a) Highlight how James proved that "faith apart from work is dead." [11 marks] b) Mention two deeds of faith [4 marks] .

Answer Details

(a) How James proved that "faith apart from works is dead" (James 2:14-26)

James raised the question, "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?" He then proved his point in several ways:

• The example of the needy brother: If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
• The challenge of demonstration: Someone may claim, "You have faith and I have works." James answered, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works." Faith that cannot be seen in action is worthless.
• The faith of demons: "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe, and shudder." Mere intellectual belief without obedience is no better than the belief of demons.
• The example of Abraham: Abraham was justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. His faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works. Thus the Scripture was fulfilled, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God.
• The example of Rahab: Likewise Rahab the harlot was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way.

James concluded, "As the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead." Genuine faith always shows itself in good deeds.

(b) Two deeds of faith

• Providing food, clothing and help to the poor and needy.
• Obeying God's command even at great personal cost, as Abraham did in offering Isaac, or showing hospitality and protection to God's servants, as Rahab did.