James 2:23‏

23. "And [so] the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) God, and this was accounted to him as righteousness (as conformity to God's will in thought and deed), and he was called God's friend."

What I find amazing in this verse, having talked about the difference between the "Royal Law" and the "Law of Liberty". earlier in James... and now here we look at Abraham's salvation before either law was ever given. He did not have the commandments to follow... and we see Abraham loved God, thus conformed his life to God's will, thought, and deed. What does this mean... "Abraham was accounted righteous much like the way we are to today (under the Law of Liberty). And, he did so, even without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, that we have... so we really should "see" our salvation "work", also.

The Law was never given to save! But, among other purposes, it was meant to drive men to understand their need for a Savior because of their inability to keep the Law. Look at Gen 15:6.

So, the faith that James is describing is not just an outward obedience to God's commandments, nor is it a grudging obedience to a cruel taskmaster. It's an obedience that involves a personal loving friendship with our Creator! Because we believe that Christ died for our sins, God not only declares us as righteous, He also calls us “into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” 1 Cor. 1:9.

Let's pick up with James verse 2:24 next time.

I love you