Genuine Faith Generates Good Deeds!
This section of scripture, James 2:14-26 is not contradicting other passages in scripture such as Romans 3:28 that says “man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.” Though our good deeds can never earn salvation, in fact, “Genuine faith Generates Good Deeds.”
Subsequently, true faith involves a commitment of your whole self to God. Again, genuine faith always generates good deeds, but the deeds do not justify us. Faith brings us salvation, active obedience demonstrates our faith is genuine.
Therefore, if we see a need, and we do not do what we can to meet that need, our faith is dead. Faith that is not accompanied by action is dead.
James 2:14-17 NLT Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead
14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
Actions demonstrate faith!
Mere intellectual assent is not salvation. Even Satan and his demons believe in God, they just do not obey him.
An example of faith and actions working together is the story of Abraham who offered his only son Isaac on the altar.
In the John MacArthur study Bible, this is a commentary on faith & works.
Abraham’s offering of Isaac demonstrated the genuineness of his faith and the reality of his justification before God. James is emphasizing the vindication before others of a person’s claim to salvation. James’ teaching perfectly complements Paul’s writings; salvation is determined by faith alone (Eph. 2:8–9) and demonstrated by faithfulness to obey God’s will alone (Eph. 2:10)
Rehab, the prostitute’s Genuine Faith Generates Good Deeds!
Another example in the Bible was Rehab; she believed in the God of the Israelites so much that she risked her life to save the Israelite spies who came to check out her city. Her faith generated action.
The bible teaches that- as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith, without deeds is dead.
In conclusion, James is not saying we are saved by our good works but that unless there is evidence of good works, it is possible that there is only an intellectual assent to the facts about Christ.
The following is a short excerpt from gotquestions.org. Read the whole article at the link below.
“Why is Faith Without Works Dead?”
James 2:14–26 is sometimes taken out of context in an attempt to create a works-based system of righteousness, but that is contrary to many other passages of Scripture. James is not saying that our works make us righteous before God but that real saving faith is demonstrated by good works. Works are not the cause of salvation; works are the evidence of salvation. Faith in Christ always results in good works. The person who claims to be a Christian but lives in willful disobedience to Christ has a false or dead faith and is not saved. Paul basically says the same thing in 1 Corinthians 6:9–10. James contrasts two different types of faith—true faith that saves and false faith that is dead.
In summary: Salvation is through faith and grace, and cannot be paid for with any good works that naturally proceed from someone who is genuinely born again.
Prayer of response:
Father God, I am so thankful for your word that gives life and meaning to this journey I am on every day. This passage makes it very clear that true faith is not just an intellectual assent, but a complete transformation of my purpose in life.
The needs that I see and hear about every day are endless. The media reports so much tragedy, suffering, pain and corruption. It is so difficult to know how to respond and what to take action on.
Heavenly Father, it is my desire to be attentive to your leading, to have wisdom, understanding and willingness to respond in prayer and in action.
I commit all of my life to you; my breath, my health, length of days, material possessions, physical ability/gifts – these are all from your hand, by your design, by your creation. Help me Father to use all of these wisely.
I pray in Jesus, strong and holy name.
Amen.