Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror--they have seen His wrath]! [Deut 6:4; 11:13-21; Mark 12:29] |
Bible Question: Is there a difference between believing in God and believing God? Please support your answer. |
Bible Answer: Greetings! The following scripture comes to mind, in response to your question. In it, James (under the influence of the Holy Spirit) tells us that demons believe in God. However, we know that demons do not serve our Lord. By comparison, those of us who believe God (like Abraham) demonstrate our belief by what we do in response to His Word. James 2:17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. James 2:18 But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." James 2:19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. James 2:20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? James 2:22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; James 2:23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was called the friend of God. James 2:24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. This scripture is not talking about a "works" motivated mindset, in the sense of how many hours each day I am compelled to spend in prayer or in helping at a homeless shelter, for example. Notice that Abraham did not "do" anything, except believe that the Lord was able to revive his son, had Abraham struck the fatal blow. Consequently, in response to his belief, he obeyed the Lord's command to him. If we believe God, we will obey Him. |