14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 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. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Commentary
Vs. 14-17 The question the Apostle James puts forth here is both poignant and relevant to us all who believe. At the heart of it is a profession of faith in Jesus without exemplifying the compassion of Jesus. For if ones faith does not reach beyond oneself and out too those brethren in need, then what good is it? As the Apostle James says here: "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?" vs. 14
And so if one professes faith in the Lord Jesus Christ but exemplifies absolutely no concern for his fellow brethren can such a faith save that person? For if one can turn their back on their brethren when it is utterly clear to them that they are destitute of life's essentials; of daily food and adequate clothing (which in Canada in the winter is essential to life!) yet they do nothing, can such a "faith" save that person? Indeed should such an empty and hard hearted profession of "faith" even be considered real? For if we follow the Scriptures, it is clear that the Apostle John thinks not. For just as a profession of faith without righteous living is false (1 John 3:10), so also a profession of faith without love towards ones brethren is false (1 John 3:14; 4:7-8, 21 etc.). Therefore if ones faith is going too pass a Scriptural test for validity, their must be good works born out of love for and towards ones brethren (1 John 3:17). Otherwise it's just a lifeless "faith", which neither exemplifies the righteous life of Jesus Christ, nor His love and charity towards all His people (consider Matt. 25:31-46). Thus the Apostle James's question is not merely a matter of justification, which only comes by faith in Jesus (Rom. 5:1); but of authentication. For the exhortation is given to warn against simply professing faith in Jesus, yet showing none of the compassion or good works of Jesus. And in this context of only being openly hypocritical, by saying too a brother or sister who is clearly lacking adequate clothing (i.e. "naked") and destitute of daily food: "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled", while doing absolutely nothing for them. Instead just sending them on their way with an empty and meaningless farewell. And so such a "faith" should be condemned as being both lifeless and loveless, just as the Apostle John also says: "But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" 1 John 3:17 Therefore as the Apostle James says here: "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." vs. 17
Vs. 18 18 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.
The Apostle James' statement here makes it clear that faith without works is not only dead, Spiritually, it is also dead in terms of its value as a Christian witness and service for the Kingdom of God or anyone else. It is then a non-starter for those who want too faithfully follow Jesus Christ in discipleship. For Jesus didn't just profess faith in God. Instead He went and lived out everything He preached about the Kingdom of God by manifesting the works of God through His mortal life. And so when Jesus wasn't working (John 5:17), He was praying, receiving guidance and strength from God for what was ahead of Him. As well Jesus always took time too privately teach the disciples the things they (and we) need to know and understand about Himself and Kingdom of God. And so in making his point that faith without works is only a dead and lifeless faith. James makes no allowances for those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and yet do nothing more. For as he says: "Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." Vs. 18
Vs. 19 "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!"
What the Apostle James is essentially saying here is that true Christian faith is more than just having the right "theology". That is giving a mental assent to a known truth. True faith moves beyond a paper theology and takes up a place in ones heart where it becomes a Spirit empowered force for positive Kingdom action. That is the point James is making when he says: "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" For they know His Power and fear His judgment and thus tremble! Yet you will not find them doing the Will of God. Thus too believe in the One true God is of course to do well, because that is reality. But in of itself; acknowledging God in such a way; does not equate with having a saving faith that has opened its' heart and surrendered it's life to Jesus Christ, His Son. Therefore if the demons believe that there is one God and tremble. How much more than should a healthy the Lord encompass us all who have called upon the Name of the Lord for our salvation. Should there not then be on our part a healthy fear of the Lord that reveres His Word by seeking to do His Will through it (consider Matt 12:46-50). For faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and obedience to the Gospel of God is more than just a profession of "faith" in His Person or His Word. It is a command too obey God through it. Therefore no-one who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ can be indifferent to either His Person or His Will (consider Matt 12:30). True faith in Jesus, by it's very nature, always brings forth good fruit too God. For the life of Jesus Christ within us compels us onto greater obedience and faith and service for the Lord whom we love. For ultimately it is the Lord by His Spirit within us who not only produces motivation within us to do His Will, it is He who is also providing the Spirit gifting and empowerment and encouragement to carry out His Kingdom's purposes and designs for us and for all. And so true faith is not just a confession of faith, then a water baptism. True faith is like a seed planted in good ground that takes lasting root, and in the process of time, through patience and perseverance, grows up and brings forth much fruit, as Jesus Himself said in His parable of the Sower (see Luke 8:4-15). And so whether this begins by making a change in ones lifestyle or behavior, or stepping out in faith in some tangible way, and thus depending on God for both good fruits and change. Faith in Jesus is always a call to action, and by its very nature produces action! And so the Apostle James flat out rebukes the notion that faith can be separated from works. For to only have a profession of faith in Jesus without manifesting the life or the good works of Jesus, is only to be living discordant with the Gospel of Christ, and thus not having a dynamic and living and true faith. For having been born-again by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ means there has been not only a change with ones standing with God, but there has been a fundamental change in ones heart and person, according to the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Therefore though the carnal nature is still present in every believer; it has been effectively crucified (Rom 6:6); and thus the carnal nature and its desires must give way too the pursuits and desires of the Spirit of God, so that the King and the Kingdom of God can be manifested through our very lives (Rom 8:12-17; Col 1:26-27; 3:1-4, vs. 3).
