James 2:14 (ESV) — What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does
not have works? Can that faith save him?
James 2:19 (ESV) — You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and
shudder!
NOTE: The answer to
the first two question should be yes, at least from a theological point of
view. But the author is distinguishing the word faith as can be seen in verse
19 where he uses the same Greek word, pistis (but in the verb form) to show
that verse 14 faith is the same as a demon's faith. It is belief in God's
existence -- intellectual acknowledgment. Real faith is seen in as an
expression of a changed life. James is not saying we are saved by works but
that the difference between intellectual assent and true faith is seen in a
changed life. And a changed life is seen outwardly. If there is no outward
change, does the person really believe or just intellectually assent to the
existence of Jesus and God. In fact one can assent to the entire gospel without
being saved.
PRAYER: Father, I
pray for members of our church body who intellectually believe everything about
the gospel but have never surrendered their will to you. They have never
experienced the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and the changed life that comes
as a result of real faith. Open their eyes to what is missing in their heart.
Let them feel the true joy of real faith.
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