A justifiable claim to being acceptable to God must be made on the basis of faith (Heb.11:6). There are two propositions affirmed in this passage which are:
- The conviction that God does exist.
- Confidence that he will do as he has promised.
The term “faith,” when used in connection with salvation, never means mere intellectual belief only, although it is implied. The predominate idea in the word is that of trust in God, or the giving over of oneself to him. This kind of faith stands in sharp contrast to meritorious works; but it is never placed in contrast with works which are produced by faith. The works produced by faith are referred to as “obedience of faith,” and by them faith is perfected (Rom. 1:5; James 2:22).
Paul, in Romans 3:3, refers to a “law of faith,” that is, the divine arrangement for saving the lost, or, which is the same thing, the gospel plan of salvation. The term “law” is frequently used to denote the whole legal system under Moses; and since “faith” is the leading and characteristic feature of the religion of Christ, it is often employed to indicate the New Testament scheme of redemption. Faith then, implies believers but, as we shall see in this study, all believers do not belong to the same category.
THERE ARE BELIEVERS WHO DO NOTHING ABOUT THEIR FAITH:
This is the implication of James’ question: “What does it profit, my brethren, if a man say he has faith, but has not works? Can that faith save him?” “That faith” is faith without works, that is, faith of one who does nothing about it. James ask, Can that kind of faith save any one? The inspired answer is given in the remainder of the chapter in the form of four illustrations, each followed by the conclusion.
An illustration from life (15, 16) and the conclusion (17).
Faith, that is, conviction alone will not suffice (18, 19), and the conclusion (20).
The case of Abraham (21-23), and the conclusion (24).
The case of Rahab the harlot (25), and the conclusion (26).
The New Testament abounds in examples of the ineffectiveness of faith which does not issue forth in works, or, which is the same thing, the obedience of faith.
John 8:31ff – disciples must abide in His word.
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Acts 24:24-27 – Felix
Acts 26:24-29 – King Agrippa
THERE ARE THOSE WHO WORK, BUT BELIEVE THE WRONG THING:
We should keep in mind that there is always a corresponding relationship between a man’s faith and that which it leads him to do. No conscientious person will act contrary to his sincere convictions; but he will zealously do that which he believes to be right (Acts 23:1; 24:16).
This ought to be enough to show that it does indeed make a difference what a man believes. This fact is plainly set forth in both the Old Testament and New Testament: Prov. 4:23; Matt. 12:33-37.
This fundamental truth was vividly illustrated by Saul of Tarsus and graphically set forth by him after he became the apostle Paul (Gal. 1:13-17; Rom. 10:1-3).
THERE ARE THOSE WHO BELIEVE THE RIGHT THING, AND ACT ACCORDINGLY:
The only way in which one can have the proper faith – the faith which is acceptable to God – is by hearing that which he has revealed in his message to man (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31; Luke 8:12).
When genuine Bible faith has been planted in the heart of the individual, it must follow, as the night follows the day, that something is going to be done about it, that is, something which God has ordained (James 2:18).
The proposition is illustrated and confirmed in Acts 2:41. The people to whom Peter spoke were unbelievers when he began his address (23, 26). But when they heard the sermon which Peter delivered, some of them changed their minds about Jesus, that is, they became believers in Him. This is shown by the facts expressed in verse 37. The apostle then answered their question.
“Obedience always follows the acceptance of God’s word regarding any subject involving the duty of man.”
The late Wayne Holland
