Following Christ-Rediscovering the Jewish Faith of JesusSample

Day 30: Faith Without Works

James contains a lengthy discussion of faith and works. His point is not that works are better than faith. The entire New Testament teaches that faith alone is what saves a person. However, James makes the point that real faith will result in action that is consistent with that faith.

James gives two examples from Scripture: Abraham and Rahab. Abraham was told to sacrifice his son. He proved his faith in God by going ahead with the sacrifice until he was stopped by an angel. Rahab proved her faith by hiding the spies in Jericho. If either of them had not taken these actions, there would have been reason to doubt whether their faith was genuine.

This lesson is similar to that taught by Jesus when He said, “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:16). Jesus went on to point out that not all of those who claimed to have faith were saved. Those that had faith proved it by doing the Father’s will. Jesus rejected those whom He deemed evildoers that “practiced lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23, NKJV).

What kind of deeds prove a person’s faith in God and in Jesus? James refers to the instructions God gave His people through Moses in Exodus and the following books. James writes, “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do” (James 1:25). The law of God gives freedom from sin. Sin is defined thus:

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4).

“What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet’” (Romans 7:7).

Later in his letter, James writes, “When you judge the law, you are not keeping it” (James 4:11). James is consistently supporting keeping the Law, just as Jesus and Paul did so many times. Sadly, much of Christian tradition has abandoned this teaching. What do you prioritize more highly—the teaching of Scripture or Christian tradition? I urge you to follow Scripture first. Learn what God expects of His followers, and to do it. In so doing, you will demonstrate your love and your faith.

Reflection

What are some Christian traditions that may not align with Scripture?

What was your biggest takeaway from what we’ve gone over in the last thirty days together?

Thank you for joining me in this study. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. May Jesus guide you as you uncover new truths in the Hebrew Scriptures, and grow closer to Him.

“Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known” (John 1:16-18).

Shalom!