It’s about faith and a whole lot more
The book of James helps us put our faith into perspective. As Christians we have a choice to either live for Jesus or become what I call “undercover Christians.” Paul, in his first letter to the church at Corinth, reminds church members that each one of our ministries will be judged (see 1 Corinthians 3:1-15). One thing to point out here is that as Christians we all have full-time ministries and perhaps this lack of understanding that role and knowing the Word of God is why Christianity is perceived as being largely ineffective (more on that later). Paul says that our work for Christ will be tested by fire (see 1 Corinthians 3:13), and if our work burns up we will suffer loss but that person will at least be saved, as one going through fire (see 1 Corinthians 3:15). The mental image I get in reading this verse is someone running through a burning home barely escaping with their clothes on (perhaps the phrase “saved by the skin of their teeth” applies here). They are saved but little or nothing else.
After accepting Jesus do we change or do we continue on in life as if nothing happened? Do we live in the basement of our lives or do we venture out and explore what God has in mind for us to do? (Read Ephesians 2:10) Sadly, faith in Jesus is invisible to most people so what we say and do are the only external indicators to the faith living inside. Even though our faith in Jesus is essentially for something yet future, our salvation, there are many promises given to the believer that apply right now, before heaven. Paul wrote that while we are on this planet in our flesh, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
What is faith? We all exercise faith. If you’re like most people you have sat in a chair. If so then you had faith in that chair before you sat in it. Otherwise you probably wouldn’t sit down in it! Now if I came over to your home and tried to sell you a chair but refused to sit down in the chair you probably wouldn’t buy any chairs from me. It is the same with our faith in Jesus. If I am not demonstrating my faith then others would soon discover either I have no faith or my faith is very shallow. Many question as to who or what is the subject of that faith. Not all references to ‘faith’ relate to salvation, see “Faith in…?” in the Appendix for further discussion.
Of course, salvation is the centerpiece of Christianity. Jesus died and rose again conquering death for all that believe in Him. Just in the book of John alone there are dozens of statements that clearly teach that our faith in Him alone allows us to be saved (see John 3:14-16; 3:36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:27; 6:40; 6:47; 6:54; 6:63-64; 6:68; 8:12; 8:24 8:48-59; 10:27-28; 11:25-27; 12:36; 13:19; 14:1-7; 14:11-14; 15:1-11; 16:27; 17:20-21; 20:31) as well as several other promises (see John 14:3 and 14:27 for a couple of examples).
The book of James strongly emphasizes the need for putting faith into action and, as a result, is often misinterpreted as being in conflict with the gospels and Paul’s teaching. In this study we will discover that James never teaches “good works” are necessary for salvation. He will get in your face like a drill sergeant and will get really close, but he never crosses that line. Actions or “good works” are always treated as something that should be done (external evidence) not something that has to be done (such as works required for our salvation).
No one likes the idea of being salvaged. The word implies one is powerless to save themselves, unless of course they realize that they are indeed lost. The Bible tells us that we are all sinners (the word literally means missing the mark). In this case we are missing the mark of perfection and as a result, all of us are faced with eternal condemnation. Since perfection is what is required and having missed the mark, in other words not being perfect, we are unable to save ourselves. God knew this from the beginning of time (He knew that Adam and Eve would sin before they existed), so He sent His Son Jesus (who is perfect and lived a perfect life) to die on our behalf.
New to Christianity? Stop reading now!
Well if that sub-title doesn’t get your attention possibly nothing will! The book of James is not for the immature (please don’t take offense). James begins with the assumption you are a mature Christian or at the very least seeking to be mature. The Bible would define mature as one who no longer needs to be fed baby formula (essential teachings of Christianity, read 1 Corinthians 3:2 and Hebrews 5:11-14 to understand the metaphor). If you are a new Christian or possibly an unbeliever, please begin by reading “The Meaning of Life” section in the Appendix, and then come back where you left off here.
There is a process going on in our lives. In a sense we are all being molded. We will either be formed to conform to the world with its earthly passions, lusts and desires or we will be changed, conformed by God. The latter is what the Bible calls sanctification.[1] God wants us to grow in His Word (so that we can be weaned off the baby formula), while He uses situations and trials in our lives to strengthen us and prepare us for ministry. The church is part of the mechanism God uses to prepare us (read Ephesians 4:11-24, see also Romans 12:1-21 and Hebrews 10:24-25).
Christians are not “half-baked” or even partially baked, thinking we need to do something more for our salvation since Jesus did all the work (see Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9). There is nothing more that needs to be done in order for us to get into heaven and spend eternity in the presence of Jesus. So what do we do in the meantime? This period between accepting Jesus and getting into heaven has been the subject of great debate. As mentioned above, we are in a period of time known as sanctification. A time for growth, to mature in Christ, and a time to witness to others. But if we are already righteous in God’s eyes due to what Jesus did for us, what difference does it make how we live? The difference is that as Christians we have changed (see Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:24) and as we grow in the knowledge of God we begin to place His commands ahead of our own desires and make Him a priority in our lives. A Christian should live according to His Word and serve Him as we witness for Him. Maturity comes from being obedient. But more importantly, obedience allows us to enjoy fellowship with God while we wait for heaven.
So how should a mature Christian live?
God’s Word continually calls for our professed salvation to be tested for validity (see Psalm 17:3; 26:1-2; 139:23-24, Acts 26:20 and 2 Corinthians 13:5). What do I mean by validation? Consider what I call the “Signature of God.” We see that when prophets are sent by God in the Bible they are first validated. Whenever distant or future prophecy was to be announced, the prophet was given a near-term or soon-to-be-fulfilled prophecy in order to demonstrate without question they were speaking God’s truth (a very effective way to authenticate the author since only God knows the future). In the same manner God, through His Word, has given us many promises; the biggest one, without a doubt, is His promise of salvation. Even though we are saved immediately, the yet-future event that we truly believe in with Jesus essentially begins when we die. Does that mean we have to wait until then to apply our faith? No! Just like the Biblical prophets of old, God has given us many near-term promises and we, through faith, need to apply them in our lives today. James addresses several of these promises.
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[1] See Appendix - Santification: Being made righteous in God’s eyes.