Vs. 20-26 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
The Apostle James in making his point that faith without works is dead. Now draws analogy from two familiar Biblical persons. The first being Abraham, whom James calls our father, for Abraham truly is the father of us all who believe, and thus manifest their faith in God by obeying Him through His Son Jesus Christ. And so in rejecting the foolish mans "faith", that essentially denies that faith in Jesus, by it's very nature, both compels and produces good works through us all who believe in Jesus and thus seek to obey Him. James now cites the Scripture to make his point that "faith without works is dead". And so he says: 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. vs.. 21-23
Since Abraham believed God he sought to obey God's command to him to offer up Isaac his only son on an altar to God (see Genesis 22). Believing as the Scripture says in the Book of Hebrews that God was able to raise up Isaac again from the dead if need be (see Hebrews 11:17-19). And thus not until Abraham obeyed God was Abraham justified (that is seen to have done what is right in the eyes of God). And so by his works, Abraham's faith was not justified, it was made perfect. For faith is not justified until it is tested by a trial of obedience. For faith always allows for the possibility of disobedience. And that is exactly what God did with Abraham when he tested him to see if Abraham would obey Him. And when God saw that Abraham would obey Him, and was about to offer Isaac on the altar, the Angel of the Lord declared from heaven too Abraham: “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” 12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Genesis 22:11-12
Therefore we can see why the Apostle James calls Abraham the friend of God. Because of Abraham's obedience God not only promised that He would bless Abraham and his descendants, but also all of humanity through them, that is his seed, culminating with God providing His most precious blessing too us all, via the crucifixion death of His Son Jesus Christ for the sins of us all (see Genesis 22:12-18).
Similarly then Rahab the harlot, when the Israelite spies (here James calls them messengers) came to Jericho, she heard them and believed them. And so fearing God she hid them, so that the rulers of Jericho were not able too seize them. And thus try too thwart Joshua and the rest of Israelites plans too overthrow Jericho, as God had commanded them. Therefore in doing so, Rahab not only saved herself, but also her whole household (see Joshua 2:1-21; 6:17). Thus the Apostle James also says of Rahab the harlot that she too was justified by her works (vs. 25), just as Abraham was, because both moved with Godly fear in obedience to God. And thus their faith was perfected (i.e. made complete) by their works. And so in citing these Godly examples of faith to us all, the Apostle James concludes by saying: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." vs. 26
I don't know where you are at today, if you have made a decision for the Lord Jesus Christ, to receive His salvation for you, which He purchased with His own blood, by His crucifixion death on the cross for you. And if you have, are you following Him in obedient discipleship? For you can't have one and not the other, because Jesus Christ as Lord of all, demands both of us all. Not that His demands on our lives are heavy or burdensome "religious" demands, that men heap upon themselves and others in trying to earn God's favor (see Matt 11:28-30). Rather they are the means by which He establishes and perfects within us, both His Will, and His Character. And so by obedience to the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ ones faith is made perfect (Consider Matt. 5:48). But it all starts with a personal decision to receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith (John 1:12), which then brings us into a personal and living relationship with the Living God. Whose Spirit then indwells us and thus transforms us, and thus makes us fit for the Kingdom of heaven as it's redeemed citizens, (and so uniting us through the Spirit of God with the Lord Jesus Christ and all believers everywhere). But also the Holy Spirit here and now equips us for Jesus Christ's witness and service, so that all things that we do may be done in Christian love. And so my prayer for you is that if you have not yet received the Lord Jesus Christ you might do that now. By a simple prayer of faith asking Him into your heart and life He will come into you (Rev 3:20), and thus not only save you from wrath to come, but He will also transform your person here and now, setting you free from your sins and Satan's power, and set you on a new course of life that will make you fulfilled in every way, if you obey Him. Therefore if you believe and can see your own need too redeemed from your sins and transgression simply pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus Christ I believe that you were crucified in my place so that by Your death on the cross God has not only atoned for all my sins, He has by His doing so opened wide His heart and blessing to me and to all who believe in Him through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Therefore I now invite You Lord Jesus Christ into my heart and life to be both my Lord and Savior, too lead and guide me forever. In Your name Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture Citations
Commentary
Vs. 14-17 The question the Apostle James puts forth here is both poignant and relevant to us all who believe. At the heart of it is a profession of faith in Jesus without exemplifying the compassion of Jesus. For if ones faith does not reach beyond oneself and out too those brethren in need, then what good is it? As the Apostle James says here: "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?" vs. 14
