Belief versus Practice
James writes about faith and deeds. It’s a convicting passage that talks about the importance of belief and action. Both are important. They balance each other.
We must pursue them with equal attention. One without the other leads to a distorted perspective. We need faith and deeds (James 2:14-26).
Faith
The Bible talks a lot about faith, perhaps most pointedly in Hebrews 11. That chapter opens with a succinct definition: Faith is having confidence in what we hope will occur; it’s having an assurance in what we don’t yet see.
By faith we follow Jesus, believing in him for our future, both here on earth and later in heaven when our body dies. We have a confident assurance of what is and will be through Jesus.
Deeds
Deeds are the things we do. It’s action. Some deeds are good, while others are not. We should pursue those deeds that are good, setting aside those that are not (Romans 13:12 and Ephesians 5:11).
Through our good deeds, we encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24) and serve as an effective witness (1 Peter 2:12).
The word deeds occurs most often in the book of Revelation. To each of the seven churches, Jesus talks about their deeds (Revelation 2-3).
Jesus exposes what they did and what they didn’t do. Sometimes he celebrates them, but more often it’s a rebuke—a stinging criticism for their shortcomings and failures.
Though Jesus at times mentions faith in his message to the seven churches, his focus is on their deeds. This fact should serve to emphatically inform our life and our lifestyle.
Faith and Deeds
As we mentioned, James talks a lot about faith and deeds (James 2:14-26). We need both.
When we see someone in need, we can’t merely wish them well (or promise to pray for them). We need to take tangible steps to help them. By our actions, we prove our faith.
Without action our faith means little—it is dead.
James continues, pointing to father Abraham. He proved his faith through his actions. God considered him righteous—even though he made mistakes and sometimes fell short.
Abraham’s righteous standing comes from his faith as demonstrated by his actions.
Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy
There are two theological words that address faith and deeds: Orthodoxy and orthopraxy.
From the Greek, orthodoxy literally means right or correct doctrine or belief; it’s straight thinking or having the right opinion. Today we often think of orthodoxy as aligning with traditions and accepted faith practices from over the centuries.
Though often good, some of our traditions and practices may be off base. Therefore, it’s better to think of orthodoxy from a biblical perspective. What does Scripture say?
Our correct doctrine, straight thinking, and right opinion must come from the Bible for it to matter. We must adopt a biblical worldview.
Contrast orthodoxy to orthopraxy. Again, looking at the Greek, orthopraxy literally means the right or correct practice.
That is, orthopraxy is the right practice of the gospel of Jesus. We show this through our love for God and his creation. It’s how we treat our world and how we treat others.
To paraphrase James, orthodoxy without orthopraxy is dead. This is why our faith and deeds matter.
We must put our faith in Jesus and then show it—prove it—through our actions.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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