DAY TWENTY-TWO
March
15, 2017
“As the body without the
Spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
James
2:26
How do you know that your life has been changed by the
power of God? Well, how do you know that
a high voltage electrical line has touched you?
When a person comes into a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus
Christ, it is very obvious to the one who has received this new life and to the
people close to Him. When God comes into
your soul, you will know it! However,
the question can be asked: “Does the
Bible teach about the evidence of a changed life?” This Scripture in James is the heart of this
epistle, and it gives a clear understanding of a biblical working faith that is
evident of a union with Jesus Christ.
Paul speaks of this in Romans, using Abraham as an
illustration. Abraham was, humanly
speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation.
What were his experiences concerning this question of being saved by
faith? Was it because of his good deeds
that God accepted him? If so, he would
have had something to boast about. But
from God’s point of view, Abraham had no basis at all for pride. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited
to him as righteousness.” When
people work, their wages are not a gift.
Workers earn what they receive. “However, to the man who does not work but
trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.” Romans 4:1-5
There is no contradiction between these verses in
James and Romans. Paul stresses the root
of faith, while James stresses the fruit of faith. Paul looks at our salvation from the Divine
perspective, and James looks at it from the human perspective. Paul sees the fire, and James sees the smoke
coming out of the chimney. The two go
hand in hand.
Is your faith evident to those around you? Does your faith penetrate your character and
actions? Can others tell that you love
the Lord?
Prayer Focus: Lord, increase
the faith of every member of our church so that it is obviously visible to the
outside world. Pray Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine
before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in
Heaven.”
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