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May 29, 2005 - Faith and Works
“Thus 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 without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble! (James 2:17 – 19)
The works that faith produces is first of all from faith. Secondly, an active and living faith produces good works. It produces good works because that which is alive always produces life. Much debate and speculation as gone into this verse, and needless to say, rather than turn to Christ in believe, they create a works based salvation approach to God.
Faith includes the works of the mind, body and spirit. To exclude anyone of these elements gives us a distorted view of faith. But works are not what brings us to God or saves us, but good works demonstrate to us and others that we are truly in faith and that we are God’s children.
How does someone know that you are alive? Can they know you are alive if you are on a deserted island and never come out of your hut? People are only aware of life when they see it, therefore, the life of Christ in our lives shows when we live for Christ.
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