One of the most misused scriptures is James 2:19 – “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
Many works-based teacher say, “see, belief is not enough, you have to have [fill in the blank] to ‘show your faith’.”
James 2:19 is saying that a person may believe there is one God and that devils also believe. That is true. The devils know there is only one true God. That doesn’t mean anything about salvation. The devils don’t believe the gospel for salvation. They only believe there is one God. ONE God. Which is true.
If you read the verse more closely you can see the verse is in reference to a man (see verse 18 above it, “a man may say”). A man sees that your works prove your faith.
Notice is James 2:23, the scripture jumps from how man “seest thou how faith wrought with works, and by works was faith made perfect?” to “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God” then back to how man sees the situation by saying, “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
Man looks at the outward appearance and “sees” how your works justify your faith.
God looks at your heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
God does not need works to prove your faith when He knows your heart. It is mankind that “need” proof of your justification.
This text is about how “Ye” (mankind) see how that by works a man is justified.
Reread James 2 and look at who is being questioned/addressed.
As Christians our faith should not be dead, but we should show good works. Keyword – “should.”
Doing good works is a choice and it is not automatic when we get saved. There is no when you are saved, “you WILL do good works” or no “if you are not doing good works you were never saved.” NO. It’s not there. When people use this as their argument what they are really doing is saying, “look at me and all my good works, see I am saved because I do good works.” See the problem? You are taking the focus off Jesus Christ and putting it on your performance.
Doing good works is a choice and one that we should be doing as Christians. It is our choice. Look up the places where the Bible speaks about after salvation, there are words used such as “ought” and “should” used to encourage us to do good works. For example, read Ephesians 2:10, the verse after the salvation by grace, it says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Notice the word “should” in the verse.
We should do good works.
But it’s not an automatic thing, we should grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
Belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ alone is enough for salvation (1 Cor. 15:1-4).
When you say that faith in Jesus Christ alone is not enough, you are saying that you must add to what He has already made available freely which is eternal life.
Stop looking at your “works” for salvation or proof you are saved. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Take care,
-Brent
