James has just shown us how a confession of what we believe without the evidence of works is dead. NOW he shows us how empty a mere confession can be.

"You believe that there is one God? You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble!"

So now we know that

What else do demons believe? They probably believe that:

Jesus is the Son of God,
Jesus did many miracles,
Jesus was born of a virgin,
Jesus died for the whole world,
Jesus rose from the dead,
Jesus will come again as Mighty God,
Jesus will raise the dead . . .
and many other things which Christians also believe.

Will any demons be saved by what they believe? NO, not one. Just believing something is not enough. There has to be a change of lifestyle, repentance, and a new direction. Otherwise there would be many demons in heaven!

James cites the example of Abraham, who obeyed God, and offered his only son Isaac. But Abraham COULD have said to God:

"So you want me to offer Isaac?
Yes, Lord, I really believe that is what you want me to do! I believe with ALL MY HEART that You spoke to me, and that You want me to offer Isaac!"

What a wonderful confession that would have made - but if Abraham did nothing after that, he would not have been welcomed into heaven. Obviously, if Abraham really believed God, he had to DO something to show his faith in action.

All through the Bible there are examples of people who DID great things for God. The reason they did these things was because they had FAITH in God. Their works came after their faith.