Justified by Works

It has been a great privilege to teach a Sunday school class on James. As we discussed chapter two, we worked through what it means to be justified by works and how it is compatible with justification by faith alone. Then in the afternoon, the youth began to work on things for Youth Sunday, which is centered on "Come and follow," the calling of Simon and Andrew. My view of faith has been challenged today - not that it is too shallow but rather it is too narrow.

I have quoted Hebrews 11:1 as the definition of faith, as have many others. The ESV puts it, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." I treat it like a dictionary definition, plucking it from the page and disregarding its context. That verse alone sounds like a conviction of one's belief, does it not? But even the very next verse is enough to shed further light on our understanding of faith. "For by it the people of old received their commendation." Faith is inherently demonstrative. Just read Hebrews 11:1-11. Faith as an ideal is futile. Faith that does not compel one to act accordingly isn't much different from an idea that someone thinks is good yet refuses to act on. Perhaps you think that driving a vehicle while texting is unsafe, but you do it anyhow. Is that thinking alone going to keep you from having an accident caused by texting? Of course not.

James meant that we are justified by works in the sense that we show our works; our good deeds are a demonstration to all that God has made a difference in our lives. Good deeds are evidence to others of our salvation for their sake. Our good deeds point to our Savior. So what is our testimony? Are we showing the world what it means to follow Jesus, living as He tells us to live? Or am I living the life of a hypocrite, saying one thing and doing the opposite? What do people see when they look at my life? My words and my actions need to say the same thing. I am not saved because of what I do, but what I do is a result of my salvation.

What am I doing with my witness? Jesus made the point that people don't light candles to be put under baskets and hidden. Do I use my deeds and my testimony appropriately, making the most of opportunities? I screw up a lot. But I also repent and strive to be a faithful witness to the mighty work of God a lot.

Simon and Andrew knew Jesus before He called them to follow Him. They heard Him, they listened to Him when it was convenient. Then one day, He picked them out. He called them to follow Him full-time, to learn from Him. Jesus took the initiative to make them His disciples. Their faith was evident at least this early. Sure, it took a while before they understood just who Jesus was and what that meant. But they recognized the importance of following and learning. They demonstrated their faith by leaving their livelihood and following Jesus.

God calls us to follow Him in many different circumstances. Some of us are called to travel to distant parts of the world to share the good news of forgiveness of sins and salvation. Some of us must follow Him through the business world, facing temptations to our integrity. But all of us are called to take up our cross daily and to follow Him. We may be called to leave our families or occupations for the sake of the gospel. We may be called to minister in spite of our prejudices and our weaknesses. Are we ready to truly follow God, whatever the cost? Do we realize just how important and valuable having that faith is? Have you ever stopped to consider how living your faith daily might affect those around you? Part of loving your neighbor as yourself is considering their condition and showing them mercy. Do they need your strength to help them through the day? Do they need your resources? Your love? Your friendship? Do they need to know your faith in order to restore or find their own? Go forth and be justified by your good deeds.