DRAWING NEAR
June 26
Having a Faith That Works
"What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he
has no works? Can that faith save him? . . . You see that a man
is justified by works, and not by faith alone" (James 2:14, 24).
Many false teachers claim that you can earn your own salvation by
doing good works. Most Christians understand the heresy of that
teaching, but some become confused when they read that "a man is
justified by works, and not by faith alone" (James 2:24). That seems
to conflict with Paul's teaching on salvation by grace through faith.
But when properly understood, James' teaching on salvation is
perfectly consistent with Paul's. Paul clearly taught salvation by
grace. In Ephesians 2:8-9 he says, "By grace you have been saved
through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not
as a result of works, that no one should boast." But Paul also taught
that true salvation results in good works, for in the next verse he
says, "We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good
works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
In Titus 3:5 he says that God "saved us, not on the basis of deeds
which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy"; but
Titus 2:11-12 clarifies that God's grace leads us "to deny
ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and
godly in the present age." That's the proper balance between faith
and works.
James also taught salvation by grace. He said that God redeems
sinners by the Word of truth and implants His Word within them to
enable them to progress in holiness (James 1:18, 21). That's a divine
work, not a human effort. James 2:14-24 follows that up by telling us
how we can know that work has taken place: there will be more than
just a proclamation of faith but a faith that does good works.
Don't be confused by how faith relates to good works. Put the two
together by being a living testimony to God's saving grace.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank God for the righteousness He is producing in your life. Look
for specific ways to demonstrate your faith to those around you
today.
For Further Study:
Read John 8:31-32.
What is the mark of a true disciple? What effect does God's
Word have on those who heed what it says?
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
John 8:31-32
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in
My word, you are My disciples indeed.
32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you
free."
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:
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and
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You may email John MacArthur in care of Grace to You at:
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In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase@wowway.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
http://www.gty.org/Gospel
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There is a living God. He has spoken in His word. He means just what he says, and will do all that He has promised. - Hudson Taylor
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