True Faith

James writes in his book chapter two verse 14 that faith without works is dead. Yet many people talk the talk of faith. They know the jargon. They can speak the faith lingo fluently, perhaps even able to quote some scriptures. Yet, for all the faith talk there are no works. There is no action.

The proof of the inward transformation of a saving relationship with Jesus Christ is the outward expression of that faith in deeds. Love. Forgiveness. Service. Labor. Giving and so forth. Those things give proof to our faith.

Countless people say they believe in God. So do the demons. They have an intellectual belief that is not a saving faith. It is not a true faith. Abraham had real faith. Rahab had real faith. [James 2:21-25] Abraham was not perfect. Rahab was a harlot. They both had true faith though and God counted it toward them as righteousness making them acceptable in His presence.

The church is filled with those who have dead faith. This is a lifeless, inactive, and inoperative faith. It is not a saving faith. Saving faith produces works. It was said of Abraham, "Abraham was not saved by  faith plus works, but by a faith that works." We were created for good works. [Eph 2:10]

So do a close examination. I found this one in a magazine. Do you regularly engage God's Word in your private life? Do you regularly obey God's leadership? Do you have a desire to serve God and others? Do you share Christ? Do you exercise faith? Are you seeking God? Your answers may very well indicate if you have true faith or a dead faith. A dead faith cannot save you. True faith in Christ can render you righteous before a Holy God. Which kind of faith do you have?