Daily Devotional for Saturday, March 9

Abraham’s Faith

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” James 2:21, 22.

As a young child, Monopoly was my favorite board game. I could play for hours on end, which is a necessary skill for Monopoly. But the player must beware of the dreaded jail. Missing a turn or two while being locked in jail could give the other players a strong advantage. However, there is an extraordinary gift in the much coveted “Get Out of Jail Free” card. If you can be so fortunate as to snag this card, you can play the game with a sense of blissful peace.

Many Christians develop a sense of apathy when they understand the biblical truths of the security of the believer. The fact that we are securely held in the Savior’s hand (John 10:29) and do not have to fear losing our salvation is an extraordinary gift. However, we can lull ourselves into laziness since we do not have to work for our salvation or work to keep it.

James confronts the apathetic believer and provokes him to zealous service for Christ. According to James’ words, there is little proof of our faith without spiritual fruit. One believer may declare his faith apart from his works. Yet, James declares that our diligent service to Christ is the very outward proof of our faith which Scripture demands. We must not attempt to work for our salvation, for this will not accomplish any eternal hope for us. However, since we have been gloriously saved by Christ, we must then diligently serve Him with every ounce of our being.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Obedience to Christ not only strengthens our faith, it proves our faith.

Steven Ridings