Today, my chronological Bible reading plan switches to the Book of James, which reminds us that biblical Christianity is practical. What stood out is the application of our faith in many different situations. It is easy to talk big about one's faith in Christ. But, as they say, "The proof is in the pudding." — James says talk is cheap; live it out! Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:19–20, KJV)
Now, James makes a clear distinction here. He says that good works do not produce faith, but faith saves and produces good works. What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (James 2:14, 17, KJV)
As in James' day, so too in our day; there will be many professors but fewer possessors and practitioners of the faith. Paul the Apostle, writing to Timothy, warns of such things in the last days. Paul describes incredibly wicked people in 2 Timothy 3:1-4 who... Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5, KJV) In other words, many will say one thing, but they will live out another, for their heart is dead to God. James says... For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26, KJV) Believers, let us rejoice that the power of God has transformed our lives, and we live out this joy through our good works!
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