"Shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works" (James 2:18).
Faith, one has explained, is the work of God in the soul. To this concise remark we add that works are the proofs of this faith, the evidence of it that others see. Might it not be said that we really believe only that truth which is evidenced in our lives and that our faith is measured by the truth which we act upon practically? This truth exercises our hearts as to how faith and works balance out in our lives as born-again Christians.
Our salvation is not related even to the quality of our faith, much less to our works. This salvation is based solely upon the atoning sacrificial work of Christ upon the cross. "When He had by Himself purged our sins, [He] sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" (Heb. 1:3). In that grand gospel type of Exodus 12, Jehovah declared, "And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are:and when I see the blood, I will pass over you" (v. 13). As it sometimes is noted, the Lord does not say, "when you see the blood," but "when I see the blood." The value is in the blood, not our faith. We could not possibly add anything to the eternal preciousness of the blood of Christ to God (nor, thank God, detract from it, either). Blessed be God for this plain and glorious truth! By believing in our hearts God’s plan of salvation, the mighty work of the Holy Spirit having operated there, we are saved.
It is in our lives then, as Christians, that we are to give proof of our faith. We cannot show that faith to men; we cannot show faith without works. It is impossible. We are to show_and this is James’ appeal in the verse quoted at the beginning_our faith by our works. True faith, being of God, links the heart to Christ. Its affections and interests are formed by the growing knowledge of Himself. The reading and study of the Word strengthens and increases our faith. As the truth_ the Word_lays hold of us, through the energy of the Holy Spirit, it deepens the sense of the personal need for Christ; His love is felt and enjoyed the more. The effect will be a spirit of worship, with purpose of heart to be faithful to Him and witness for Him. Our faith will work, but it will be a work that draws its energy and strength from personal communion with God our Father and the Lord Jesus, a work that is sustained by the sense of the imminent return of our Saviour from heaven.
Profession of faith is common enough today. Balance is needed; "they who have believed God" are to "take care to pay diligent attention to good works." We draw your attention to the Scriptures in the next article relating to this need of "balance" in our lives. May God stir us up to work, even though there may be nothing but faith in the Word of God to justify that work, as was true of Abraham in Genesis 22, and of Rahab in Joshua 2, the two examples that James uses in chapter 2. "Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor" (I Cor. 3:8).
The thoughtful, prayerful use of tracts is one way in which we can show our faith by our works_a very definite way. Countless numbers of people are dying around us. Do we care?
These printed messages of the mercy and love of God are a means of reaching some of those who may rarely, if ever, attend a religious service, or who if they do, are not hearing the true plain gospel of God’s salvation for lost sinners. We meet the gas station attendant, the postman, the newsboy, clerk, cab driver, ticket agent, salesman, repair man, waitress, neighbor. How many we have to do with every day_ if only for a moment! Some we may never meet again. Do we care?
We have just what souls need; that’s the point.
The Apostle Paul believed that "if I announce the glad tidings, I have nothing to boast of; for a necessity is laid upon me; for it is woe to me if I should not announce the glad tidings" (1 Cor. 9:16, J.N.D. trans.). Our hearts should echo this.
If we feel unable to speak of Christ, or if there is not time, the tract will speak for us, and in its own time. It may enter many a home and be read by others; thus our testimony is greatly extended.
"Just balances, just weights . . . shall ye have:I am the Lord your God" (Lev. 19:36).
FAITH …… WORKS
"The word is faithful, and I desire that thou insist strenuously on these things, that they who have believed God may take care to pay diligent attention to good works. These things are good and profitable to men" (Titus 3:8, J.N.D. trans.).
"Thou seest that faith wrought with his [Abraham’s] works, and that by works faith was perfected" (Jas. 2:22, J.N.D. trans.).