You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. James 2:19 NIV
James was the brother of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was a son of Mary and Joseph. As a member of a faithful Jewish family, James believed in the one true God. If James ever doubted the divinity of Christ, Jesus’ resurrection solidified his faith that his brother was in fact the Jewish Messiah and the Savior of all mankind who put their faith in him.
In the second chapter of James’ epistle, he transitions from teaching that favoritism is forbidden among followers of Christ to expressing the importance of demonstrating faith with righteousness in our deeds. Doing so, James encourages his readers to keep the commandments of God. He says in James 2:12-13, “So speak and do, as men who are to be judged by a law of freedom. For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. WEB”
Rebellion and the Will of God
The statement James makes saying “even the demons believe” is to counteract those who teach and believe that those saved in Christ receive their eternal reward in heaven regardless of obedience to the commands of God and Christ. Although it is true that salvation comes by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, it is deceiving to believe that the saved may continue living sinful lifestyles.
To illustrate this point, James stresses that “even the demons believe” that there is one God. He adds that they tremble or “shudder” as well. The demons believe and fear God and yet they are condemned because of their rebellion. Their failure to serve and follow the will of God excludes them from the kingdom of heaven. Likewise Christ teaches in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. WEB”
Faith Without Works Is Dead
For this reason, James poses two questions. In James 2:14-15 he asks, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man says he has faith, but has no works? Can faith save him? And if a brother or sister is naked and in lack of daily food, and one of you tells them, ‘Go in peace. Be warmed and filled;’ yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it? WEB” Here, James teaches that our actions demonstrate our faith. Our good deeds prove our faithfulness and obedience to God.
Following his insightful statement that “even the demons believe,” James asks another question. He writes in James 2:20, “ But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead? WEB” He continues to teach that our deeds justify our faith. In other words, our deeds prove the sincerity of our beliefs. For this reason, James concludes the chapter writing in James 2:26, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the understanding found in your inspired holy scriptures. Thank you for the faithful who teach and taught your holy word. Help me to share the truth of salvation with the world. Guide me to be an effective witness to your grace, truth, and love. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Led by the Spirit
