Rescuing the Wayward

“ My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20 ESV

James encourages believers to examine their faith through his epistle. James’ message is evangelistic to its core. “James is deeply concerned that no one is deceived about their salvation.” Christ Himself said; ‘Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.’ James message is the same of that as our Lord. He calls for a real genuine saving faith. “There are many professors of Christ, yet not possessors of Christ.

James gives believers tests of true saving faith; trials, temptation, speech, money, humility, God’s word, holy living. James closes this letter by appealing to believers to evangelize the lost. A call to true faith in Jesus Christ. “He calls the saved to pursue the lost.” He calls for salvation specifically for those who are in the church; ‘My brothers, if anyone among you’.

“How do we identify and help those in our midst who lack true saving faith?” Through evidence, and error we can identify the wayward. God uses instruments to bring back the wondering member.

Evidence

Many self professing Christian stray from the truth. They essentially reject the truth through their actions. Many believe, or come to believe, that Christ is not the only atoning sacrifice. Their hearts become hardened. They deny the gospel truth. They reject Jesus Christ’s deity.

Error

Through errant theology and errant lifestyle people are misled into believing in a false salvation. They are as lost as the day they were born. “The wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous” (Ps. 1:5). Yes, believers still sin. However, not habitually. Their lives are transformed through the sovereign grace of God. It is extremely frightening to think about how many stunned people their will be on judgment day. It is terrifying to think of how many people are confident in their salvation will be cast to hell.

Instruments

What does God use to save the lost? He uses His Body. We are the instruments in the redeemer’s hands. This is not an exclusive task held just for preachers, deacons, elders, pastors, or apostles. “All of this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (II Cor. 5:18).” “So if you have been reconciled by God, then you have the ministry of reconciliation. Brining wandering sinners to God is the task of every believer.” This is the goal of James.

The Christian lifestyle requires much prayer. It is through saving faith that we can do any good work. It requires fellowship with the Body. Our faith is constantly being tested. We must constantly keep our tongues and lifestyles in check. May we constantly examine our lives for the glory of God. Lives depend on it.