Evidences of Rescue

“If I walk the talk, it's a saving faith I possess.”

It jumps out in the middle of the text. It really sets you back on your heels. You see it and sort of skim over it, but something about it draws you back to…

“You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons ALSO believe, and shudder”-James 2:19.

There it is! From the pen of the half brother of Jesus, a sort of sarcastic “atta-boy” shout out. “You believe that God is one.” Welcome to the club! “The demons ALSO believe…and shudder!” You are standing in good company!

“Faith versus Works.” “Faith with no expectation of Works.” “Faith and the confirming evidences of Works.” This whole passage has caused some to pit James against Paul. The Pauline declaration is, “For by GRACE you have been saved through faith…not as a result of works, lest anyone would boast.” Then along comes little brother, Jimmy, who declares, “Just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead!” (James 2:26). Some even chose to reject James' letter as not being truly Spirit inspired!

Which is it? Is it “Faith” that rescues? Or is it “Works” that rescues?

Without writing another book to pile onto the debate, let me simply say this-if you are able to pass by a person who has a legitimate need and simply comfort your conscience by saying a few spiritual sounding phrases. “Go your way, be clothed and fed” or even more indifferent, “I'm so sorry; I'll pray for you.” And you give nothing that is costly of yourself, James would say you have serious reason to wonder if you have yet been truly rescued. The validation of my rescue by grace comes down to a simple formula: “If I walk the talk, it's a saving faith I possess.”

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus FOR GOOD WORKS which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them”-Eph. 2:10.

Put it this way: If you were charged with being a true Jesus follower, would they find enough evidence to convict you?

See you Sunday, Church!
Pastor Tom