We are looking into the meaning of the phrase "faith without works is dead." In an effort to bring it into alignment with the renewed mind of our true identity re-birthed from above, of the spiritual life of faith where our victory is Christ's image and likeness within re-awaken, restored, redeemed and thereby known often by us.
James 2:18-26 "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works (after receiving the inspiration of revelation), when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith (in Genesis 15:6), "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:" and he was called the Friend of God (in 2Chronicles 20:7). Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (KJV)
James 2:18-26 "But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works (after receiving the inspiration of revelation), when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; And the Scripture was fulfilled that says (in Genesis 15:6), "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"—and he was called a friend of God (in 2Chronicles 20:7). You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead." (ESV)
James 2:18-26 "Faith is not in competition with works; the one cannot operate without the other. Faith remains invisible without action; indeed the only way to communicate faith is in doing the things prompted and inspired by faith. (My doing what I do and saying what I say were birthed within me in this way) Congratulations! So you believe in one GOD; so do demons; however, their belief in GOD doesn't change them it just gives them the shivers and he be gee be's. Hey man, if you have nothing to show for your faith your faith is meaningless; it remains a dead doctrine. Abraham's righteousness inspired his actions of faith when he presented his son Isaac as a sacrifice upon the altar. (Genesis 15:1, 6 confirms that Abraham was justified long before Isaac was born. GOD was his reward, not Isaac. No amount of godd works can justifiy a person; good works follow faith, not the other way around! Here James asks the question, "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar? The answer is clearly, "No! Abraham was justified when he believed GOD'S Word of inspiration concerning his offspring, many years prion to Isaac's birth!") His works were in synergy with his faith, and completed it. The one compliments the other. Abraham's friendship with GOD was the fruit of the righteousness he received by faith; this was announced in Genesis 15:6 and promoted a lifestyle that confirmed his faith. (2Chorinicles 20:7 calls Abraham the friend of GOD.) It is obvious then that justification does not stop at faith but continuous into action. By protecting the Messengers Rahab the prostitute showed her faith in their message and was justified. ( Hebrews 11:31) Just as the body gives expression to the spirit, so actions give expression to faith." (The Mirror, with editing)
Mat our LORD help our faith by his inspiration. Until our next visit when the LORD will we shall begin a look into chapter 3's controlling of the tongue.
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