Changed Heart – Changed Life
February 13, 2025
James points out in this verse that genuine, heart changing salvation results in works which can be observed by man. As Matthew 5:16 points out “in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. When you let your light shine people will see your faith in action and believe. In comparison Paul teaches that salvation is based on sincere faith which can only be seen by God! Paul is talking about the root of our faith, while James is talking about the fruit of our faith!
When we as Christians are walking in spirit and truth, we will produce fruit, the good works which God has prepared for us to do. (Eph 2:10) Paul also speaks of something similar in Galatians 5:22-24 – 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.” Both the root and the fruit of salvation are only manifested in a man or woman that is a born-again believer, and not in an unsaved person who is professing to believe in Jesus or pretending to be a Christian.
Genuine faith is visible only to God in the inner heart of a saved man or woman, but genuine faith is not visible to other believers as we cannot see into the heart of one another. Only the fruit of saving faith can be demonstrated through the good deeds and the fruit of the Spirit that are carried out to the glory of God by the believer who is walking in spirit and truth!
Check your heart and your motives today! Jesus is the source of life! Completely turn your heart over to him today! Let him do the heart work that is required, and the root will grow and produce fruit. you will be moved by His spirit to “Do good WORKS” in His name!
Glenn C
’68 / ’87 Winter Garden FL
Doris Jean H
’44 / ’55 Manheim PA