James 2:19-26

God illustrated saving faith -- James 2:19-26: The demons prove that a faith that does not reflect itself in works cannot save. "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." (James 2:19) The demons believed, but were they saved? No! The faith of the demons did not produce good works, or a holy life. There was a faith, but this shows that the mere existence of faith is not all that is necessary to save mankind.

Abraham's faith led him to offer his son Isaac as God had commanded. His actions proved the fact that he was a true believer in God. When Abraham offered His son, Isaac, God said, "Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." (Genesis 22:12)

Rahab also demonstrated her faith by receiving and protecting God's spies. James wrote, "Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?" (James 2:25) Her case demonstrates that obedient faith will save even the worst of humanity. In Rahab we see the wonderful power of obedient faith in transforming and changing sinners.

Let us learn that the man of faith must properly reflect his faith by his works. "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (James 2:26) Faith is the root, good works are the fruits. We must see to it that we have a working faith. We must not think that either, without the other, will justify and save us. The doctrine of salvation at the moment of faith, without obedience, is not a Biblical teaching.

The Christian religion stands or falls on the doctrine of Christ as the Son of God. (John 6:69) Those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God gladly repent and are baptized. (Acts 2:38) Those with "the love of God in them" serve Him faithfully. They realize that a profession of faith without obedience is loathsome to God.