Aim: To possess regenerative faith—which always leads to a life of good works.
Doctrine: Saving faith is evidenced by Spirit-wrought good works. False forms of ''faith'' always fall short of this standard, as they may abound in assent (to truth), but do not have life (in Christ).
Exegesis: How spiritually good works challenge the reality (or lack thereof) of professed faith: orthodox words are not good enough(v. 14); half-hearted intentions are not good enough (vv. 15-16); anything but Christ is not good enough (v. 17).
Further application: Why the ''faith'' James speaks of (here) is deficient: because it fails to reach the person of Christ (and His merits), but rather only gives ''lip-service'' to Biblical truth.
Key verse: v. 17 ''Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.''
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Rev. Mark Henninger received his Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, and he has been Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois for more than 30 years.