Authentic faith must be followed by deeds because if we claim to have faith, will that save us? A false claim can be characterised by
- being all talk
- action-less
- compassion-less
- all knowledge
- relies on orthodoxy
- refuses to be taught
James says it takes more than words to show that you have faith – A poor person cannot just say “I’m rich” and buy a multi-million dollar home or we can’t say “I’ll help you” with words when the person needs food or shelter and we don’t provide for them.
Furthermore, you can know the bible and that God exists but the demons know that too so that can’t save you. Also a foolish man is unwilling to be taught and change, see Acts 8:9-25 about Simon the sorcerer. If you have authentic faith, there will be works but it is not a bargaining chip with God, because God gives us faith and it changes our hearts from dead to alive. Jesus said “I am the vine and you are the branch, if you remain in me, you will produce fruit”. Think about it, if you plant an apple seed, you’ll get apples, if you plant the word of truth, you’ll get authentic works of faith:
- The first work will be that of repentance 2 Timothy 2:19
- There will be works of obedience Ephesians 2:10
- There will be works of separation from the world and our past life Romans 12:1-2
- There will be works of compassion and love
Finally test yourselves in faith – 2 Corinthians 13:5 (let it be in your heart and your head)