Pondering Scripture with Jeremiah Cox

James does not start a new discussion, but continues his discussion of doing all that God's law requires. Such is described as perfect faith, or faith that is complete. Faith is made complete, or perfect, when it is accompanied by the works of obedience ordained by God. We cannot decide to only do part of what God says - such is incomplete faith. The faith that is alive, and thus pleasing to God in the life of a Christian is a faith that works, or obeys God in all things.

James continues his discussion of partiality by showing in part why it is wrong. It is a failure to keep the entirety of the "royal law." Both the rich man and the poor man are the subjects of the law, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." When they only practiced such toward the rich man they stumbled in one point and became a transgressor of the entire law. This leads into a discussion of faith that is "perfect," or complete - a faith with works. God wants us to be doers (1:22-25) of the entire word, applying it in every situation it is to be applied. We are not showing such faith if we pick and choose which laws to keep, nor are we when we pick and choose whether to apply a certain law in varying situations which demand application.

What is it that God has done which gives us blessed assurance? Where is the confidence of our salvation found? This episode offers 5 points concerning the assurance God offers.

It is wonderful that God offers us assurance of our standing with Him. However, instead of seeking the assurances God has offered us in His word some go beyond it to find assurance where it cannot be found. They find comfort in matters which God has not revealed. If assurance is found without scriptural basis it is false assurance.

The Bible says we can be confident in our salvation. This is vitally important, but why? Is it okay if a person is not sure of their standing with God? What might that doubt cause? What is the role of confidence in the Christian's walk with God? Hope - confident expectation - is a necessity for the spiritual man.

Can we be confident in our salvation? Are we afforded assurance of our standing with God, and of the prospect of heaven? Is it arrogant to claim such confidence of salvation? God offers confidence, expects us to be confident, and we must be confident if we are to live the way God calls us to live.

James continues with the principles established in the first chapter. The Christian is to hear God's word and do what it says. The religion one practices by replying against God, i.e. failing to bridle the tongue, is useless. True religion is that which asks for God's wisdom in order to apply it wholly, and without hesitation. James mentions two facets of "pure and undefiled religion."

James continues his discussion of the need for God's wisdom to endure trials by encouraging his readers to hear God's word, receive it in a spirit of humility, and obey it in order to procure its blessings.