How can we be sure that we are true Christians? By looking within ourselves: are we really trying to DO what God wants us to?
Someone may say, “I am a Christian; I am on my way to heaven; I belong to Christ.” But if he doesn’t DO what Christ tells him to he is a liar. But those who DO what Christ tells them to will learn to love God more and more. That is the way to know whether or not you are a Christian. Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did. (1 John 2:3-4)
Many people call themselves Christians but do not do what Christ tells them to do in His Word. Some say that just believing in God is enough to be saved. Others say no believing alone is not enough you have to have good works. But what does the Word of God say? Paul said that we are saved by faith in Christ not by the good things that we do. (Romans 3:23) James 2:24 says, “You see that a man is justified (pronounced righteous before God) through what he DOES and NOT ALONE through faith [through works of obedience as well as by what he believes].
Do not let the enemy confuse you on this matter. James is not contradicting Paul. Paul was speaking against those who try to be saved by doing good works instead of having true faith. James is speaking to those that think that just believing is enough without ever doing anything as a result of their faith. If you are true followers of Christ (Christian) then you will have works as a result of your faith.
The Word is clear that faith that does not show itself by good works is not faith at all, it is dead and useless. Believing is useless without doing what God wants you to.
James 2:18-19 says,
18. But someone may well argue, “You say the way to God is by faith alone, plus nothing; well I say that good works are important too, for without good works you can’t prove whether you have faith or not; but anyone can see that I have faith by the way I act.”
19. Are there still some among you who hold that “only believing” is enough? Believing in one God? Well, remember that that the demons believe this too—so strongly that they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that “believing” is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith.
True faith in God makes you want to serve God by helping others and living a godly life. If you have truly encountered God and received Jesus as your Lord and Savior then He will be Lord over your life. The evidence of your faith will be in how you live and what you do. You will want to know how to please God and show your love and gratitude for what Jesus has done for you. You will desire to feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, invite a stranger in, provide clothes to those in need, look after the sick, and visit the prisons as Christ speaks about in Matthew 25:34-36.
Someone may say, “I am a Christian; I am on my way to heaven; I belong to Christ.” But if he doesn’t DO what Christ tells him to he is a liar. But those who DO what Christ tells them to will learn to love God more and more. That is the way to know whether or not you are a Christian. Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did. (1 John 2:3-4)
Many people call themselves Christians but do not do what Christ tells them to do in His Word. Some say that just believing in God is enough to be saved. Others say no believing alone is not enough you have to have good works. But what does the Word of God say? Paul said that we are saved by faith in Christ not by the good things that we do. (Romans 3:23) James 2:24 says, “You see that a man is justified (pronounced righteous before God) through what he DOES and NOT ALONE through faith [through works of obedience as well as by what he believes].
Do not let the enemy confuse you on this matter. James is not contradicting Paul. Paul was speaking against those who try to be saved by doing good works instead of having true faith. James is speaking to those that think that just believing is enough without ever doing anything as a result of their faith. If you are true followers of Christ (Christian) then you will have works as a result of your faith.
The Word is clear that faith that does not show itself by good works is not faith at all, it is dead and useless. Believing is useless without doing what God wants you to.
James 2:18-19 says,
18. But someone may well argue, “You say the way to God is by faith alone, plus nothing; well I say that good works are important too, for without good works you can’t prove whether you have faith or not; but anyone can see that I have faith by the way I act.”
19. Are there still some among you who hold that “only believing” is enough? Believing in one God? Well, remember that that the demons believe this too—so strongly that they tremble in terror! Fool! When will you ever learn that “believing” is useless without doing what God wants you to? Faith that does not result in good deeds is not real faith.
True faith in God makes you want to serve God by helping others and living a godly life. If you have truly encountered God and received Jesus as your Lord and Savior then He will be Lord over your life. The evidence of your faith will be in how you live and what you do. You will want to know how to please God and show your love and gratitude for what Jesus has done for you. You will desire to feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, invite a stranger in, provide clothes to those in need, look after the sick, and visit the prisons as Christ speaks about in Matthew 25:34-36.
Jesus said to let your light shine for all to see. He wants everyone to see your good deeds so that they will praise our heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:16)
If you have faith in Christ prove it! Become doers of the Word.
Read James 2:14-26
If you have faith in Christ prove it! Become doers of the Word.
Read James 2:14-26
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2 comments:
What a awesome and powerful word. What good is it for us to believe in the word of God, but not show it in our lives, actions, and works. We are called to spread the good news, and without works and actions, it is merely words.. This is an important message and needs to be taken literally by people, we cannot try to reason the word of God, we must obey faithfully and truly. Our Lord was humble to serve us and help us, who are we not to return the favor to others.
It's so easy to rationalize our actions when we know they're not God's intention. God doesn't expect us to move mountains. Read the Word. Follow His path. It's not a major task. He's given the greatest sacrifice of all for us. Giving up our earthly thirsts is so miniscule compared to everything God has for us!
It takes a stronger person or a person backed up by the strength of God to resist temptation. So stop talking and step up to the plate! Actions speak louder than words.
What story are your actions telling??
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