James 2:14-26 What does it profit, my brothers, though a man say he has faith, and have not works? can faith save him?… I. THEY ARE ENGAGED IN A COMMON WORK. Both are believers, Neither Christians nor devils are sceptics. The Christian believes in an unseen Saviour. Devils believe in that which is the foundation of all truth, that there is "one God." The Bible also teaches that they believe in many other things common to our creed; such as the Divinity of Christ and the approaching of a terrible retribution. II. THEIR COMMON WORK PRODUCES OPPOSITE PERSONAL RESULTS. 1. The faith of Christians produces great mental happiness. (1) Gratitude. (2) Admiration. (3) Benevolence. (4) Hope. 2. The faith of devils produces great mental misery. (1) Remorse for the past. (2) Apprehension for the future. III. THE CAUSE OF THIS GREAT DIFFERENCE IN THE PERSONAL RESULTS OF FAITH. The two classes occupy different standpoints in relation to truth. Lessons: 1. Both the happiness and misery of spiritual existences are independent of material circumstances. 2. Faith in moral truth, in all worlds, must always have an influence on the emotions. 3. The faith in Divine truth which is to save must be exercised now. 4. Spiritual happiness here is the great evidence of personal Christianity. 5. Heaven and hell are mental realities. (D. Thomas.) Parallel Verses KJV: What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?WEB: What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? |
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