Saturday, January 22, 2011

FAITH VS. WORKS

By Kwaku Gyamfi


            In the second chapter of his letter, what the Apostle James (the brother of Jesus) brings to the text I believe is the practical pragmatic dynamics of faith. It’s the kind that I believe first Corinthians thirteen was speaking about that, “If I speak with the tongues of men and angels, or have the gift of prophecy, knowing all kinds of mysteries and knowledge, and even have faith to remove mountains, yet, has no love, I am nothing” (I Cor. 13:1-2). In Romans chapter four Paul stated, “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God” (Romans 4:2). Our best works before God in our un-regenerated state would be as filthy rugs before Him. When dealing with God the only currency that is accepted is faith—it’s the only thing that pleases him. However, when we read James’ letter it seems we find a contradiction or is he just coming from a different perspective? Let’s take a look at the context in its entirety:

 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.  You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone (James 2:14-24 emphasis mine).

What I conclude from these various scriptures is that salvation is not based on our works. What Father God requires of the sons of men to qualify for righteousness is faith (right believing). If an individual believes on Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior, confessing and acknowledging that God has raised Him from the death he shall be saved (see Rom. 10:9). This is what Paul talks about, that it’s your faith (right believing) that determines your eternal abode. However, we all know the story doesn’t end there. If anything, it is the beginning of new way of life. At this stage of the redemption process, we become what Isaiah calls “trees of righteousness” (Isa. 61:3) and as trees we must bear fruits. So Jesus in John 15:5 said, “I am the Vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” It is this bearing of fruits that Apostle James is referring to. For the fruit of the Spirit in which the recreated or regenerated man must bear is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (see Gal. 5:22). Therefore in looking at the above scripture it reads, “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” In other words, you prove your works to God by your faith but to men you prove your faith by your works. The faith of a believer is invisible. To manifest or materialize that faith, it must be demonstrated by deeds. So if I say that I have love in my heart then naturally I ought to give freely unto those who are disadvantaged. In the same way when Abraham believed and trusted God and was tested to see how committed he was, the Bible says he withheld not his only son but gave him up to be sacrificed. Abraham backed up his belief with a demonstration. He didn’t just talk the talk, he also walk the walk.   

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