Faith by Itself, if It Does Not Result in Action, Is Dead
James 2:17
(Photo by Ivana Cajina on Unsplash. Berean Standard Bible)
James 2:17 So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.
James is addressing people who claim to believe in God, yet there is no visible evidence of transformation in their lives. He explains that genuine faith produces action and spiritual fruit.
James is not teaching that a person is saved by works or human effort. Rather, he is teaching that real saving faith results in a changed life. Good works are the evidence of genuine faith, not the cause of salvation.
This does not mean Christians obey God perfectly. Believers still struggle with sin and weakness. However, as they walk with Jesus Christ, they will increasingly grow in obedience and practicing righteousness through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Remember that God not only calls you to obey Him, but He also gives you the strength to do so. Humbly come before Him, depend on His grace, and ask Him to empower you to walk in obedience and live out your faith through your actions. ~ Jeff M Newman
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Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV) “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9-13)
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