And so if one professes faith in the Lord Jesus Christ but exemplifies absolutely no concern for his fellow brethren can such a faith save that person? For if one can turn their back on their brethren when it is utterly clear to them that they are destitute of life's essentials; of daily food and adequate clothing (which in Canada in the winter is essential to life!) yet they do nothing, can such a "faith" save that person? Indeed should such an empty and hard hearted profession of "faith" even be considered real? For if we follow the Scriptures, it is clear that the Apostle John thinks not. For just as a profession of faith without righteous living is false (1 John 3:10), so also a profession of faith without love towards ones brethren is false (1 John 3:14; 4:7-8, 21 etc.). Therefore if ones faith is going too pass a Scriptural test for validity, their must be good works born out of love for and towards ones brethren (1 John 3:17). Otherwise it's just a lifeless "faith", which neither exemplifies the righteous life of Jesus Christ, nor His love and charity towards all His people (consider Matt. 25:31-46). Thus the Apostle James's question is not merely a matter of justification, which only comes by faith in Jesus (Rom. 5:1); but of authentication. For the exhortation is given to warn against simply professing faith in Jesus, yet showing none of the compassion or good works of Jesus. And in this context of only being openly hypocritical, by saying too a brother or sister who is clearly lacking adequate clothing (i.e. "naked") and destitute of daily food: "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled", while doing absolutely nothing for them. Instead just sending them on their way with an empty and meaningless farewell. And so such a "faith" should be condemned as being both lifeless and loveless, just as the Apostle John also says: "But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?" 1 John 3:17 Therefore as the Apostle James says here: "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." vs. 17
Vs. 18 18 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.
The Apostle James' statement here makes it clear that faith without works is not only dead, Spiritually, it is also dead in terms of its value as a Christian witness and service for the Kingdom of God or anyone else. It is then a non-starter for those who want too faithfully follow Jesus Christ in discipleship. For Jesus didn't just profess faith in God. Instead He went and lived out everything He preached about the Kingdom of God by manifesting the works of God through His mortal life. And so when Jesus wasn't working (John 5:17), He was praying, receiving guidance and strength from God for what was ahead of Him. As well Jesus always took time too privately teach the disciples the things they (and we) need to know and understand about Himself and Kingdom of God. And so in making his point that faith without works is only a dead and lifeless faith. James makes no allowances for those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and yet do nothing more. For as he says: "Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." Vs. 18
Vs. 19 "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!"
What the Apostle James is essentially saying here is that true Christian faith is more than just having the right "theology". That is giving a mental assent to a known truth. True faith moves beyond a paper theology and takes up a place in ones heart where it becomes a Spirit empowered force for positive Kingdom action. That is the point James is making when he says: "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!" For they know His Power and fear His judgment and thus tremble! Yet you will not find them doing the Will of God. Thus too believe in the One true God is of course to do well, because that is reality. But in of itself; acknowledging God in such a way; does not equate with having a saving faith that has opened its' heart and surrendered it's life to Jesus Christ, His Son. Therefore if the demons believe that there is one God and tremble. How much more than should a healthy the Lord encompass us all who have called upon the Name of the Lord for our salvation. Should there not then be on our part a healthy fear of the Lord that reveres His Word by seeking to do His Will through it (consider Matt 12:46-50). For faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and obedience to the Gospel of God is more than just a profession of "faith" in His Person or His Word. It is a command too obey God through it. Therefore no-one who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ can be indifferent to either His Person or His Will (consider Matt 12:30). True faith in Jesus, by it's very nature, always brings forth good fruit too God. For the life of Jesus Christ within us compels us onto greater obedience and faith and service for the Lord whom we love. For ultimately it is the Lord by His Spirit within us who not only produces motivation within us to do His Will, it is He who is also providing the Spirit gifting and empowerment and encouragement to carry out His Kingdom's purposes and designs for us and for all. And so true faith is not just a confession of faith, then a water baptism. True faith is like a seed planted in good ground that takes lasting root, and in the process of time, through patience and perseverance, grows up and brings forth much fruit, as Jesus Himself said in His parable of the Sower (see Luke 8:4-15). And so whether this begins by making a change in ones lifestyle or behavior, or stepping out in faith in some tangible way, and thus depending on God for both good fruits and change. Faith in Jesus is always a call to action, and by its very nature produces action! And so the Apostle James flat out rebukes the notion that faith can be separated from works. For to only have a profession of faith in Jesus without manifesting the life or the good works of Jesus, is only to be living discordant with the Gospel of Christ, and thus not having a dynamic and living and true faith. For having been born-again by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ means there has been not only a change with ones standing with God, but there has been a fundamental change in ones heart and person, according to the Spirit of God (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Therefore though the carnal nature is still present in every believer; it has been effectively crucified (Rom 6:6); and thus the carnal nature and its desires must give way too the pursuits and desires of the Spirit of God, so that the King and the Kingdom of God can be manifested through our very lives (Rom 8:12-17; Col 1:26-27; 3:1-4, vs. 3).
