Jul 5, 2016
Video: Lacking Works? Here’s What to Do (James 2:14-17)
Lacking Works?
We all lack works from time to time.
Whether it’s not forgiving someone, or lack of prayer, or not being patient – we all have times in our lives when we lack works.
So what should we do?
One Common Answer
When we lack works, many of us think we should just start working — we should just choose to forgive, to pray, or to be patient.
But James would tell us that’s a mistake, because we are neglecting the cause behind our lack of works.
So what causes lack of works? And what can we do about that?
Here’s what James tells us —
:
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And here are some related posts you might find helpful –
- 10 Questions about Sanctification
- If Faith without Works Is Dead, What Should I Do?
- I Don’t Feel like Obeying God, What Should I Do?
- Is Your Obedience by Will Power, or Spirit Power?
You said no works shows dead faith. What about someone who shows some work but strugg!es to do all that you should? I struggle with doubts about as!vation even though I know that you are saved by faith a!one in Jesus substitutionary death to pay for my sin. I cannot do anything to make my self righteous. I only stand righteous before a Holy God because of Jesus. Although I truly believe this, I still find myself doubting. I do have some good works but how much is enough?
Thank you for raising such an important question, Denise.
You are absolutely right that we are saved by faith alone in Christ alone.
And if we have genuine faith that trusts Christ as Savior and Lord, then there will be works of holiness and love in our lives.
We will not be sinless, but there will be more and more works that show the genuineness of our faith.
So the question is not how many works do you have. The way to gain assurance of salvation is by looking to Jesus and trusting him.
I wrote some other blog posts on this site regarding assurance of salvation. Read them, and let me know if they help.
In Christ,
Steve Fuller