“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14-17 (ESV)
President Jimmy Carter said, “To me, faith is not a noun, but a verb.” He was speaking in line with Scripture.
While it is true that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, but our faith in him must be expressed. “Now faith is both substance of hope and evidence of invisible convictions” Hebrews 11:1 (SyS). Faith’s initial evidence is Godly sorrow, confession and repentance. Evermore afterwards, our faith is expressed in our everyday lives and actions. We turn away from sin and turn towards Christ. Therefore, President Carter made a significant point . . . faith is active in living not just a theological concept.
Dear Father, thank you for the grace of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Help me to live my life in active faith. Enable me to share my faith with others who do not know you. In Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN
Let us praise God for his grace and live an active faith,
Pastor Smith