Intellectual Assent is Not Enough

James 2:19

 

    You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 

James is speaking to the individual he was referring to in verse 18 "But someone will say,'" You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.'"

 

This is to say, "You contend that faith, apart from works---the mere intellectual assent of the mind---is sufficient to save. Basic among other things to be saved one must believe God is one. The individual believes and that is good. But remember the demons believe and shudder. No one argues that demons are saved so one may believe and yet not be saved.  

 

Believing includes more than intellectual acceptance to the truthfulness of a proposition.

Acceptance of the doctrine of the One True God is a fundamental premise or genuine religion, mere lip service will not suffice. If the simple exercise of belief is sufficient, then those who subscribe to the basic premise of religion should be saved. James say "No."

 

To believe that God is one is a basic doctrine of the bible but it is not enough.