Faith Without Works Is Dead (James 2) | Theocast
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- čas přidán 26. 06. 2024
- In this episode, Jon and Justin consider James 2, and in particular, the apostle's assertion that faith without works is dead. How should we understand this in the context of the entire letter of James? How has our quest for personal religious experience clouded our understanding of a passage like James 2? What are the good works we should be concerned with? And how is it that the commands of God are not burdensome? The guys discuss all this and more.
Semper Reformanda: Jon and Justin talk more about the clear emphasis of the New Testament that the saints love one another. The guys also touch on the confusion that exists around good works in the church today.
Resources:
Our episode on pietism ruining good works • How Pietism Ruins Good...
Our episode on the law, gospel, and sanctification • The Law, the Gospel, a...
Our episode on sanctification not being about us • Your Sanctification Is...
Jon Moffitt's sermons in James • James 2:8-13 - Motivat...
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#james #faithwithoutworks #reformedtheology
As a senior saint as I look back on my Christian walk with Jesus I am amazed at His grace in me-in spite of me!
I just discovered you all's podcast recently and I'm thanking God for it. As a weary pilgrim I want to thank you for helping us find Rest In Christ
Awesome 👌, I grew up, like many others about James and 1st John, that Christians must have " the fear of the lord" and we better " check ourselves". But thank God for confessional theology leads to rest in Jesus!! Thank you guys, and much love from Germany ;)
Thanks for the encouragement!
Ironically 1 John is used by many Arminian's and Lordship Salvationist's to say you can lose your salvation. John explicitly states that he writes these things so that our joy may be FULL and that perfect love casts out fear because fear is of punishment. How one reads that then tries to say you can lose your salvation from one slip up, is beyond comprehension.
@@destroyingtheworksofthedev9349 The problem also is we slip up ALL the time, almost moment by moment!
@@brianc81 Seriously, there is nothing good in my flesh. "I am crucified with Christ never the less I live, yet not I but Christ that liveth in me, and I now live by the faith of the Son of God - who gave himself up for me."
@@destroyingtheworksofthedev9349 Amen!
Ephesians 2:8-9 New International Version (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8,9 is talking about works of the law of sin and death. James is talking about works of the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus. The two passages do not conflict. Abraham offering Isaac on the altar was not an example of loving your neighbor as yourself. It is not an example of works under the Great Commandment, but it is an example of works under the New Commandment.
Jesus said, As the Father has loved me, I have love you; as I have loved you, love one another. God offered his Son on the altar, so did Abraham.
Works under the Great Commandment are works of the flesh (heart, soul, mind, strength) Works under the New Commandment are works of righteousness. They are works of the Spirit of Christ.
There is no conflict between James and Paul.
@@KenPeters-sr1125 Ephesians 2:8-9 is talking about works and James is talking about works. No need to complicate things in order to prove a doctrine.
@@thinkerj If you cannot handle the complexity of differentiation between works you do and works of the Holy Spirit done in you, you are not the thinker you purport to be.
The differentiation is made to disprove the synthetic theology foisted upon us by systematic theology, which is riddled with conflicts.
@@KenPeters-sr1125 Neither Paul nor James qualify "works" in the way you do. They are simply talking about works. Paul's message is that we are not saved by any works we do, in any shape or form. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone. And Abraham was justified by faith long before the Mount Moriah episode. So if James were saying that Abraham was not justified until he offered Isaac, he would contradict Scripture. But he doesn't, because his message is not that Abraham was justified before God because of his works. His works demonstrate that he was walking in faith with God and he was therefore shown to be righteous. Just like Christ was shown to be righteous by His works. "The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold, a gluttonous man and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! And wisdom is justified by her works." (Matt. 11:19)
@@thinkerj Jesus showed himself righteous by his works. Had he not done those works, he would still have been righteous, but where would that have left you?
If you have ever been instrumental is someone else's salvation, it would have been by the works you did showing yourself to be righteous. Had you not done those works, where would it have left the one that was saved by your works?
Someone shared the gospel with you, showing themselves to be righteous. Had they not done those works, where would that leave you? You have been saved by the works of someone else.
How can they be saved it they have not heard?
You were saved by your faith and someone else's works.
32:18 praise God for this. I was waiting for this.
So helpful. Thanks pastors.
Thank you!
