October 7

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also—James 2:26.

HAVE I so received Christ Jesus into my heart that the faith which I profess is carried out and evidenced by a holy life? Is my faith a living faith, the mainspring and source of my works; and are my works the clear evidence of the reality of my faith? Do I believe and trust as though all depended on Christ? Do I live as though only a holy life could give a title to heaven? Does my faith lead to holy obedience? Is my obedience the fruit of a living faith?

We are not saved by faith without works, for there is no such faith in Christ. Nor are we saved by works without faith, for no works but those that flow from faith are acceptable to God.—G. W. BETHUNE.

It is an unhappy division that has been made between faith and works. Though in thought I may divide them, just as in the candle I think of both the light and the heat, yet as when the candle is put out, both the light and heat are gone, and neither remains without the other, so it is with faith and works; in the Christian life they are inseparable.—SELDEN.

Let my faith go forth in works; Let my works my faith fulfill; All my heart thy Spirit breathe; All my life but do thy will. Heart and life to thee be given; Christ my life; his life my heaven. \*