Vs. 20-26 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
The Apostle James in making his point that faith without works is dead. Now draws analogy from two familiar Biblical persons. The first being Abraham, whom James calls our father, for Abraham truly is the father of us all who believe, and thus manifest their faith in God by obeying Him through His Son Jesus Christ. And so in rejecting the foolish mans "faith", that essentially denies that faith in Jesus, by it's very nature, both compels and produces good works through us all who believe in Jesus and thus seek to obey Him. James now cites the Scripture to make his point that "faith without works is dead". And so he says: 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. vs.. 21-23
Since Abraham believed God he sought to obey God's command to him to offer up Isaac his only son on an altar to God (see Genesis 22). Believing as the Scripture says in the Book of Hebrews that God was able to raise up Isaac again from the dead if need be (see Hebrews 11:17-19). And thus not until Abraham obeyed God was Abraham justified (that is seen to have done what is right in the eyes of God). And so by his works, Abraham's faith was not justified, it was made perfect. For faith is not justified until it is tested by a trial of obedience. For faith always allows for the possibility of disobedience. And that is exactly what God did with Abraham when he tested him to see if Abraham would obey Him. And when God saw that Abraham would obey Him, and was about to offer Isaac on the altar, the Angel of the Lord declared from heaven too Abraham: “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” 12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Genesis 22:11-12
Therefore we can see why the Apostle James calls Abraham the friend of God. Because of Abraham's obedience God not only promised that He would bless Abraham and his descendants, but also all of humanity through them, that is his seed, culminating with God providing His most precious blessing too us all, via the crucifixion death of His Son Jesus Christ for the sins of us all (see Genesis 22:12-18).
Similarly then Rahab the harlot, when the Israelite spies (here James calls them messengers) came to Jericho, she heard them and believed them. And so fearing God she hid them, so that the rulers of Jericho were not able too seize them. And thus try too thwart Joshua and the rest of Israelites plans too overthrow Jericho, as God had commanded them. Therefore in doing so, Rahab not only saved herself, but also her whole household (see Joshua 2:1-21; 6:17). Thus the Apostle James also says of Rahab the harlot that she too was justified by her works (vs. 25), just as Abraham was, because both moved with Godly fear in obedience to God. And thus their faith was perfected (i.e. made complete) by their works. And so in citing these Godly examples of faith to us all, the Apostle James concludes by saying: "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." vs. 26
I don't know where you are at today, if you have made a decision for the Lord Jesus Christ, to receive His salvation for you, which He purchased with His own blood, by His crucifixion death on the cross for you. And if you have, are you following Him in obedient discipleship? For you can't have one and not the other, because Jesus Christ as Lord of all, demands both of us all. Not that His demands on our lives are heavy or burdensome "religious" demands, that men heap upon themselves and others in trying to earn God's favor (see Matt 11:28-30). Rather they are the means by which He establishes and perfects within us, both His Will, and His Character. And so by obedience to the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ ones faith is made perfect (Consider Matt. 5:48). But it all starts with a personal decision to receive the Lord Jesus Christ by faith (John 1:12), which then brings us into a personal and living relationship with the Living God. Whose Spirit then indwells us and thus transforms us, and thus makes us fit for the Kingdom of heaven as it's redeemed citizens, (and so uniting us through the Spirit of God with the Lord Jesus Christ and all believers everywhere). But also the Holy Spirit here and now equips us for Jesus Christ's witness and service, so that all things that we do may be done in Christian love. And so my prayer for you is that if you have not yet received the Lord Jesus Christ you might do that now. By a simple prayer of faith asking Him into your heart and life He will come into you (Rev 3:20), and thus not only save you from wrath to come, but He will also transform your person here and now, setting you free from your sins and Satan's power, and set you on a new course of life that will make you fulfilled in every way, if you obey Him. Therefore if you believe and can see your own need too redeemed from your sins and transgression simply pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus Christ I believe that you were crucified in my place so that by Your death on the cross God has not only atoned for all my sins, He has by His doing so opened wide His heart and blessing to me and to all who believe in Him through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Therefore I now invite You Lord Jesus Christ into my heart and life to be both my Lord and Savior, too lead and guide me forever. In Your name Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture Citations
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