Works of Faith
James 2: 26; Genesis 22: 1-19; Joshua 2: 1-24; 6:25
Both these examples are works under the most severe trials wherein the believer shows that they believe that only God is able to save. These are not examples which imply that works of faith are works of morality. In fact, Abraham is commended for killing his son in his heart as an offering to God, while Rahab the harlot lied to a king in order to protect the spies and send them out another way. Do not misunderstand. The believer will conduct himself in a manner becoming the gospel. But rather, in both examples the works of faith which James has spoken of throughout this epistle are set forth: endurance unto the end even when the trial appears unconquerable, laying apart the old man which would have us reason that it is useless to continue, receiving the word of God with meekness, not only hearing it but continuing in the word of promise, all the while keeping ourselves separated from this world unto God who is able to save. (Hebrews 11: 18, 19.) Where God's grace is active this evidence of life will exist. Faith without these works is as dead as the body without breath.