WHAT ARE THE EVIDENCES OF TRUE SAVING FAITH – James 1:22-25

“But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.” (James 1:22-25) 

In verse 22 James says, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.” This verse teaches us the importance of intentionality in our journey of faith. 

Not only is there a difference in how the deceived person and true believer listen to God’s Word, but the major difference is in what they do with it. In James’ illustration, the one with only a profession of faith looks into the mirror of God’s Word, sees the reflection, and walks away (v. 23-24). He is a forgetful hearer. However, the true believer, the active doer, studies God’s Word and obeys it (v. 22, 25). 

James is not the only one to give obedience as a test of salvation. Christ and John did as well. In Matthew 7:21, Christ said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven—only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.” 

Likewise, John wrote: The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever follows His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him; the one who says that he remains in Him ought, himself also, walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:4-6). 

Obedience to Scripture is the ultimate proof of salvation. Being a forgetful hearer is a characteristic of the deceived. When James calls the person a forgetful hearer, he probably is not focusing on this person’s mental disposition. It’s probably more a problem with the person’s priorities. It’s not that this person forgot that God forbids the practice of sexual immorality, lying, stealing, cheating, seeking vengeance, drunkenness, or using ungodly language. This person knows the truth but has other priorities, ‘things that are more important to them.’ 

Being accepted by friends, having fun, being successful even if that means cheating at times, is more important to them which make a person neglect what God’s Word teaches. There are many idols in this person’s life that keeps them from obedience; therefore, if this person doesn’t live a life characterized by obedience to Scripture, they are really deceived. 

Another point to focus on is that a person probably forgets God’s Word because of lack of study. The secret to learning, which is necessary for obeying, is studying. Since this person doesn’t prioritize God’s Word, they do not study it deeply. If people only hear a message once in a while and don’t revisit its truth, they will forget it and ultimately not obey it. Likewise, if people simply read Scripture and don’t meditate on it, most of what was learned will be forgotten. Unfortunately, many in the church simply listen on Sunday and possibly read occasionally throughout the week without any intention to learn. Therefore, the message is lost and not obeyed. 

There is a distinction in the diligence of the true believer and the one who is deceived. This is a reminder to be serious about God’s Word and to study it. Repetition is crucial for learning; otherwise, we will simply forget what God taught us. 

While the one forgets, the true believer obeys God’s Word, which James calls the “perfect law of liberty” (v. 25). We also read this in Psalm 19:7-9, were David said God’s Word was perfect, reliable, fair, pure, right, just and is absolutely perfect and trustworthy. In being God’s “law,” Scripture teaches God’s moral requirements and clearly tells us what we should and should not do. 

The law of “liberty,” in turn, gives us freedom. Christ said he who sins is a slave of sin (John 8:34) and also that the truth shall set us free (John 8:32). Though sin feels like freedom, it is really bondage. It keeps us away from right relationships with God, others, and us. It keeps us away from fulfilling God’s call on our life. On the other hand, God’s Word, as we obey it, sets us free from sin and helps us have right relationships with God and others. It sets us free to be all God has called us to be and to do all God has called us to do. 

It is very important to remember that our ability to complete our God-given callings is connected to God’s Word. His Word truly gives us freedom as James concludes by saying that a person who looks into the perfect law of liberty and obeys it will be “blessed in what he does” (1:25). 

Keep in mind that just as we plant and nurture a seed to bear fruit, our faith requires purposeful action. Hearing the Word is the beginning, but living it out is the practice of our Christian walk. When we consciously apply God’s truths to our lives, we become a recipient of His love and grace to those around us. This involves asking ourselves how we can embody God’s Word through our actions. After all, it’s through demonstrations of thoughtfulness, forgiveness, and love that we bear witness to our faith. 

So, as you go about your day, consider ways to purposefully live out your faith. Small acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and moments of prayer can have a profound impact. And the more such things become your goal, the more you’ll experience intimacy in your relationship with God. 

Remember that God blesses the obedient by giving them more understanding of God’s Word. In Mark 4:24-25, Christ said: “Take care about what you hear. The measure you use will be the measure you receive, and more will be added to you. For whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” 

The “more” that will be added isn’t power, influence, or material possessions; it is spiritual wisdom. However if they show little interest, that little which they have, will be taken away from them. Meaning that those who respond to truth receive more; those who don’t lose what they had. 

When we have a relationship with Jesus, our lives take on a completely new quality and nature. We are indwelled by God’s Holy Spirit , our lives automatically move away from sin and towards purity and begin to reflect the character of the Holy Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Therefore, “we pray always for you that . . . the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you” (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). 

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