Wednesday, March 1, 2006
Where’s the Evidence?
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. —James 2:26
The Book of Acts records the story of a man named Simon, who had been misleading people in
Simon could see that Jesus was bad for business. He needed to do something. So we read that Simon believed and was baptized (see Acts 8:13). But it would appear that this was not a genuine conversion, because later the apostle Peter said to Simon, “Your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness…” (Acts 8:21–22).
This shows us that you can believe in the power of God, that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that the Bible is God’s Word, that Jesus is coming again, and can even be baptized, yet not really know God in a personal way.
So what does it mean to believe? The word “believe” is made up of two words: “be” and “live.” Faith helps us to “be” spiritually. But then it is expressed in Christian works and deeds. “Be” and “live.” I put my faith in Christ, but then I live it out.
Some might argue there is a conflict between faith and works, even pitting the teachings of Paul against the teachings of James. But that is not the case. James was addressing those who claimed to be believers, but didn’t show any real evidence of it in their lives. He was saying that if it is real faith, then there will be evidence.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org.
Copyright © 2006 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.