Show Me Your Faith
APPLICATION ARTICLE
William Stewart | Kingston, Ontario
In the latter portion of James 2, we find a great discussion of faith’s dependence upon works. The writer merges a collection of examples with his constant affirmation – faith without works is dead (James 2:17, 20, 24, 26). The destitute brother or sister who receives our well wishes and nothing more is destitute still (James 2:14-16). The demons are certain of the existence of God, but their doom is equally certain, for they do not do the works of God (James 2:19). The patriarch Abraham and Rahab the harlot were both justified before God, not merely because they believed, but because they exercised faith in God (James 2:21-23, 25).
One modern day faith only advocate admits of James 2, “The passage definitely seems to cause serious problems for the ‘salvation by faith alone’ concept.”1 After redefining some terms and quoting a couple wordier translations, he bolsters his false doctrine by claiming, “Any verse that ascribes salvation to faith/belief, with no other requirement mentioned, is a declaration that salvation is by faith alone.”2 That’s no more true than saying any verse that ascribes salvation to perseverance (Matthew 10:22), with no other requirement mentioned, is a declaration that salvation is by perseverance alone.
Many are familiar with Martin Luther’s disparaging accusation of the epistle by James as “…an epistle of straw, compared to the others, for it has nothing of the nature of the gospel about it.”3 He did not stop there in his assault. He portrayed James as one who “…wanted to guard against those who relied on faith without works, but was unequal to the task… He mangles the Scriptures and thereby opposes Paul and all Scripture.”4 I suspect much of the disdain for James among Calvinistic folks today can be traced back to Luther’s low opinion of the book.
However, the opposition to James’ approach to faith and works goes far beyond the days of Martin Luther. The inspired writer knew his message would not be popular among some, even among his contemporaries. James provided the words of an imaginary dissenter right in the text. Notice, “You have faith, and I have works” (James 2:18), or as the NLT renders it, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” The dissident basically says this, “James, you may excel in good works. Good for you. I excel in faith, and that is equally sufficient.”
The false notion of salvation by faith alone was just as enticing to some in the first century as it is today. To the one who stakes his claim to heaven on his faith alone, James boldly requests, “Show me your faith without your works” (James 2:18). Pause and think about that for a moment. How is faith shown apart from works? What is the “demonstration” of faith, if not works? How does one bear evidence of their faith without works?
The one who espouses the “some have faith” position is like little Johnny who tells his 3rd grade classmates with intense fervor and wonderful detail about his new Learjet. It is one thing to make lofty claims, it is quite another to support the claim with proof. As Johnny cannot show evidence of his Learjet (since he doesn’t actually have one); neither can the faith only proponent demonstrate his faith (since faith without works is dead). “Show me your faith without your works” – it is impossible.
Having displayed the conundrum of the faith only proponent, James states the truth as simple as he can: “…I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). Faith requires demonstration. James is not alone in emphasizing the need for works. Hear what the Lord said: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven…” Are these not ones who have faith but not works? He continues, “…but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). To have the hope of heaven, to have saving faith (James 2:14), we must DO the will of God. The apostle John concurs, “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, ‘I know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4). There is a difference between saying we know Him and knowing we know Him. Those who know Him keep His commandments; they obey; they have works. Paul speaks about those who “…profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work” (Titus 1:16). In the same epistle, Paul identified Christians as being “…zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14), “…ready for every good work…” (Titus 3:1), “…careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8), “…that they may not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14). The apostle Peter asked, “…what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’ Therefore, let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:19). Tell me again how it is possible to “show me your faith without your works”?
James is not an aberration or nonconformist. His message is not at odds with Paul, John, Peter or the Lord. Despite the popularity of salvation by faith alone in today’s religious world, not a single Bible writer gave support to such a doctrine. The Bible consistently reveals the necessity of obedience and of works. “…Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).
REFERENCES
1 gotquestions.org/faith-alone.html
2 gotquestions.org/faith-alone.html
3 Luther’s Works, Vol. 35 (via vivacatholic.wordpress.com/2007/07/17/luthers-view-
on-four-books-of-new-testament)
4 Luther’s Works, Vol. 35 (via matt1618.freeyellow.com/preface.html)</font size>
18.07.03 | GROW magazine
