Main Scripture passage: James 2
The objective of the book of James is the accomplishment of mature, genuine faith. So throughout the book James gives a series of tests, or measuring rods, by which to evaluate one’s faith. The first test he gives is the test of trials in chapter 1. The next test is the test of the Word (how we respond to it). In chapter 2, we have yet another test, the test of people–how we treat others. The reason for all these tests lies in the fact that James’s audience professed to be believers and were confident of their faith. Therefore James gave them several tests by which they could evaluate their faith to know if it was really real. The first thing to note about faith is that there are three kinds of faith: dead faith (vv. 14-18), demonic faith (v. 19), and divine faith. Firstly, dead faith is faith that is useless or idle. It has no substance; it produces nothing. That is, dead faith is a faith that has no works and produces no fruit. Secondly, there is demonic faith. Demonic faith is an intellectual faith that will not produce fruit. James says in verse 19 that “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble!” What he is saying is that it is not enough to say that there is one God, or even to say that Jesus Christ died for your sins. It’s not enough to say it or assert it intellectually–to merely assent to it. Such faith by itself is demonic. In addition to dead faith and demonic faith, there is divine faith. This is the faith that works. Divine faith includes a firm persuasion of the mind and a reliance or trust on the object of faith. It includes knowledge and a persuasion of the truth, but it also includes a third element–trust. This is a reliance on the object of our faith. True saving faith, then, is an intelligent perception of the truth, a reception of the truth, and a reliance on the truth, as it is revealed in the gospel. Putting your faith in Christ involves self-renunciation; you are not trusting in yourself for salvation but are casting your soul on Christ. Faith believes the promises of Christ and rests on these promises. This is also called appropriation: applying Christ to yourself. It is embracing Christ, receiving Christ, and rolling on Christ. So how do you know if you have saving faith? Look at your works. True living faith will produce fruit simply because it is alive. To sum up, the important message James has for us is this: to look at our faith and evaluate it in the mirror of God’s Word. If it measures up, then it is true faith. If it does not, then it is not true faith. The remedy for those who lack saving faith is Jesus. Come to Christ, because He is waiting for you. Put your trust in Him, and He will wrap you in His arms of love.