Evidence
"Faith without works is dead." James 2:17
Genuine faith is not indifferent; it is involved. James
[2:15-16] puts it rather plainly: "If a brother or sister is
without clothing and in need of daily food ... and yet you
do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use
is that?"
James argues that a fellow believer who says "Go in peace,
be warmed and be filled," is not operating in true faith.
Such words reveal empty, powerless faith. In contrast,
genuine faith produces involvement with a heart of
compassion.
If faith is without works, it is dead. [vs. 17] James says
that faith without works is "by itself." Genuine faith does
not exist alone; its byproduct is works. Works validate
faith. If faith doesn't show works, it's not faith. The
real thing will be evidenced. [vs. 18]
James uses an extreme statement to emphasize that genuine
faith comes from the heart. [vs. 19-20] He points out that
one whose faith does not come from the heart is even
compared to the "faith" of demons.
"You believe that God is one...the demons also believe
and shudder.
But are you willing to recognize...that faith without
works is useless?"
James addresses the religious intellectual who gives himself
to thoughts about faith, but cannot be bothered in
acting them out. Demons even believe in the fact that God is
real...yet their "faith" adds up to nothing.
If we didn't get James' point before now, he then drives it
home by saying, "Just as the body without the spirit is
dead, so also faith without works is dead." Simply put, this
means separation!
The heart of James' message to the church is that faith is
involved, it does not work alone, is quite evident, and is
from the heart.
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