James 2:21-22‏

21. "Was not our forefather Abraham [shown to be] justified (made acceptable to God) by [his] works when he brought to the altar as an offering his [own] son Isaac?"

Continuing our self-evaluation from earlier, and considering that, death without a saving faith, results in an eternity in hell, we cannot take salvation lightly. Abraham loved Isaac very much, but Abraham believed not only that God existed but in everything God said. If you don't know the story, take some time to read Genesis 22:1-14.

Maybe you don't have an Isaac to offer up to the test of your faith... but you've got ten toes or ten fingers. Imagine one by one they were to be cut off with pruning shears, while you are still conscious, in an effort to make you denounce God? Don't think it so far-fetched... it happens more than you think. In fact, things like this will happen much more, as we move closer to the end of days. How will you hold up to the test? How do you show God your faith is real in natural tests of life, such as the death of a loved one, the loss of income or your home, or simple tests, like the loss of your car keys. Works, in this verse are our responses to issues and experiences in this life as they cooperate with what we believe. Listen to our next verse.

22. "You see that [his] faith was cooperating with his works, and [his] faith was completed and reached its supreme expression [when he implemented it] by [good] works."

Abraham's works were cooperating with his faith... meaning simply that he obeyed what he believed of God. We see in this verse that the more he "implemented" (the Amplified says), or put into action what God said... his faith grew. Faith produced obedience and obedience produced greater faith. This must be the sum of the self-examination of our faith. Our obedience to what God says is the complete and supreme expression... It is love. How can you tell if we are justified by faith if this transaction takes place between just our-self and God privately? Abraham's example answers that question: the justified person has a changed life and obeys God's will. His faith is demonstrated by his works.

So, if this is not what "we" see within ourselves... we must go back to God with our original agreement with Him. All or nothing.

Let's pick up with James verse 2:23 next time.

I love you.