…would there be enough evidence to convict you?
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? (James 2:18-20)
To say that you can have faith without works is like saying that you can have water that’s not wet. But let’s keep the order straight: it’s not being wet that makes it water, nor is it good works that create faith. It’s the other way around. Just as wetness clues you in on the fact that water was here, so good works should clue you in that faith was here. Follow the evidence… it will lead you to its source.
I waited a little while because I thought someone else might post but I wanted to say I really enjoyed this post. This idea is something I will certainly share with others.
In speaking with some people particularly the south it may be helpful to pull out the word “Christian”. The word is defined too broadly sometimes. The http://www.religioustolerance.org lists survey results from several decades that show at different times in history nearly 9 out of 10 Americans claimed to be a Christian. In 2001, only 77% claimed to be a Christian. If these numbers were even slightly true, I am not sure why so few people attend church or even read the Bible for that matter. “…we are surrounded by unconverted people who think they do believe in Jesus. Drunks on the street say they believe. Unmarried couples sleeping together say they believe. Elderly people who haven’t sought worship or fellowship for forty years say they believe. All kinds of lukewarm, world-loving church attenders say they believe. The world abounds with millions of unconverted people who say they believe in Jesus.”