James 1:17

James 1:27 in the New King James Version reads: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” [10]

This verse is a powerful statement about the nature of true religion. It emphasises two key aspects: care for those in need (specifically orphans and widows) and personal holiness (keeping oneself unspotted from the world).

In the context of Reformed Evangelical Christianity, this verse holds significant implications. Reformed theology, often associated with Calvinism, emerged during the Protestant Reformation and places a strong emphasis on the authority of the Bible, the sovereignty of God, and covenant theology [1]. Evangelicalism, on the other hand, stresses the importance of personal conversion and faith in Christ [4].

Applying James 1:27 to modern Christian living within this theological framework involves the following insights:

Care for Those in Need: The call to visit orphans and widows in their trouble is a call to practical, compassionate service. This aligns with the Reformed understanding of covenant theology, which sees believers as part of a community, bound to love and serve one another. In today’s context, this could extend to serving those who are marginalised or disadvantaged in society.

Personal Holiness: The instruction to keep oneself unspotted from the world speaks to the importance of personal holiness and ethical conduct. This is consistent with the Evangelical emphasis on personal conversion and transformation through faith in Christ. In a modern context, this could involve striving to live with integrity and godliness in all areas of life, resisting societal pressures that contradict biblical values.

The Centrality of Faith: Both Reformed and Evangelical traditions affirm the centrality of faith in Christ for salvation [2]. James 1:27, in its emphasis on practical service and personal holiness, underscores that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a transformation of the whole person that impacts how one lives.

In conclusion, James 1:27 provides a concise yet profound summary of what constitutes true religion: compassionate service and personal holiness, both fruits of a faith centred in Christ. This verse challenges modern Christians to live out their faith in practical, transformative ways, serving those in need and striving for personal holiness in a world often at odds with these values.

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 18/06/2024