JAMES 2:19-20 Works of Faith

19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?

Simple belief in the existence of God is not the faith that leads to salvation. Even having accurate knowledge of his awesome power and righteousness will not save a person. In fact, as shown by the illustration of the demons, such belief and knowledge only leads to fear for those who choose to remain disobedient enemies of God.

In 2003, the United States invaded Iraq with an overwhelming show of force. Once the Iraqi forces witnessed the power and resolve of the allied forces knew what they were facing and believed in the superior might of the invading army. This belief led not to peace and reconciliation, but rather the fear of certain defeat and the retreat of the soldiers into the civilian population in order to wage a war of attrition and terror.

When we are disobedient to God our belief in God can never lead to reconciliation and peace. In Deuteronomy, belief and works are tied together in the great Jewish declaration of faith.

6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.

As Jesus said:

15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command…

21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

(John 14:15, 21)

Reconciliation with God, true peace, comes only by gift and can only be received through obedience. Faith in God is a matter of believing in God as he has revealed himself to us and acting accordingly. Perfect love, which is the manifestation of faith, does indeed drive out fear (1 John 4:18).

My Lord Jesus and Savior of the world, inspire me to seek a greater knowledge of you so that my faith might grow into perfect fruitfulness. Through your Spirit empower me to increase in my love of you and manifest that love through a growing obedience to your will. Bring me to the place of peace with God even in this life. Amen.