How are you justified?
Jesus offers us an incomparable treasure that no amount of money can buy and no thief can steal. What we value most becomes our greatest treasure. If we focus solely on material wealth, it will anchor us to this world. Instead, we must guard our hearts and set our sights on God and His eternal kingdom.
Romans 3:28 reminds us that salvation comes through faith alone: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” However, Jesus also emphasized the importance of following the commandments. We are called to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves. The parable of the Good Samaritan was Jesus’s response to two crucial questions: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” and “Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:25).
Ultimately, faith without works is dead. True faith must be accompanied by action.
17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 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. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Specifically, James 2:18 says, “Show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James isn’t saying you must earn salvation. James is explaining that people should demonstrate the evidence of their salvation. It is shown by what you believe and how you behave.
Many years ago I went on a shopping trip in Toronto. I took the subway to the Eatons Center. I walked off the subway train into the large open area entering the mall where there was a food court. There were a variety of choices but I wasn’t interested. I was looking for a deal on a pair of shoes. As I walked past the food court, I was approached by a young lady who was homeless. She was asking for money so that she could buy something to eat. I looked at her with compassion and regret as I said, “I’m really sorry but I don’t carry cash.” While I was genuinely sorry and telling the absolute truth, it was a few moments later that the Holy Spirit helped open my understanding. He never scolded me, but I scolded myself. He gently reminded me that if I had purchased food using my debit card, and sat with her, I could have shared the eternal gift of life, the love of Jesus with her. I passed that food court again a little while later, hoping if she was still there, I would help her. She was already gone. I was in complete sorrow. I missed out on one of the greatest opportunities. Since then, her face has never left my mind. I think of her and pray for her often. My husband and I now keep our eyes open for those opportunities to share Jesus, that the world might pass by. Our hearts must be open to hear the Spirit of God and see what he sees.
We are justified by faith (receiving salvation, just-as-if-I’ve-never sinned), which is demonstrated outwardly through our works. We do this because we are stirred by his leading and the change HE HAS MADE on the inside of us.