Excellent program! Thank you.
Thank you!
THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS IS IMPUTED "WITHOUT WORKS"...
FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED...
BY FAITH IN HIS BLOOD; FOR WE TRUST 100% IN HIS FINISED WORKS.
Romans 4:5-8 KJV
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
WORKS??? THAT YE BELEIVE...
John 6:28-29
28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
IF YE DIE TRUSTING IN YOUR DEAD WORKS, YE SHALL BE JUDGED BY YOUR WORKS AND THEN CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE; BOTH BODY AND SOUL...
"MANY WONDERGUL WORKS"...
I NEVER KNEW YOU...
Matthew 7:22-23
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
MY SHEEP...
I KNOW THEM
I GIVE UNTO THEM...ETERNAL LIFE;
NEVER PERISH....
John 10:27-29
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
JUDGEMENT DAY...
THE ETERNALLY DEAD JUDGED BY THEIR WORKS AND THEN CAST BODY AND SOUL UNTO THE LAKE OF FIRE; WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH:
Revelation 20:12-15
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Great conversation
Simple explanation is true faith will produce works
Not always. You are deceiving yourself into adding works back into salvation as if its evidence of salvation. Salvation and service are separate things.
Romans 4
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Romans 11
6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
@@GiftofGrace88yeah, read the rest of the Bible. You’re saved UNTO good works (Ephesians 2) prepared beforehand that you should walk in them. Should here doesn’t mean “yeah if you want”, but that you will walk in them. You’re saved for good works. Regenerate people do good works. This isn’t backloading works, it’s just gospel. No saved person does good works to get saved. They do them because they are saved and love the Lord. It really is r complicated.
@@KnightFel- Very well said!
@@GiftofGrace88every second you are awake you are doing either the works of God or dead works. There’s only 2 options. The work of God is to believe on the one He sent. Anything else you are doing is a dead work.
@BingoNamo-gb8pz what the original commentator said can be interpreted in two ways. One correcly and one incorrectly. "True faith will produce works"...when you take that as an *imperative*, meaning obligation, then yes, I agree that that would be backloading the Gospel. Because it would imply that a believer must prove himself/herself. However, if you take that as a statement of *cause/effect* then it is not backloading the Gospel. It is simply saying that A causes B.
Here are some Biblical quotes that are often considered in conflict with Protestant interpretations regarding the requirements for salvation:
1 Works and Faith: "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?" - James 2:14
2 Justification by Works: "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone." - James 2:24
3 Endurance and Obedience: "But the one who endures to the end will be saved." - Matthew 24:13
4 Forgiveness and Confession: "If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matthew 6:14-15
5 Narrow Way: "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." - Matthew 7:13-14
great channel mate keep it up
Thanks!
I think according to James I could either prove myself saved or prove myself unsaved depending upon my works...
We (Christians) do Good WORKS (Acts/Deeds) to JUSTIFY our LOVE for the Lord (Christ Jesus) by KEEPING (verb = doing, obeying, and following) His Commandments... (ref. John 14:15)... and with the Enclosed Promise of SALVATION in the AFTERLIFE as we face the Judgment of God base on Christ's Law of Good WORKS. (ref. Rev. 20:12)... Amen.
I think it's important to remember that one important thing for salvation is repentance...
Repent (turn around, due to the conviction of the Holy Spirit) and turn TO Christ in faith.
John the Baptist and Jesus command us to repent. Repent does not mean to clean ourselves up from sin first. God does that. But the Holy Spirit convinces us we are sinners.
Thank you brothers, for just reading the Bible and taking the meaning out using the common sense God gave, instead of like so many, trying to read there theory, from tradition, into the the texts.
Why Contradictions make millions frustrated. it said it is then it says it isn't ? so can a book make up its mind no? but we have to go figure in a caral way what ever that mean. use verses to explain why will allways be confusion because every one can pick what they believe will soon make everybodies God Different which is even more frustrating. Asking God daily is like talkig to a rock because God answers us in is way not ours..
We should never read our tradition or interpretation into the text.
I would also add that the commandments John is referring to in 1 John, he states clearly. They are NOT the Ten Commandments. It's not Moses. The commandments John states are:
1. Believe on the Son
2. Love the brethren.
James 2 needs NO special understanding or preconditions, its truth for every believer, for all time, stands on its own. The problem is men who don’t like the obvious implications for their lives, or their concocted theology, so they fall all over themselves trying to “re-define” it.
