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NASB | James 2:14 ¶ What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 2:14 ¶ What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient--genuine faith produces good works.] |
Subject: Second hand faith is workless! |
Bible Note: Lionheart - I'd like to delve into this a little more - What about "works?" Most often "fruit pickers and fruit watchers" link works with good deeds that result from a life devoted to God.(I suspect that this attitude can lead to an addiction to service apart from trusting God aka second hand faith). . . But men who are unbelievers also can do "good things." Or can they? (Luke 18:19)See also 1 Cor 3:7-15. If God isn't in the work we will suffer loss. I'd like to suggest that faith, apart from the work(s) of God is dead. Because the word work is plural, I'd like to suggest that this may reference the work of the Trinity. The work of God the Father, the work of God the Son and the work of God the Holy Spirit are the "works" that give life to our faith - for His good pleasure!(Phi 2:13) Faith is a gift from God as well. (Roman 12:3) Eternity has been set in our hearts (Ecc 3:11) so that we are aware of Something more . . . Romans 1 affirms the God-given awareness we have of Him. And all that God calls us to do with the faith He has given us is to choose (Choose this day who you will serve) . . . perhaps our free will is our "work?" If we choose self, faith remains by itself. If we choose God, faith works! God works! "Apart from Me," Jesus said, "You can do nothing!" (John 15 :5)We are God's workmanship, created in Christ unto good works which God has prepared in advance for us to do. (Eph 2:10) This whole faith thing is ALL about God, this whole works thing is ALL about God too. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. God not only gives us the faith, but the Object to place our faith in as well - I suspect that many of us don't understand that the trials and challenges that God allows us to experience are actually opportunities for us to trust Him, to place our faith in Him, to please Him! My 2 cents. Blessings, mommapbs PS: I realize I'll probably incur the wrath of the leadership here for my "speculation" but I do believe that this is worthy of at least consideration. It is all about God and not at all about me. |