Bible Verse of the Day Thursday June 24th 2021

 James 2:26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. 

 This is a verse of scripture used by many, out of context of course, that want to falsely claim that it is our works that save us, not just our faith alone. One does not have to look for any specific verse or verses in the Bible to know that salvation is through the grace of God and our faith in His great love, grace, and mercy. However, one would need to have a consistent daily time of prayer and Bible study. Understanding the truth of God’s Word is more than just memorizing a few verses of scripture to prove some misguided point that has been passed down from father to son and mother to daughter for generations. Going back in this same chapter (James 2) we will find in the 17th and 18th verse an explanation of what James was alluding to, what his point was and how it aligns with the truth of the gospel of Christ Jesus. 

 James 2:17-18 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 

That is the point that James was making, our salvation comes only through our faith in Christ Jesus and His substitutionary work on the Cross of Calvary. Our faith will show through to the world because of our works. It’s not that we have anything to prove to the world, but our love for our Savior and for all people of the world will result in a servant’s heart being placed in our hearts minds bodies and souls (Ezekiel 36:26). 

The thesis being brought forward by James is that faith without service to God and others is a useless and unproductive faith, not bearing any good fruit. Before we came to Christ Jesus and surrendered our lives to Him and accepted Him as our Lord and Savior, we were spiritually dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 2:13). We were made alive in Christ Jesus when our sins were forgiven. Just as a dead physical body can’t produce any works, our dead spiritual bodies can’t produce any good works in and for the glory of God.

A follower and believer in Christ Jesus that is not performing good works for our Lord and Savior, being a servant to God and others, has not lost their salvation. However, they are not living the victorious and full life that our Lord and Savior suffered and died on the Cross of Calvary so we could have (John 10:10). Those that are not involved in service for God and others are not living in a manner that brings honor and glory to Christ Jesus. In order for our lives to reflect the light of Christ Jesus to this lost, dark and dying world we should follow the advice given in the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 5:15-16 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

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