Thou doest well !
Thou doest well !
James 2:19
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
That believing in Christ is a work, a doing well, can be seen here by this scripture, even though this is about believing in the existence of God, it nevertheless presents to us the principal of doing, which is a work.
The word for doest here is the greek word poieō and means:
to make
a) with the names of things made, to produce, construct, form, fashion, etc.
b) to be the authors of, the cause
c) to make ready, to prepare
d) to produce, bear, shoot forth
e) to acquire, to provide a thing for one's self
f) to make a thing out of something
g) to (make i.e.) render one anything
1) to (make i.e.) constitute or appoint one anything, to appoint or ordain one that
2) to (make i.e.) declare one anything
h) to put one forth, to lead him out
i) to make one do something
1) cause one to
j) to be the authors of a thing (to cause, bring about)
2) to do
a) to act rightly, do well
1) to carry out, to execute
b) to do a thing unto one
1) to do to one
c) with designation of time: to pass, spend
d) to celebrate, keep
1) to make ready, and so at the same time to institute, the celebration of the passover
e) to perform: to a promise
The word is used for work or joined to works several times as per here:
Matt 7:22
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?[/B]
Matt 23:3
3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Jn 7:3
3 His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest.
So it is, those who believe and teach that salvation is contingent upon ones believing, in God or in Christ, or in the Gospel then that one believes and promotes a salvation by works, by doing well !
James 2:19
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
If we recall, this very similar statement was made to one cain here Gen 4:7
If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
If we base our Salvation and acceptance with God upon our doing well, then are hopes are built upon the sandy grounds of a works salvation, and unless God delivers us, we are bound to hear these words Matt 7:22-23
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
