Saving Faith

The book of James is historically understood to have been written by a brother of Jesus around 60 AD. Both Paul and James deal with the topic of faith. It can be said they come at it from two sides of the same coin. Paul answers the question, how is salvation acquired? The answer is by faith alone! James answers the question, how is genuine saving faith recognized? The answer is by its fruits! In short, authentic Christian faith is shown by one's good works. Though Paul clearly instructs us in Romans that salvation is by faith alone and not by good works (Rom 3:28), James clarifies that good works will follow genuine faith (James 2:14). The bottom line is that "whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin (James 4:17). For those who think it's enough just to believe in God, James says, "even the demons believe—and shudder" (James 2:19). In our series we receive practical wisdom for living the Christian life as we gain a fuller understanding of a faith that works.