MONDAY January 6, 2020

Faith Made Perfect

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
James 2:21-24

James saw the evidence of faith and works seen in the life of Abraham. He believed that God would give a child to him and his wife Sarah in their old age. God said of Abraham’s faith: And he [Abraham] believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

Later, God tested Abraham. He told Abraham to take Isaac, his only son of promise, and to sacrifice him. Notice, Abraham stepped out by faith. He saddled the donkey and took his son on a three-day journey to Mount Moriah. Once he arrived at the place God told him, he laid Isaac on the altar. Abraham was about to slay his son when the Lord called to him and told him not to harm his son. When Abraham’s faith was tested, he obeyed God and showed the evidence of true works (Genesis 22).

James emphasized that Abraham’s faith was shown in his works. Faith and works really do go hand in hand. If there is no evidence of works through faith, then your faith is dead––it is useless. People can call themselves Christians, carry a Bible, and confess Jesus Christ, but if they do not have true faith and works, it is all in vain. Remember, Jesus taught us what to look for as evidence of true faith in the lives of Christians: “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16).

As a Christian, you have to ask yourself, “Do I have spiritual fruit in my life? Do people see the fruit of love? Am I a real child of the light?” If you have both true faith and true works––working together in your life––that is awesome.

The saints of God are sealed inwardly with faith, but outwardly with good works.
~John Boys~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!