Aug 4 2023, 09:19 AM
QUOTE(unknown warrior @ Aug 2 2023, 04:39 PM)
Does the book of James contradict Salvation by Grace through faith?
James 1:25 (NIV) - But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
The answer is no. On the surface reading, it may seem the book of James contradicts Paul's epistle because it seemingly talks about laws—a bunch of do’s and don’ts.
But nowhere in the book of James, can you find statements hinting, that works are required for Salvation. There is none in there.
In fact, in the very beginning, Apostle James talks about having faith to receive from God, wisdom. Faith is the agreed currency so to speak to receive something from God in all the NT books. So this testifies, that the book of James is in line with all the other books.
Then what about the laws mentioned, the do's and don'ts? I'll come straight to the point. When James tells us to be doers of God's word and not just hearers, there are reasons for it.
For one, God does not forget whatever works we've done for his sake. In relation to this, James 1:25 tells us to do and not just to hear God's word, we will be blessed. On the flip side, if we don't there is no blessing. So this has to do with being blessed/rewarded or not.
Secondly, it's an obvious reason. James 2:14 tells us, faith without works is not going to deliver or rescue anyone or anything. Apostle James gave a good example, don't just wish the person to be warm and well-fed without providing the substance. How can that person be ministered to?
We are to walk our talk so to speak, for without, it's meaningless and we don't live out the truth.
2 further examples, If Abraham did not offer Isaac, what would have happened? Abraham would have nullified what God promised him, which is the nation of Israel.
If Rahab had not protected the spies and sent off the soldiers, Joshua may have been hindered from capturing Jericho.
In an overall view, the works that James admonished us to do have to do with being blessed/rewarded (James 1:25) and fulfilling God's work.
When we obey God and do the works, we are perceived as righteous by others. Twice repeated in the case of Abraham and Rahab, we are perceived righteous. What do I mean by perceived? Well, this observation is not from God for there is no contradiction with God. In the New Covenant, we are made righteous by faith apart from works.
This righteousness that James talks about is perceived by you and I. Hence the phrase "You see" is repeated twice in verses 22 and 24. The phrase "You see" is pointed to the reader and people.
Lastly, if you're still not convinced that faith without works is dead is not implied on Salvation, then what has providing cloth, food, Abraham offering Isaac, Rahab saving the spies have to do with getting you saved from your sins? The answer is; they are not relevant at all because doing those things cannot get you saved from your sins.
If this last argument does not convince you, then nothing will.
For those who have ears to hear, let him/her hear.
God Bless.
it's been awhile.. never thought u and this thread is still here. looks like a miracle for me.James 1:25 (NIV) - But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
The answer is no. On the surface reading, it may seem the book of James contradicts Paul's epistle because it seemingly talks about laws—a bunch of do’s and don’ts.
But nowhere in the book of James, can you find statements hinting, that works are required for Salvation. There is none in there.
In fact, in the very beginning, Apostle James talks about having faith to receive from God, wisdom. Faith is the agreed currency so to speak to receive something from God in all the NT books. So this testifies, that the book of James is in line with all the other books.
Then what about the laws mentioned, the do's and don'ts? I'll come straight to the point. When James tells us to be doers of God's word and not just hearers, there are reasons for it.
For one, God does not forget whatever works we've done for his sake. In relation to this, James 1:25 tells us to do and not just to hear God's word, we will be blessed. On the flip side, if we don't there is no blessing. So this has to do with being blessed/rewarded or not.
Secondly, it's an obvious reason. James 2:14 tells us, faith without works is not going to deliver or rescue anyone or anything. Apostle James gave a good example, don't just wish the person to be warm and well-fed without providing the substance. How can that person be ministered to?
We are to walk our talk so to speak, for without, it's meaningless and we don't live out the truth.
2 further examples, If Abraham did not offer Isaac, what would have happened? Abraham would have nullified what God promised him, which is the nation of Israel.
If Rahab had not protected the spies and sent off the soldiers, Joshua may have been hindered from capturing Jericho.
In an overall view, the works that James admonished us to do have to do with being blessed/rewarded (James 1:25) and fulfilling God's work.
When we obey God and do the works, we are perceived as righteous by others. Twice repeated in the case of Abraham and Rahab, we are perceived righteous. What do I mean by perceived? Well, this observation is not from God for there is no contradiction with God. In the New Covenant, we are made righteous by faith apart from works.
This righteousness that James talks about is perceived by you and I. Hence the phrase "You see" is repeated twice in verses 22 and 24. The phrase "You see" is pointed to the reader and people.
Lastly, if you're still not convinced that faith without works is dead is not implied on Salvation, then what has providing cloth, food, Abraham offering Isaac, Rahab saving the spies have to do with getting you saved from your sins? The answer is; they are not relevant at all because doing those things cannot get you saved from your sins.
If this last argument does not convince you, then nothing will.
For those who have ears to hear, let him/her hear.
God Bless.
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