Happiness for humanity begins with a choice: It’s not sufficient to know the Word of God; one must also learn how to apply it to life, and then live by it. James is the author of the Book of James. He is known as one of Jesus’ younger brothers. His book is a practical guide to Christian living, emphasizing the importance of living out one’s faith through actions. James offers wisdom for enduring hardships and living a fruitful life. James also answers the question, why should we care about the Word of God?
James makes this point: What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? (James 2:14)1NIV New International Version Translations Not just ordinary deeds, good deeds, deeds directed by humanity’s ultimate compass, deeds directed by God Himself!
“The sword of the Spirit, the Bible, is the weapon God has provided for us to use in this battle between truth and deception. Make it a priority to wield that sword skillfully. ~ Billy Graham
The divine origin of the Bible is self-defining. Phrases like “Thus says the Lord” and “the Word of the Lord” are used hundreds of times. In 2 Timothy 3:16, it is stated that all Scripture is inspired by God. But that alone is not sufficient proof. The Word of God was written over 1600 years by 40 different authors from all walks of life and living on three continents. While it reveals a complex drama about God’s redemption of man from eternity past to eternity future, its story has ingrained itself into the hearts and minds of more people than any other written words in our planet’s history. Despite continued attempts throughout history to destroy or discredit the Bible, it remains the most widely read and respected book in the world. Many archeological discoveries match what is written in the Bible, providing external validation of its accounts. Add to this, the many eyewitness accounts documented in Scriptures, especially those in the New Testament, and there is little doubt as to their authenticity. For example, after Christ’s resurrection, He appeared to more than five hundred people at one time. History has uncovered over 25,000 New Testament manuscripts. When they are compared, they have a margin of error of less than 0.01%. This final accuracy has served to establish that only the divine guidance of a Creator could have inspired our Bible.
Let us then begin with this understanding: God’s Word, as revealed in the Bible, is the divine truth and instructions for humanity to live by. It directs what to do and what to leave undone, requiring obedience through what we can call “good works.” The Gospel, on the other hand, is the “good news” about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of God’s people. It is the historical fulfillment of the Old Testament promises and the proclamation of that message in the New Testament. It is God’s Word that points us to the ultimate compass: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34–35).
The Gospel is the central message of the covenant of grace, first pronounced to Adam and Eve in the garden after they fell when God promised that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15). It stands in contrast to every legalistic attempt to gain God’s favor by human effort (good works). It is received by faith in Christ alone. In essence, the gospel is the good news of the victory of all that God has done through Christ by the Spirit. It is the solution to the bad news that all people are unrighteous and are under the wrath and curse of God. The Gospel is not an invitation to us to do anything, but a declaration of what God has done. It is not a demand, but an offer.
God’s grace is overflowing, abundant, and powerful. It motivates and changes lives, as Paul writes: “For Christ’s love compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). The law threatens and demands but does not motivate. Grace, on the other hand, does. God’s grace has massive implications for leadership in all realms of life. Research shows that traditional incentives, or “extrinsic motivators” (rewards and punishments, carrots and sticks) don’t work to motivate people. What motivates people are “intrinsic motivators,” inward desires that drive our behavior.
Romans 2:4 states, ” Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” This means that understanding and experiencing God’s grace can lead us to turn away from our sins and toward God’s righteousness.
(Titus 2:11-12) – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,”
God’s grace not only saves us but also trains us to live godly lives. Here, the Word of God becomes a compass for our actions and deeds. Responding to the grace God gives us to serve Him is a display of the grace He demonstrated in providing for our eternal salvation. In our obedience and service, we are following Christ’s example. God has called all believers to work in whatever circumstances they find themselves, and he has given us specific gifts to fulfill that calling. He expects us to use them responsibly for his purposes, and He will inspect our work.
(Timothy 2:11) – “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”
God’s grace motivates us to do good work by compelling us, training us, leading us to repentance, inspiring service, and then empowering us to live by God’s Truth. It is the divine love and favor we receive freely from God that inspires us to live in obedience to His Word and to serve others in love. This is the transformative power of God’s grace. And where does all this start? In the belief that God Himself is Truth. The linkage between God’s Word and the Gospel’s message is that the Gospel is the fulfillment of God’s Word. It is the manifestation of God’s promises and the embodiment of His love, grace, and mercy towards humanity. This solution is the divine intervention offered by God to address the issue of sin and unrighteousness, as detailed in His Word. The Gospel is the good news that God’s Word has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe. This is the heart of our faith.
(Revelation 14:13) – “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.’”
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Contemplations
- Where do you find your truth in life?
- Ideas to Explore: On what basis (foundation) have you built your faith)? The world around us continues to prove it is unreliable. For the Bible to have power, one must believe it is God’s Word. Are there any other worthy sources you can think of?
- What inspires your good deeds?
- Ideas to Explore: Anyone, believers, and non-believers, can do good things. While good work is important, the source of motivation may be even more important.
- We are often asked if we would die for Jesus Himself. Would you die for God’s Holy Word?
- Ideas to Explore: In our nation, we can find online, purchase in book form, open discussion, and even see through media God’s Word and God’s actions. In much of the world, this is not true.
- 1NIV New International Version Translations