They Fit Perfectly Together! Greg Weston Abraham was an example that faith and works are not mutually exclusive, but mutually combined. The faith of this man of God is a pattern for us. And Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Gen. 15:6). This faith is seen through his whole life. He was not a perfect man, but was a man of faith. God spoke of his righteousness and that he would teach his children in the way of righteousness (Gen. 18:19). When Abimelech sinned, he was told Abraham would pray for him and he would live (Gen. 19:7, 17). Abraham’s life was a life of obedience. When God spoke, Abraham listened and responded. James was very specific about the relationship of faith and works. In his great discussion on faith and works he specifically spoke of Abraham. People often overlook, or even dismiss this chapter of James. But we must understand that it is from the mind of God just as all scripture. He says Abraham’s faith was perfected by his works. “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God” (James 2:20-23 NKJ). As we contemplate this passage, let us recognize that faith and works are blended according to the Lord. And, for those who continually speak of faith alone, consider that the only place the word ‘only’ is combined with faith is in James 2, immediately following and part of the discussion of Abraham’s faith. It is the conclusion of this discussion. James wrote: “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24 NKJ emphasis added, G.W.). The works James is speaking of is not works of merit, where God owes us something. These are works of righteousness, which are the natural fruit of faith. Both work together. We believe God and obey him. The obedient are saved (Heb. 5:9)!
Posted on: Wed, 03 Dec 2014 10:10:06 +0000
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