James 2:14-26 Determining Our Standing Before God

James takes us through a method of determining whether we have true, saving faith or one of the counterfeits:  dead faith or demonic faith.  And my commentary explains each in great detail.  What I really liked were the nine sets of questions in my commentary that we can ask ourselves as we examine our hearts to determine which type of faith we have:

                First, was there a time when I honestly realized I was a sinner and admitted this to myself and to God?

                Next, was there a time when my heart stirred me to flee from the wrath to come?  Have I ever seriously been alarmed over my sins?

                Next, do I truly understand the gospel, that Christ died for my sins and rose again?  Do I understand and confess that I cannot save myself?

                Next, did I sincerely repent of my sins and turn from them?  Or do I secretly love sin and want to enjoy it?

                Next, have I trusted Christ and Christ alone for my salvation?  Do I enjoy a living relationship with Him through the Word and in the Spirit?

                Next, has there been a change in my life?  Do I maintain good works, or are my works occasional and weak?  Do I seek to grow in the things of the Lord?  Can others tell that I have been with Jesus?

                Next, do I have a desire to share Christ with others?  Or am I ashamed of Him?

                Next, do I enjoy the fellowship of God’s people?  Is worship a delight to me?

                Next, Am I ready for the Lord’s return?  Or will I be ashamed when He comes for me?

It concluded, “There are degrees of sanctification.  But for the most part, the preceding spiritual inventory can assist a person in determining his true standing before God.

Those are tough questions, Father, but questions we must ask ourselves if we are to know that we know that we know!  Thank You for showing them to me today!

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford