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Real Faith Manifests Itself in Works

True Knowledge; True Assurance

Mar 16, 2014


Series: True Knowledge; True Assurance | Category: 1, 2, 3 John | Scripture: 1 John 1:5–1:7 | Tags: Fellowship, Doctrine, Sermons, Gospel, John, Evangelism, Holiness, Light

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.  (1 John 1:5-7)

Comparison between Paul and James concerning justification by faith:

     Paul:  Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1; Ephesians 2:8-9

     James:  James 1:17-18; 2:23

Comparison between Paul and James concerning "justification" by works:

     Paul:  Ephesians 2:10; Romans 2:6-10, 13-16

     James:  James 2:14-26

I.  Dead faith is worthless faith.  (James 2:14, 17, 20, & 26)

II.  Dead faith evidences itself through a lack of good works.  (James 2:15-17)

III.  Dead faith ends in foolishness.  (James 2:18-20)

IV.  Dead faith is the opposite of real faith that works.  (James 2:21-26)

     A.  Abraham believed God and his belief resulted in works.  (See Genesis 15:6; 22)

     B.  Rahab believed God and her belief resulted in works.  (See Joshua 2:9-12)

The truth is that there is no contradiction between Paul, James, and John.  All three apostles teach that justification is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.  However, the evidence of that faith will be good works whereby we are justified or are vindicated before men.  Both Paul and James agree with John that only those who are walking in the light can lay honest claim to justification.