FAITH AND WORKS | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Sep 28, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 38.

FAITH AND WORKS.

“I WILL show thee my faith by my works.” James 2:18. This is just as true of every other person as it was of James, altho many people seem to imagine that they have much more faith than is manifested in their lives. However, that a man's faith and works are co-extensive, and co-operative, is shown by Scripture evidence. We are justified by faith (Rom. 5:1); we are saved by grace, through faith (Eph. 2:8); and in the judgment God will “render to every man according to his deeds.” Rom. 2:6; Matt. 16:27.

God wants righteousness in men; and righteousness is right doing. Abraham's faith was counted to him for righteousness, but his works were the proof of his faith, without which no man can please God. James 2:21-25; Heb. 11:6. Therefore a man's life is the measure of his faith. To say that I believe so and so, but I do not live up to it very well, or to say that I believe the truth all right, but I am sorry to say that I do not live it as I ought, is sheer self-deception. And too often it deceives other people, according as one who makes such “confession” may incidentally have influence with others.