February 7
Today's reading: James 2:1-26
I'm going to focus on the last part of this chapter beginning in verse 14. Although many claim that James is contradicting Paul here, that is certainly not the case. To the Hebrew mindset, belief is always associated closely with action. In fact, we could accurately define "faith" as "belief that results in action".
James cites the example of Abraham to demonstrate that idea. Abraham was "justified" (made righteous) before God when he believed God. But he was "justified" before men by his actions in being willing to sacrifice Isaac. Paul says essentially the same thing in Ephesians 2:8-10. We are saved by faith alone, but we are also saved to do works which God has prepared in advance for us to do. So it would be fair to say that our works demonstrate whether or not our faith is genuine.
Does your life give testimony of you faith in Jesus?
I'm going to focus on the last part of this chapter beginning in verse 14. Although many claim that James is contradicting Paul here, that is certainly not the case. To the Hebrew mindset, belief is always associated closely with action. In fact, we could accurately define "faith" as "belief that results in action".
James cites the example of Abraham to demonstrate that idea. Abraham was "justified" (made righteous) before God when he believed God. But he was "justified" before men by his actions in being willing to sacrifice Isaac. Paul says essentially the same thing in Ephesians 2:8-10. We are saved by faith alone, but we are also saved to do works which God has prepared in advance for us to do. So it would be fair to say that our works demonstrate whether or not our faith is genuine.
Does your life give testimony of you faith in Jesus?
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