In exposing the folly of the idea of faith without works, James writes, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith, and I have works.’ Show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:17-18). Could not the same challenge be directed toward many professing Christianity today?

Do our works match our professed faith in Christ Jesus? 

In one sense perhaps we could argue that they do. You see, despite the inspired teachings of Jesus, many have chosen to go their own way and subscribe to man’s doctrines instead of putting their faith in the word of God (Rom. 10:17). For instance, many who profess a faith in Christ Jesus ardently oppose the idea that baptism (immersion in water) is necessary for salvation. Jesus plainly said it is necessary (Mark 16:15-16; Matt. 28:18-20). His apostles plainly practiced it as necessary (Acts 2:38; 1 Pet. 3:21, et al). So, those who do not believe that baptism is necessary are showing their faith by their works. Their faith is clearly in something other than the teachings of Jesus Christ and His inspired apostles.

On the other hand, many who say they have faith and who have been baptized also demonstrate their faith by their works, or lack thereof. Paul instructed Titus that “our people also learn to maintain good works” (Tit. 3:8,14). He also stated we should always abound in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58), works which we were created for (Eph. 2:10). This is an unfortunate testimony on the status of faith in our day.

So, not only has the faith of many been rendered vain by the false teaching of men, the faith of others has been rendered dead by the absence of works to demonstrate their faith.

Don’t just talk about your faith! Show your faith! Prove that your faith is indeed in Him and not in men!