Can faith lose its sting?

(James 2:17) “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Faith without works is dead! This is a clear instruction from the Apostle James and seeing that it is the separation from the goats and the sheep that we now look to understand, it is James that seals it for us, or should I say settles my understanding on the subject. Let me explain why!

It is clear as we have explored enough to conclude that the sheep, those on the Kings right will be blessed by the Lord’s Father, God himself prepared a kingdom for them from the foundation of the world. The goats, those on His left, will suffer a different fate, a very scary reality will set in for all of them, and they will be punished forever and ever. They will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life; “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." (Matthew 25:46)

The Lord Jesus spends a long time deliberating the difference between the two, the transformation in character and action is obvious. One is self-centred while the other puts their brethren before themselves. This in itself is how we are too invest our talent, the gift God has given us, we must look to use it wisely and by extending a hand of compassion to those in need, as it is our instruction.

The Lord Jesus in Matthew chapter 25 start with five wise and five foolish virgins, it then move onto the parable of the servant with their talents and then it peaks with God’s judgment. All of the examples speak of an application to either foolishness or to wisdom. Both the wise and the foolish have their role to play in the story.

I now want to bring us back to our understanding on Ephesians; “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Obviously if we look to works as a boast then we have understood very little if anything, I will even go as far as to say is all we confirm is that we side with the goats. It is clear that because of Christ’s work and His perfect plan for the believers life, it will eventually free us up to lay down our lives for each other, it must work this peaceable fruit into our lives, for if it does not then we must take James’ warnings very seriously.

However James lays a foundation to his epistle before he addresses the importance of “faith by works”, it seems to have something to do with his understanding on the power one receives in accomplishing God’s call upon one’s life. All have been saved by grace through faith and works will never justify our standing before God as we understand that it is only because of God’s grace that we may now walk in newness of life, following Christ’s example to lay down our lives for our brethren. What James teaches is that every true believer will learn to look at the trials of their lives, as helps, that will eventually strengthen them so that they will be of service to their brethren. This is undoubtedly the call God has place on His children’s lives. The Lord Jesus has paved the way and many since then have followed by example and not only with lip-service. There is an obvious different between the goat and the sheep; and this is what I see, one speaks of doing it while others get on and do it!

James puts it like this; “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (Note; this proves true son-ship). You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"--and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:13-24) 

The complete picture of faith working together with works helps us differentiate between the goats and the sheep. And helps us examine our own hearts to see where we stand. I am found wanting, but God who is rich in mercy has opened my eyes to this lack in my life, not that I lack anything from Him, but the lack of my application in faith toward Him, forgive me Father! You have shown me what is required; help me I pray lay down my life for my brethren, whoever they may be and wherever they may be.

Lord willing tomorrow we will conclude on this subject.

Signing off

Tyrone