James 2 ~ Dead or Alive?

The second chapter of James covers 2 main issues: (a) the sin of partiality; and (b) faith without works is dead. Partiality is an act of irony for such transgressors who have been shown mercy by God in His salvation plan through our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory (verse 1) are now instead judging others and not showing them mercy. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy and mercy triumphs over judgment (verse 13). We need to remember that we will one day be judged under the law of liberty and therefore, should speak and act as such (verse 12).

While verse 26 tells us that faith apart from works is dead, it does not refute that we are saved by grace through faith alone and not by our own works so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). What James is telling us instead is that because of this faith that we now have, we are to outwardly express it in our works, consistent with the desire to live a life imitating Christ. This is how faith becomes active along with works and is completed by works (verse 22).

So friends, is our faith dead or alive? Are we living out our faith in the way we think, speak and act? Or do our deeds (e.g. showing partiality) contradict what we believe in?

Let's strive to live our lives for Him! =)