"What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? James 2:14 NKJV
This verse together with the Apostle Paul's writings, has often clashed over the years. However, once studied, it is so clear - so understandable. Instead of what people have called contradiction, they are actually in agreement and both bring it out in their own way.
A person who has asked Jesus into their life, is saved. That cannot be taken from him or her, and it is by faith in Jesus that this has happened. One cannot earn salvation by doing good works. Salvation comes by faith in Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-10 says:
'For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.'
Notice, carefully, Paul is saying that we are saved for, not by our works. This is very important and shows how Paul and James were in harmony over this matter. Therefore, if we profess to be a Christian, one who is a bible reading, Spirit-filled confessing man or woman of God and someone asks for help, God would expect us to assess the situation properly, not just send them away with a blessing. If by example, someone is hungry and has no means of satisfying that hunger and, we have the means to satisfy this need but instead, send them away with a, 'I'll pray for you brother. Things will get better, just trust God.' That does not show the love of God. It's the same if a person needs money or clothes; if we are able to meet their need - comfortably - but instead, send them away empty-handed, have we demonstrated the love and the works of God? No, we haven't.
To profess Christianity, we must act as Jesus did and would in any given situation. This doesn't mean that we should allow people to take us for a ride and con us. This is why we need to be open to the Spirit of God. If we are, He will show us who are genuine and who are not.
As we have seen, we cannot earn salvation. This comes through faith in Jesus. However, it doesn't stop there. Remember, we are saved for our good works not because of them.
Copyriight 2021 Grahame Howard
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