“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Apparently, a guy from the 12th century named Saint Bernard of Clairvaux is the source of the saying, but I first learned it from my mother. While not found in the Scripture, it echoes biblical truth. Put another way, the idea that “it’s the thought that counts” doesn’t cut it with God, which is evident in the book of James.
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (Jas. 2:18–26)
The key to this principle is found in a pair of verbs in the middle of the passage that accompany faith. The first phrase that illustrates why Abraham’s faith was noteworthy is that his “faith was active along with his works.” It was not merely a verbal declaration. It was not a passive belief in God’s promises. It was an “active” faith that went hand-in-hand with his works. Instead of “I believe, but…,” Abraham responded, “I believe, so….” His actions reflected his faith.
Second it says, Abraham’s “faith was completed by his works.” Actions performed out of faith are not coins tossed into a bottomless wishing well. Works that are truly good (i.e., that are done in obedience to God’s commandments), meet the moment. They are equal to the task. To use the language of James, faith is “completed” by works. Good works based on an active faith is more like a puzzle piece snapping into place. It is exactly what is needed at that time to accomplish God’s purpose. That’s why this phrase is immediately followed by “and the Scripture was fulfilled.” Abraham’s active faith was completed by his works, which concurrently fulfilled Scripture. It was a perfectly timed action that exquisitely rose to the occasion.
When it was the most difficult decision in Abraham’s life to make, he didn’t say, “You go first, God.” Abraham did not know the degree that his faithfulness would impact future generations. God did not tell Abraham that millions of Christians over thousands of years were going to read about the choice that he was about to make. Abraham was in a very difficult situation, yet he acted in faith and it was counted as righteousness.
Rahab was credited for doing the same thing. Her belief was put to the test when she was unexpectedly asked to risk her own safety by hiding the spies. She believed and acted, only later to become an integral part of the lineage that led to King David and, eventually, the Messiah.
Rahab didn’t just mean well, she was obedient. She didn’t tell them, “I’ll pray for you” and shut the door. Her choice to exercise an active faith made her complicit in God’s plan. An active faith moves a Christian out of the bleachers and onto the field of play. Are you part of the action or merely a well-wishing bystander? Are you asking God how your works can complete your faith or are you avoiding eye contact? Are you complicit in the plan? Put that faith into action!
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:10)