False Faith

As we continue through the book of James, we will be looking at verses 2:14-26 in this post. If we look at Ephesians 2:8 that it is through Faith that we are saved, it is not because of our works, so no one can boast.          But since we are saved we should produce fruit.  In this post we are going to look at different types of Faith that James describes in this passage.

James 2:14-26New International Version (NIV)

Faith and Deeds

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 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? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 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. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together,and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[b] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.

25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

The first type of Faith that James describes is Dead Faith (2:14-17).  In Matthew, Jesus says "Not everyone who says to me "Lord, Lord" will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is Heaven." (Matt. 7:21)   Dead Faith is the type of faith were people substitute words for deeds. They know scripture and stuff, but their walk does not match their talk. They think their words are as good as works and they are wrong. James gives an illustration of a man needing clothes and food, and the man with dead faith notices the man but does nothing about it. As believers we have an obligation to meet the needs of people no matter who they be. When we help someone it is an expression of love and faith works by love (Gal. 5:6).   Dead faith is the person who only has an intellectual experience. In his mind he knows the doctrine of salvation, but they never submitted themselves to God and trusted Christ with their salvation. They know all the right words but does not back them up with their works.  Faith in Christ brings life and where there is life there is growth, and fruit.  You will know them by their fruit.   No man can come to Christ by faith and remain the same anymore than a man comes in contact with 200 volts and remain the same.  Dead faith is not saving faith, it is counterfeit. 

The second faith James describes is Demonic faith (2:18-19).   Dead faith is a person touched only in his intellect, but the demons are touched also by there emotions. They believe God is real and they tremble.   A person can be touched in their mind and their emotions and still not have true saving faith. Saving faith changes lives not just the mind and emotions.  Being a Christian involves trusting Christ and living for Christ. You receive life when you reveal the life. 

The last one James describes is Dynamic Faith (2:20-26)  Dynamic Faith is faith that is real, Faith that has power, faith that results in a changed life. Faith is only as good as that you have it in. A man in a jungle who has faith in an idle is no good, because that idle has no real power. If you faith is in something that is not good then your faith will not accomplish nothing.   True saving faith involves the whole person. It involves their mind, emotions, and the will of the individual.  Dynamic Faith leads to action. It leads to obedience on part of the will. The obedience isn't in isolated events, but it continues through out life.    James gives two old testament examples of dynamic faith. The first is Abraham, who is a Jew, godly man, and a friend of God.  The second one is Rahab, who is a gentile, Harlot, and belonged to the enemies of God.  Both Abraham and Rahab exercised faith in God. Abrahams faith led out of his actions. He was justified by his faith and it was shown out in his works. 

This morning I started reading a new book. The book is called "Not a Fan" by Kyle Idleman. I highly recommend this book and I haven't even finished it yet. It is one of those that is hard to put down. In this book he as the question of are you a fan of Jesus or are you a follower.  A fan is someone who is an enthusiastic admirer they do not have to sacrifice anything.  But a Follower does make sacrifice for the sake of Christ.     

As you read this post I want you ponder the question what kind of Faith do I have?     If we truly have faith in Christ then it should show in our works. It should show in the way we treat people, the way we think of people. For they should know us by our fruit.   Are you someone the world describes as a Christian or are you someone who describes Christ to the world.