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“You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected..”

James 2:22

This verse continues to speak about the faith of Abraham and how it was and is seen, and is recorded for us by God, in His Word. As Abraham sacrifices his son in response to God’s command, so his dependency on God was clearly seen. The fact that Abraham carried out a command, not knowing the written Word, or the knowledge of how God’s promise to him would be fulfilled, is astounding faith. God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son, as Abraham had passed the test of faith. He had to show his obedience and total trust in God. He was willing to give up his one hope, simply in obedience to God. In faith he obeyed and was willing to give the son of promise into death, as God commanded him.

The faith in Abraham’s heart and soul is clearly seen, because of what he did. His faith in God worked alongside his works of faith to show his obedience. It is easy to speak obedience and not act upon it. Abraham heard the Word of God, and acted upon it so that his faith in that Word was revealed.

And more. Abraham’s act of faith perfected his faith. The works were not a separate act, but moved in Abraham to strengthen his faith and make it move towards perfection. In this life we are not yet made perfect, but we will be. As we live for God and obey Him, so our faith changes and grows and we become more like Christ. Faith is not a static state of being, but forged in trials and testing as, and moves us forward into the holiness of God.

“Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ— whom not having known you love; in whom, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory— receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

1 Peter 1: 6-9

Faith and works are the perfect marriage between God and the redeemed person. There can be no divorce process. If we have saving faith and sanctifying faith, we will show it in increasing works of faith, obedience and love. Faith to do miracles is one thing, but faith to obey is quite another….