IN THE TRUTH OF FAITH, IS EVIDENCE of that FAITH, as it ATTESTS of our allegiance TO THE LORD, in which case, one takes UP their cross, and FOLLOWS HIS example, in the best of their ability. WORKS ARE EVIDENCE of THE UNRESTRAINED HOLY SPIRIT WORKING IN US, PRODUCING ALL GOOD THINGS FOR THE GLORY OF *GOD*, and FOR THE SANCTITY OF HIS WILL!!!
The hypocrites held works of the law in esteem, NOT for THE GLORY of *GOD*, but for self, and power! It is also, MORE than just being a good person, it is doing it ALL FOR THE GLORY OF *GOD*, unconcerned with the self, or merely, or obviously, projecting goodness, because our SOLE concern is shadowing THE LORD, as HE GUIDES us to doing more, more, better, and greater works!!!
FAITH, and WORKS as one, ARE the evidence of *GOD* in us! WORKS are FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST in all matters, and all manners! WORKS are what PROMOTES, and BUILDS UP CHRIST, and HIS CHURCH! Works are what FORWARD *GOD* INTO THE WORLD, to OVERCOME the damages, deception, and discouragement therein! Works are the GOOD we have LEARNED, IMITATED, then ALIGNED TO, IN HIS NAME, FOR THE GOOD OF ALL, and TO INCREASE LOVE, and it's infinite advantages for ALL! Works are the slap in the face to the evil of this world, and the proof that we ARE OF *GOD*! Works are the INSTINCTIVELY, INNATE RESPONSE OF FAITHFULNESS TO THE LORD *GOD* ALMIGHTY, HIS WILL, and WAYS!!!
LOVE of *GOD*, and FAITH, INSPIRE us to ACT in ways which SERVE HIM, and others; these are works! We continually strive to improve in ways which REFLECT HIM, HIS GRACE, and MERCY! We become committed to LOVE, to compassion, to kindness, to charity, to mercy, to understanding, tolerance, forbearance, and TRANSFERRING HIS GIFTS to the people of this life! FAITHFUL WORKS PROVIDE for those in these times, such as HOPE, PEACE, healing, direction, affection, generosity; spiritual AND material provisions, premised on *GOD*! These are the works that strengthen FAITH, LOVE, and the spirit, as well as the comm'UNITY' of *GOD*!!!
FAITH is NOT complete without good works; it just isn't! FAITH is MORE than belief in CHRIST, THE LORD *GOD*, and HOLY SPIRIT, it is a lifestyle aligned TO HIM, and FOR HIS GLORY! It is FOR the GOOD of ALL, that we EXHIBIT HIM in our thoughts, actions, and reactions, and that HIS LIGHT is EVER SHINING, debilitating, then diminishing the darkness, with HOPES that it will do so for ALL, but, at the very least, for those who are MEANT to be reached, and those who SEE, then WANT to be rescued from this crazy maze of the world!!!
JAMES 2: 18...
Indeed someone might say, "You have faith and I have works." Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.
Those are wrong who put a mere notional belief of the gospel for the whole of evangelical religion, as many now do. No doubt, true faith alone, whereby men have part in Christ's righteousness, atonement, and grace, saves their souls; but it produces holy fruits, and is shown to be real by its effect on their works; while mere assent to any form of doctrine, or mere historical belief of any facts, wholly differs from this saving faith.
A bare profession may gain the good opinion of pious people; and it may procure, in some cases, worldly good things; but what profit will it be, for any to gain the whole world, and to lose their souls? Can this faith save him?
All things should be accounted profitable or unprofitable to us, as they tend to forward or hinder the salvation of our souls.
This place of Scripture plainly shows that an opinion, or assent to the gospel, without works, is not faith.
There is no way to show we really believe in Christ, but by being diligent in good works, from gospel motives, and for gospel purposes.
Men may boast to others, and be conceited of that which they really have not. There is not only to be assent in faith, but consent; not only an assent to the truth of the word, but a consent to take Christ.
True believing is not an act of the understanding only, but a work of the whole heart.
That a justifying faith cannot be without works, is shown from two examples, Abraham and Rahab. Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. Faith, producing such works, advanced him to peculiar favours. We see then, how that by works a man is justified, not by a bare opinion or profession, or believing without obeying; but by having such faith as produces good works. And to have to deny his own reason, affections, and interests, is an action fit to try a believer.
Observe here, the wonderful power of faith in changing sinners. Rahab's conduct proved her faith to be living, or having power; it showed that she believed with her heart, not merely by an assent of the understanding.
Let us then take heed, for the best works, without faith, are dead; they want root and principle. By faith any thing we do is really good; as done in obedience to God, and aiming at his acceptance: the root is as though it were dead, when there is no fruit.
Faith is the root, good works are the fruits; and we must see to it that we have both. This is the grace of God wherein we stand, and we should stand to it. There is no middle state. Every one must either live God's friend, or God's enemy. Living to God, as it is the consequence of faith, which justifies and will save, obliges us to do nothing against him, but every thing for him and to him.
REV. LWINSOR © 2013
BIBLICAL, and/or other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS
Christians are a newly created people in Christ, fashioned by God for a life of goodness (Eph 2:10).
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