More than Demons: Part 2 (Bulletin Article for December 16)
[Note: Two weeks ago (December 2), we ran an article that was “to be continued next week.” Then I skipped a week. I apologize for the mix-up. Please go back and read the article from December 2 before proceeding with this article.]
What can help us have greater faith than the demons? Action.
Many of our religious friends tell us that we cannot be saved by “works,” but that our faith alone is what saves. We cannot disagree with the fact that we must have faith in order to be saved. The Hebrews writer reminds us, “…without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (11:6, NASB).
From the beginning of the Bible to the end, we are reminded that a person must have faith in God so that he or she might be pleasing. However, we are also reminded that those who are faithful do certain things, and those actions (or “works”) please God, too.
Now, back to James. The demons who are mentioned in 2:19 have faith. They believe that God is, because they have seen His power and works. Without being cruel to those who believe in “faith only” salvation, we must ask: “Are those demons saved?” They believe! In fact, the word translated “believe” in that verse can mean “to be persuaded of” (BlueLetterBible.org). The demons are persuaded (convinced) that God exists. Are they, then, saved?
We must understand that our faith will lead us to do something for God. In the very next verse (2:20), James continued his thought: “But are you willing to recognize…that faith without works is useless?”
As we think of the faith of these demons, notice the words that David Bragg (one of our speakers at our upcoming youth rally) wrote:
…These demons possessed a real faith in God, which is evident in their recognition of Jesus as God’s Son (Matthew 8:28-32; Mark 1:23-26). Unfortunately,…the chance to repent and be reinstated to God’s faithful service is no longer available to them. Therefore, their only response is to “tremble”—all they can do at the thought of their eternal punishment is shake in terror. For faith to hold the promise of eternal salvation, it must progress beyond thoughts and words to express itself in one’s daily life” (Pure Religion, pp. 60, 61).
James goes on to remind us of some Old Testament examples of those who had faith, but that faith led them to action. It is in that discussion that James writes these famous words that are so despised by many religious folks: “You see that faith was working with [Abraham’s] works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected…For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead” (James 2:22, 26).
Don’t just believe. Do. Work. Act. Have more faith than the demons.
