Faith AND Works (James 2:14-17)

Today’s scripture: James 2:14-17

The next couple of days are going to cover some rather controversial verses.

James makes quite an argument about faith vs. works, and some say he contradicts other passages that speak to our being saved by faith in Jesus Christ (see Romans 3:21-28; 5:1-3; Eph. 2:8-9). Salvation does come through faith in Jesus Christ and the belief and acceptance of His death, burial, and resurrection.

But James adds a dimension: The person who has true faith in Jesus, who has committed himself to Him, demonstrates that faith through service. Just as Jesus Himself served.

This means taking action against those who exploit others. I have friends who are active in the fight against sex trafficking. They are the hands and feet of Jesus as they go into the bowels of some cities to serve those forced into prostitution.

This also means serving the “least of these” (Matt. 25:34-46). Helping out at a soup kitchen. Volunteering at a local prison. Giving to organizations that provide food and shelter for the disenfranchised.

I believe a person is saved through faith. Forgiveness of sins and promise of eternal life comes through faith in Jesus Christ. But if she stops there, her faith doesn’t grow. If she’s not demonstrating her faith through service, her faith can become stagnant.

Don’t let your faith “die.” Go out and do something. Let the world see Jesus Christ through what you do to serve others.

Salvation By Grace (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10

If you ask a group of people if there’s a heaven, most will answer yes. If you ask those same people how they'll get to heaven, many will answer, “Be good” or “Do good things.” And if the good outweighs the bad, they'll get through those pearly gates.

While doing good things is certainly important, the Bible makes it very clear: Doing good things (what Paul calls “works”) doesn’t save us. Salvation comes only through faith. God’s grace—His unmerited favor—is offered to us freely, and when we accept His gift, we are saved from our sins and we can be confident of eternal life in heaven.

Good works are still important for those of who follow Christ, however. As James wrote:

My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don't do anything to show that you really do have faith? Can that kind of faith save you? If you know someone who doesn't have any clothes or food, you shouldn't just say, "I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat." What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help? Faith that doesn't lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead! (2:14-17, CEV)

But make no mistake, works alone won’t get you to heaven. They won’t save you from your sins.

So if anyone asks you how to get to heaven, tell them the truth. Tell them the good news of salvation through faith. Maybe you’ll be the one who leads them to a relationship with their Savior!

The Gospel ... Simple, yet Profound (John 5:24)

Today's scripture: John 5:24

The gospel message is so simple ... and yet so profound.

While other belief systems require our performing well, the gospel tells us that we can do nothing of ourselves to be saved. We can't do enough good deeds because who defines what is enough? We can't weigh the balance of being kinder more often than we're unkind, or loving more than we hate.

We can't serve our way to salvation. We can't give just a little more money or time to guarantee our place in heaven. We can't do anything.

Well, except for one thing. We can be, as Jesus describes, "... he who hears My word, and believes in Him who sent Me ..." Another version puts it this way: "... the person whose ears are open to My words [who listens to My message] and believes and trusts in and clings to and relies on Him Who sent Me ..." (Amplified).

We do need to take action. We do need to accept the gift that God so graciously offers us. But we don't have to do anything else. Of course, as I've written many times before, while accepting God's gift of salvation is the only necessary action we need to take, we do serve Him through our "works," just as James wrote (see James 2:14-26).

So simple, yet when you stop to think about how God chose to bless us with salvation and eternal life, so very profound. He loves us so much. So very much. The concept of grace just boggles my mind. We don't deserve His favor, His love, His forgiveness. Yet, He gives all of these so freely.

What amazing grace. What amazing love.