QKAG: Issue # 65

PAST ISSUE # 65
Questions Kids Ask About God

Question: If we are saved by faith, how come the Bible says that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone (James 2:24)?
Answer: The Bible clearly states that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22, 26, 5:1; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). The passage from James 2:24 must be read in its context so that we will not misread its important message. The letter of James is not a message on how to be justified or saved, rather it is a letter on practical Christian living. James wrote the letter to admonish Jewish Christians to produce good deeds which are evidence of a living faith in Jesus Christ. James wrote to argue against the hypocrisy and failure of Christians to do good deeds (James 2:15-16). This is why James wrote that faith without deeds is dead and such faith cannot save a person (James 2:14, 26). We must understand that faith without deeds is not real faith at all. Real faith in Jesus Christ must be a living faith which encompasses our mind, body and spirit. Evidence of real faith can be seen from the godly lifestyle, good deeds and actions of the person. Therefore, a person who professes to have faith in Jesus but fail to honour his parents, or help a dying man on the road does not seem to have a living faith in Jesus. And according to James, such faith is dead and will not save him.

Key Bible verses:
Romans 10:10; Galatians 3:6, 11, 5:6; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 11:7

My views:
Last Sunday, I heard a very interesting sermon. My pastor challenged us - are we good or do we merely do good? He said that an evil person can still do good but he is not a good person. For example, a gangster can rob and murder to support his aging parents. Such a person is bad but he does good by honouring his parents. So, the challenge for all of us is, are we good or do we merely do good? And how do we become good? Find out in next week's issue. Related topic in Issues # 23, # 25 and # 29.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am unsure of my salvation. Please remove my doubts so that I may fully know, understand and accept Your gift of salvation. I believe and trust in Jesus Christ as my only Saviour and Lord, and through Him will I be saved. Heavenly Father, please forgive me when my faith has no deeds as mentioned by James. Please forgive me when I failed to help the needy, and testify your love and grace to those who need it. Heavenly Father, I want to have a living faith in Jesus Christ. Please send Your Spirit to teach and govern me so that I can bear good deeds and glorify Your Holy Name among the nations. I know that I can never be righteous by my strength and deeds. Only through faith in Christ Jesus will I be deemed righteous before You. Thank you, Heavenly Father for justifying me. I love You. Amen.

Last words...
"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder." (James 2:19)
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