In James 2:14–19, we witness the inseparable connection between genuine faith and action. Faith that does not lead to tangible expressions of love and compassion towards others is considered dead. The Bible provides an example of someone who professes faith but fails to assist a person in need, contrasting this with true faith that is evidenced by deeds.
It is crucial to distinguish between different aspects of faith: the faith that allows one to enter the kingdom of God involves repentance and belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (Eph 2:8–9). After entering, genuine faith continues to produce fruit in the believer’s life. This ongoing faith, as described by James, is evidenced by works and deeds (James 2:18). It also requires endurance to persist steadfastly till the end of life (Col 1:22-23).
True faith is not merely intellectual or verbal but is evidenced by works, deeds, and a changed life. This aligns with James’ argument that faith without works is dead.
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:17
The passage warns against empty faith that lacks genuine spiritual fruit or the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23). Scripture indicates that those who perform outwardly religious acts without true surrender or change of the heart are deceived into having an empty and superficial faith.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'” Matt 7:21-23
In Matthew 23:27–28, it further states, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
True faith is characterised by steadfastness and endurance through trials and challenges. It remains strong and anchored in Christ in the face of difficulties.Faith is not merely a private belief but should be expressed truthfully and without hypocrisy in every aspect of life, with a genuine desire to honour God.
Believers are encouraged to regularly examine their faith in light of Scripture and evaluate whether their lives demonstrate the fruit and evidence of true discipleship.
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?” 2 Cor 13:5
A genuine faith includes a reverential fear of God, acknowledging His holiness and justice, leading to a life of obedience, and honouring Him in all things.
“By their fruit, you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit, you will recognise them.” Matth 7:16-20
“Therefore, whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” Phil 1:27
Beloved, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk