But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
James 2:18-19 NIV
If you were to be put on trial for your faith, would there be enough evidence to convict you? That is essentially the scenario that James is presenting here. James pictures someone coming to him, claiming to have faith. And James responds with, “Prove it to me.”
How can we demonstrate that we have faith? James tells his imaginary discussion partner that he, James, can show his faith based on what he does. His actions demonstrate the reality of his faith.
But James is not content with that. He goes on to ask how the faith of one without deeds differs from the belief of the demons. Demons do not question the existence of God, or likely any of the things about God we hold to be true. But what good does it do them?
It is important to recognize that James is not claiming that our works play any part in our salvation. But he is saying that simple belief in the existence of God, acknowledgment of the truth of Christian doctrine, and participating in certain rituals will not save you either. We are saved by faith. But saving faith is evidenced by the actions that it produces. If your faith is not reflected in what you do, especially in caring for others, then what good is it (Jam. 2:15-16)?
