True Faith

James 2:14-26

By: Gabril Grayce Gaby Gandey

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Faith is belief, a person's belief in what he believes. Hebrew 1:1 stated that “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” The book of James 2:14-26 records an important lesson about faith, especially the faith that a Christian should have. There are two important elements that form the basis of the faith of a person who believes in God. If one of these two important elements is neglected, then there are consequences. But if a Christian does not ignore it, then that faith will be counted by God.

Faith has two important elements so that faith can be said to be true faith. The first element is trust. A person can be said to have faith when he believes in something he has never seen. But just believing is not enough. Therefore, faith must be accompanied by works, this is the second element. Belief and action are two elements of Faith.

True faith is faith that believes and does God's will. However, what happens if that faith is not accompanied by actions or obedience to God's will and commands? James 2:17 says “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” So the result of faith without works is dead faith.

Faith without works is dead. But if a Christian has faith that believes, and faith that does God's will and commandments, then God will take that into account. One well-known Bible character, Abraham, is an example of several Bible characters who had perfect faith. The proof of Abraham's faith is when he obeyed and did God's will, namely when God told him to sacrifice his son Isaac. When God saw that Abraham had perfect faith, then God counted it as righteousness.

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PoV: Many of us as Christians profess to have faith in God. However, let us ask each of us whether the faith we have is the true faith? Is our faith accompanied by obedience to God's commandments? Answer these two questions in our own heart. James 2:14-26 teaches a very important lesson that if faith is not accompanied by works, like the body without the Spirit, faith is dead. Dead faith is really sad because it is aligned with the faith possessed by devils. Faith should be combined with works because God wants faith to be expressed in our works. Therefore, let us correct ourselves, and live our faith through actions that are in accordance with God's Word.

In conclusion, true faith is faith that believes and does God's will and commandments. If faith and works work together, it will be counted as righteousness.

References

Bible King James Version