second, faith without works is dead (vv. 17, 26). As the body without the spirit is dead, faith without works is dead. Third, faith can’t be limited to intellectual belief (v.19). James explains that the demons have a belief in God, but it’s not saving faith. Fourth, biblical faith is best defined as active obedience (vv. 23-24). James offers as two examples of active obedience, Abraham and Rehab. Interestingly, the one common factor of every person in Scripture who honored God by their faith is actively obeying Him.
Saving faith is demonstrated by ever-increasing godly works. There are two categories of works mentioned in Scripture. The first category is works of the flesh. Works of the flesh are accomplished by one’s effort alone. We find a list of works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, which include sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. The second is works or fruit of the Spirit. Works of the Spirit are done with the help of the Spirit, which brings glory to God. The works of the Spirit do not originate with us (our lust or flesh) but flow from the Holy Spirit. Paul teaches that we are to live by such good works (Ephesians 2:10). Paul lists the works or “Fruit” of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The works James refers to in reference to faith are the works or fruit of the Spirit.
Without the works or fruit of the Spirit present in the lives of believers, their faith is dead. James describes three major principles concerning faith and works. The first is that saving faith demonstrates appropriate works (vv. 14-16). It’s inconceivable for a person walking in the Spirit to say that he has faith if that faith isn’t translated into appropriate works of the Spirit. Such works include caring for the needs of others. Then, saving faith is accompanied by godly action (v. 17-19). James has already demonstrated the need for faith in action by sharing about helping those in need; now, he argues from a more theological perspective explaining that it’s impossible to prove a faith that has no works, as well as that mere belief does not save, since the demons believe in God, but are not saved. Our faith must show itself in action. Lastly, faith without works is not saving faith, but dead (vv. 20-26). We see this through James offering the biblical examples of Abraham and Rehab, who demonstrated their faith in action. We also see this in the very practical illustration of a body being lifeless without the spirit. Similarly, faith without works is dead.
Saving faith goes beyond mere lip service. The Bible describes saving faith as knowing about the gospel, assenting to the gospel, and trusting in the gospel. Proof of faith that saves is trust and commitment that accompanies a profession of such faith; it’s active faith. Such faith is made available to us through the finished work of Christ on the cross. We are not saved by our works, but as we walk in the Spirit, we produce godly works because we are saved. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!