Why We Can Never Stop Believing in the Power of God
“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? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” - James 2:19-24Think of your daily life. If you believe in someone or something, you tend to uplift that someone or utilize that something. I believe my truck will get me to work, so I drive it there. I believe that breakfast will nourish me, so I eat it. When we believe something, we usually act upon it because, without action, our belief lacks any faith.
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Abraham could have said he believed, but if he didn’t take his son Isaac up that mountain as God asked, then Abraham would be saying he had greater faith in himself than in the God who promised his offspring would be greater than the number of the stars! Had Abraham just heard the voice of God and never acted upon the demand of God, then the belief was just lip service. However, his actions followed his belief, and was willing to sacrifice his own Son for the glory of God!
"FOR EVEN THE DEMONS BELIEVE!"
Did we read that correctly? Verse 19 states that even the demons believe. But it is a dead belief because as verse 26 reads, so also faith apart from works is dead. The demons believe, but their faith lacks any action. In other words, James is saying so what that you just believe. Show me. Your actions speak louder than your words.Your act of faith may often get you ridiculed or may be seen as a weakness by the world. But God has spoken. Have you believed? If yes, continue with an act of faith! Act knowing that Jesus Christ has paid the final price for our sins. He has redeemed us and we freely act because we have been bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ! Now don’t stop… at believing.