Avoid Demon Faith

James 2:18-20 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. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

James pulls no punches in making it clear that a faith that lacks works is not only dead, but demonic as well. There is a faith that produces works for the glory of God. Those works are the result of knowing Jesus personally, and having an intimate relationship with Him. Those works are a result of our desire to show our love and appreciation for the salvation we have been freely given; when we put our faith and trust in the finished work of Jesus, and called upon His Name. Those works are in response to Jesus' words in John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." There is, however, another faith. This faith is a dead faith that produces nothing but empty words and a self-righteousness that repels others, rather than drawing them near to God. This faith is really just a head knowledge of who God is, and has a false image of who God is. This faith says it believes that God exists, but does not move that person to put their faith in Jesus for salvation. It is a faith that, for some, sets them on a path of works that they think will earn them salvation (dead works). At the same time, for others, it makes no difference at all; and although they acknowledge that there is a God, they continue in their wicked ways. In either case, their works are non-existent or dead; and like the demons who believe and tremble, those who have this type of faith are on the path to eternal punishment and destruction. The bottom line is that we will either have a faith that produces works that speak for themselves, yielding eternal fruit and glorifying God, or we will have demonic faith. Let us be a people who glorifies God with our works; works that are done by faith, as a result of our complete trust in what Jesus did for us on Calvary.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).