What Does Real Faith Look Like?
What does Real Faith look like?
James 2:14 says, “What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?”
In verse14 we see a proposal of what faith really is. Can a man say he believes in Jesus Christ, yet live however he wants? Is it possible to be a Christian and never have a change in your life? The Bible says No!
Another question James asks in chapter 2 is: Can a man have faith without doing good works?
A person who really believes something does something; he acts upon what he says he believes. This really is the curse of our churches today.
Millions have come forward to profess Jesus as their Savior, but never once lived for Him. Can they then claim salvation, feel no conviction when they sin, live like the world all week, and walk into church when they want to? Did they really receive salvation?
The word profit also means the benefit or advantage of that kind of faith. How many people say they are saved, yet contribute nothing to the kingdom of God?
How can anybody claim to have faith in Christ and yet never share the greatest benefit of their lives with another?
Who does that kind of faith profit?
Can faith without works save a man?
In Greek, James asks this question, expecting a specific answer. That answer is no! This isn’t a question that we get to answer for ourselves. This kind of faith will not take a man to heaven. Saying they have faith but never living it out is in violation of real faith.
The Bible says in Philippians 2:12, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (NKJV).
If salvation has really come in a life, it will eventually be lived out. It will be a real vital force in our lives.
False faith is faith in speech, not in action. They behave just like the world and see no reason to change.
I don’t want people to think I’m a Christian; I want them to see I’m a Christian. Let others see Jesus in you. If you are truly saved, then your life will be your witness.
That’s what real faith is.
Someone said, “What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.”
Keep looking up!
Heaven is closer than you think.
May God bless your day.
Related devotionals: Prayer of Jabez · Faith makes the impossible · Should I follow my heart?
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If today’s devotional spoke to your heart, my books carry these same themes deeper. Stories of God moving in ordinary lives, scripture for tired pastors and weary parents, and steady reminders that heaven is closer than you think.