THE FAITH-VERSUS-WORKS DEBATE (3)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 

“God made us to do good works.” Eph 2:10 NCV 

Having described a false faith, James illustrated it. He painted the picture of someone in need of food and clothing. A person claiming to have faith put his hand on his shoulder and said, “Have a good day. Be careful out there and try to stay warm. I hope you find something to eat. Bless you.” Then James wrote: “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (Jas 2:18 NKJV). Here the spot- light is placed on those who seem to prefer words over works, yet they have no impact on the world around them because their faith does not produce fruit. Question: If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Would anyone be able to take the stand on your behalf and say: “I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me” (Mt 25:35-36 NKJV)? In the ancient world, someone finding a person who appeared to be dead would hold a mirror under that person’s nose. If the mirror got cloudy, it indicated that life was still in the body even though the person was barely breathing. If the mirror stayed clear, it was evidence the person was dead. So James takes the mirror of God’s Word and holds it under your nose. Is your faith breathing? Is it producing works of faith? If so, you’re pleasing God