Religion in Practice

GOLDEN TEXT: “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”—James 2:17

JAMES 1:22-27—“Be are doers of the Word, and not hearers only,” writes James. It is just this that has so largely been the test of true Christian discipleship throughout the age. So many have heard the Word, and their hearts have rejoiced, but they have done little more about it. The matter is well illustrated by the case of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, of which number only one returned to express appreciation.

Nominal church theology doubtless has had something to do with the attitude of many who hear the Word. This theology holds that God is now endeavoring to save the whole world by getting them into the churches. In this setup the clergy are the servants, while the laity are merely those who are saved. Hence when these accept Christ and join a church there isn’t much more for them to do about it except to live a morally upright life, and be fairly regular in their attendance at church.

But being a Christian is more than this, much more. Like the lepers who were cleansed by Jesus, we should rejoice in what divine grace has done for us; but we should also realize that we have been thus favored for a purpose; namely, that we may be co-workers in the divine plan of reconciling a lost world. It is grand to know that Jesus laid down his life for us, but we should remember that we too are called to lay down our lives, to follow in his footsteps of sacrifice, to give all that we have of time and strength and means in the divine service. Anything short of this would be evidence of but little faith or none at all.

James compares the Word of God to a mirror, and indicates that its value to Christians is realized only as they continue to look into it for the purpose of seeing what the Lord wants them to do and to be. He speaks of it as looking into the perfect law of liberty. The law of the new creation is a law of liberty. We are invited to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, not compelled to do so. This, however, tests the sincerity of our consecration. Those who look into this law of liberty with true appreciation will not ask, “Must I do?” but rather the sentiment of their hearts will be, “May I sacrifice?”

Visiting the fatherless and the widows, as mentioned by James, may be taken as symbolic of the self-sacrificing interest Christians should have toward all who are in need, and the greatest need that any have is a knowledge of God. We are to communicate the truth far and wide. And we are to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Thus we see that James has given us a rounded out view of the true Christian life. We are to keep ourselves, and we are to serve others.

JAMES 2:14-20—There has been much controversy over the relative values of faith and works in the Christian life. But it is wrong to speak of these two elements of Christian character as having relative value, for actually, neither one can truly exist without the other. The Apostle Paul indicates the proper relationship between the two when he speaks of the “work of faith.” (I Thess. 1:3) Yes, faith works. Where there is a living Christian faith there will be Christian works. And “works” that are not based upon true faith are not Christian works at all, but may be classed as the “wonderful works” which Jesus condemned.

Not having the proper view some have claimed that James and Paul contradict each other on this important subject, for Paul argues that Abraham was justified by his faith, while James contends that he was justified by his works, and not merely by faith. But there is in reality no disharmony between the viewpoints expressed by these two inspired writers.

When Paul wrote (Rom. 4:1-5) that Abraham was not justified by his works he was referring to the ceremonial works of the Law, such as circumcision, and other ordinances, but when James says that he was justified by his works, he is referring to what Abraham did that proved his faith, mentioning specifically the offering up of Isaac as a sacrifice. In Hebrews 11:17-19, Paul also cites this act of faith on Abraham’s part, and indicates that it had a very vital bearing on Abraham’s relationship to God.

James’ illustration of the needs of others which we neglect if we do not have faith, is easily understood. It is well to notice that in this illustration James refers to a “brother or sister,” not to the world in general. True, we should be sympathetic toward the world’s physical needs, but it would be impossible for the “little flock” of Christians there are in the world to do much about caring for the material needs of hundreds of millions. But we are to be especially solicitous for the welfare of our brethren. Their spiritual interests come first, but we should not be unmindful of their material needs either.

So we see that a live faith will impel us to put our religion into practice. If we have faith, we will yield ourselves more and more to the transforming power of the Word. We will also communicate the truth far and wide, that all who have hearing ears may be reached and blessed. And we will lay down our lives for the brethren.

QUESTIONS:

What is the perfect law of liberty?

What does James mean by visiting the fatherless and the widows?

Do James and Paul contradict each other regarding faith and works?

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