James 4:4 KJV
[4] Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
I really enjoyed writing the first two parts of this series on friends, but in all honesty, I have dreaded writing this last part. It is not my intention to offend or condemn anyone, but if the Word of God offends you, well, then take it up with Him. That being said, Jesus said many people would be offended because of the words he spoke and the things he did.
In Part 1 of this series about friends we noted how in Romans 5 Paul brought out that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners.
In Part 2 of our Friends series, it was discussed how James 2 illustrates that Abraham became a “friend of God” because in faith he acted upon God’s promise. Faith as detailed in the Bible requires an action in order to prove to oneself and to others that you have faith. Contrary to the popular notion faith is not blind, nor is faith without proof. Which is why James goes on to illustrate that “faith without works is dead.”
The “faith without works” part of The Book of James creates a huge dilemma for many Christians. Part of this dilemma is because, for various reasons, we won’t take the time to read the rest of what James said.
Additionally, we don’t clearly see the very plain references within James writing to other Bible scriptures, both within the Old and New Testament.
Not seeing scriptures referenced by James and other inspired Bible writers is due to lack of studying the Bible. Because we don’t get James references, we often misunderstand the full context of what he is saying. I am on the edge of a huge rabbit hole and in order to keep from diving into that rabbit burrow I’ll conclude this part with my father-in-law’s brief definition of faith: “Faith is an action-word”
(Anyone which loves theological “rabbit holes” and wants to discuss, faith, works and grace in detail, let me know.)
So, if being a “friend of God” requires faith and if faith requires an action, what particular action does it require?
Short Answer: Repentance!
Detailed Answer: Repentance on God’s terms alone.
To quickly illustrate true repentance, one simply needs to look at the differences between competing Biblical personalities such as; Jacob vs. Esau, Moses vs. Baalim/Balaam, or Peter vs. Judas.
In all three cases each man led a sinful life and at some point sought repentance. According to the scriptures in these cases, only one man in each set received the Lord’s forgiveness and was counted as a “friend of God.”
If we look at Jacob, Moses and Peter after their repentance we see a consistent, enduring change in heart to the extent that their life priorities become about serving God, plus mankind at His direction, as opposed to themselves.
Contrariwise, if we examine the scriptures regarding Esau, Balaam and Judas, we find them seeking repentance, but on their own terms and not on God’s terms.
Repentance without a change of actions is kind of like an unfaithful spouse telling their mate that they love them and are sorry for their infidelity, yet they repeatedly keep cheating on them. Do you think that person is a friend that really loves their spouse? (James4:4)
OUCH! Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.