James 2:14-26 <— Click to read verses

We are justified by faith alone, not by works however three times James said “faith without works are dead”. Works alone will not get us to heaven. James here is not saying we have to do good works to be saved. What he is saying is that true Christians will do good works because they’re saved. Works are not necessary to be saved. Works provide evidence that we are saved. The point James is making here is that a mature Christian will put faith into action. Faith is what we believe and it proves itself by how we behave. That’s why he writes here about the connection between faith and works. When a person is truly saved by faith in what they believe then it will prove itself by how they behave. If you remove behavior from the belief system then you’re left with a faith based belief system that has no evidence in action. 

Which is why James point out here about demons in James 2:19. Because if it’s only about belief then demons should be commended. They believe and even tremble. James is basically saying this. If you believe, good for you. Demons believe, even tremble. They believe the right doctrine, they believe in the deity of Christ. In Mark 3:11 they bore witness to the son of God. In Luke 8:26-39 it shows that they believe in the place of punishment. Mark 5:1-20 is clear that they know that Jesus is Judge. What distinguishes demons from believers is that true believers put their faith into action, demons do not. They have a belief system, they have right doctrine but they have no action. They are in disobedience and in rebellion to God.

So what James is saying here is that true Christians not only will have a belief system but also testifies to that belief through the way they behave. Therefore works and faith are explicitly linked. Works don’t save us but works is proof that we are saved. Works do not cause us to be in a place of greater favor with God but they demonstrate that we have His favor and that we are born again by faith. If a Christian has a relationship with God then their actions in public and private should show it. James gives us two examples. Abraham in James 2:24 and Rahab in James 2:25. Abraham believed God but he didn’t just claim it, he put his faith into action by being obedient. Rahab was a prostitute who became a believer and she proved her faith by action. You can read the story of Rahab in Joshua 2. 

James is saying to Christians that we need to demonstrate our faith by the way we live. By the way we give, the way we talk and the way we love. We need to not only have a belief system but also be sure that the way we live and behave in public and private is consistent with our belief. If we go to church or out in the world proclaiming we believe but then are seen at other times cursing, arguing, getting drunk, gossiping, etc what do you think that represents to the non believer? You are showing them a false view of what God’s family truly is. You can also become a stumbling block to a fellow believer if they stumble as a result of your behavior. The Lord Himself denounces it and doubles a woe against it in Matthew 18:7. The apostle confirms this in Romans 14:20 where he describes it as literally evil to do something that will make a brother stumble. We  will answer to God someday for any one we caused to stumble. The world is watching us and we may not realize who has been affected by our behavior when we boldly claim to be a believer and then are seen acting against God’s word. 

Anyone can believe and tell others that they believe but it is the way we live our lives, it is our actions, it is how much we strive to live by God’s word, it is the way we speak, it is the way we conduct ourselves that is the real evidence of what we truly believe in our hearts. So while works don’t save a person, works is the testimony, the evidence, the proof that what we believe and who we’ve trusted which is our Savior Jesus Christ is real, genuine, is legitimate. By your fruit you will be known. Matthew 7:15-20. By the way we live it will testify that we are in fact born again. Like the body without spirit is death. Faith without works is dead. 

With all this talk about works I thought I should end this with a brief response to the question What is works? It is these things and so much more. It’s upholding God’s word, living according to God’s way. It is about making your relationship with Jesus Christ the highest priority of your life. It is standing in faith during good times and bad. It’s about working to build the Kingdom of God. Witnessing to others, sharing the gospel. Joining with fellow believers in worship, fellowship and in the tasks necessary to reach out in the mission we have been given to share the gospel to all nations. It is about sharing our testimony and using it to lead us into sharing scripture. It is about having a heart for and an interest in the things of God. It is about maintaining your testimony by your behavior, by your self control so you can bring glory and praise to God. I pray that this study of James is helping to bring it alive in your mind and your heart.