Faith & Works

The message was brought by Rev. Eddie Foster on July 28, 2024.

The background scripture for the message is James 2:14-26.  The Bible does not contradict itself.  We are saved by faith and that faith produces good works.  Our works are evidence of our salvation. Paul tells us we are saved by faith without the deeds of the Law.  James tells us we are justified by works. Who’s right?  They both are. Paul declared the day we are saved that it was by God’s grace through our faith and it is not of works “lest any man should boast.”  We had no good works to present to God. We were saved by grace through faith. This is how it works. 

God can see the heart of mankind, so he can see the faith inside it. If I see anything it will be the works that faith produces. I cannot see inside the hearts of others. First Samuel 16:7 says But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. Our works prove our profession of faith.  Both Paul and James used the same person as reference:  Abraham. His faith was well known before he offered his son Isaac. That act revealed the genuineness of his faith.

Has being a Christian brought a change in your life?  Do you live differently than you used to live? A profession of faith must come with a possession; in other words, Jesus Christ must come to live in your heart. It is not enough just to believe in God. There is intellectual knowledge. James 2:19 confirms this when it says Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Will the devils be in heaven?  No. They will not. The book of Revelation tells us where Satan and those who followed him will be:  in hell. It takes more than intellectual knowledge to produce a change.  Has your faith produced good works? Can people look at you and say “there’s a Christian.”  If your faith doesn’t produce works, it is a dead faith. You probably didn’t get saved. Titus 3:8 says This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men. Paul was giving instructions for all of us to take note.

In Luke Jesus talked about a barren fig tree. It was well taken care of. It did grow, but it produced no fruit. Jesus said cut it down. Was it the owner’s fault? The dresser of the vineyard? The vineyard’s? No. It was a good for nothing tree. We all have times of unfruitfulness.  But if this is a permanent part of your Christian life, you’re in trouble. God expects fruit from his children. People read our lives everyday. James is saying if you have been saved by grace through faith, good works will follow. 

It’s checkup time.  Are you a fruitful Christian, full of good works?