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The letter of James is all about authenticity. In chapter 2:14-26, James writes about authentic faith. He gives two examples of counterfeit faith in verses 14-19 and then two examples of authentic faith in verses 20-26. He shows that the major difference between true faith and false faith is a matter of outflow. True faith shows itself in deeds (verse 14, 20, 26) and in action (verse 17, 22, 24).
This is a very good corrective for us.
Among some Christians there is a great deal of attention given to social action and yet the focus of faith and its content can too easily be lost. For others, there can be a strong emphasis on faith's focus and content with its practical implications lost.
The Reformer Martin Luther said, ‘Faith is a living, restless thing. It cannot be inoperative. We are not saved by works; but if there be no works there must be something amiss with faith’.
Both Paul (in Romans 4) and James use Abraham as an example. Paul shows that Abraham was saved through faith, not by works. James shows that the authenticity of Abraham's faith is seen in his works (2:22).
James' conclusion is that faith without deeds is fit for the cemetery as is the body without the spirit (2:26).
We ought not be so active that we forget why we are doing what we do.
We ought not be so ‘theological’ and forget how this is to work out in practise.
David Cook
Principal
'From the Principal's archive
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