Amen!!
One is being declared righteous by God Gen15 through believing the other is not declared righteous but considered righteous by man. Man see his good works, observes and because of that considers which means to make a judgement about that person from observing his actions . Man considers that man righteous.
Romans 42For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
@Theocast - Rest in Christ Hey I just wanted to bounce this off you guys. So the commandments that are listed by you guys in the video are the top 2 in the Law. If you go to Matt, I believe a Pharisee asks Jesus what are the 2 greatest commandments in the Law, and Christ lists them right, then says on these hang all the law and the prophets. As we know the law comes to it's end for those in Christ Jesus - Ro 10:4. Now the commandments Jesus gave were actually listed in John 15 I believe? Then again right here in 1 John 3
22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Now you are 100% right in saying that Jesus keeps the 1st and 2nd 24/7/365 in us, I just figured I would see if you agreed that our commandments are actually found right there in 1 John 3:22,23. Even that love that we have comes from the spirit in that we can recognize one another as believers of the Grace and saving faith of God.
We are saved UNTO (I.e. for) good works, not BY or THROUGH them.
They are however not your works that any should boast, but works *in Christ Jesus*
Amen!
That's 👍
If I continue on in willful sin after I'm supposedly saved I'm not saved!
Statement saying I believe in Jesus Christ x infinite times but He is telling you to take the next step towards Holiness in the body but you keep ignoring the practice of Holiness but keep saying I believe in Jesus ... Wow.
permission to repost?
You need to update your knowledge stores. Read this paper: Wilson, Kenneth M. "Reading James 2:18-20 with Anti-Donatist Eyes: Untangling Augustine's Exegetical Legacy." Journal of Biblical Literature, vol. 139 no. 2, 2020, p. 385-407.
Don't just be a hearers of the word. But also be doers of it.
In others words.
Don't just do as Jesus says. Do as he did.
Faith with/ of Jesus produces works .
Faith without Jesus is dead.
Read it in context. James 2 is talking about profitability toward man. You are justified before man by your works. You are justified before God by faith alone NOT works. Paul explains this in Romans 4. Stop adding works back into salvation. Service SHOULD come after salvation, but it is NOT required or proof or evidence of salvation. You are saved by grace through faith that is a free gift of God. Jesus did all the work on the cross. He does not need your filthy rags of self-righteous works to help. Understand the difference between salvation and service, then you will be ready to truly teach and proclaim the Gospel to others.
4 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
What you would call “adding works back into salvation” the Bible calls FRUIT. Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matt 7:17-20).
James 2 means that you have to have behavior that shows to other that you have faith in King Jesus. That’s I find works here infers
Justification BEFORE men...not in the SIGHT of God. You righteousness is as filthy rags!
Can anyone tell me why Luther was so hostile to James? Calling it a strawman scripture? Wasn't he close to even throwing it out of the Canon?
Luther eventually recanted his position on the book of James. I’d recommend looking up RC Sprouls teach on the subject of Luther and James if you still have questions. If I’m not mistaken, Luther might have questioned the authorship of James as well seeing a possible contradiction between Paul and James writings. Like I said, eventually Luther repented from his opposition to James. Hope that helps and you find the wisdom that you seek in Jesus Name.
@@davisbelas3516 didn't he recanted only because he made up a novel way to interpret it that it didn't contradict sola fide?
@@MrJayb76 I don’t think he made up a novel way of interpreting it. Maybe through study and prayer he was able to better understand the context, since sola fide is taught all throughout scripture and we know the Bible doesn’t contradict itself. Luther definitely wasn’t without flaws, but he did contribute a lot to the reformation.
One reason was that the letter of James contains very few (if any) details related to the Gospel, such as the crucifixion and the resurrection of Christ.
@@thinkerj i just think it's peak irony that you have a reformer who intends to put scripture as sole authority in place of the Magisterium but then proceeds to dismantle the bible bc there are some books in there he doesn't like.
John 6:28-29. Works of God. John 6:40. Will of God. Both are to believe in Jesus Christ alone! Romans 2:28-29. Romans 9:6-13. The battlefield is in your mind! The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
the best way to get to to truth in the bible, is to see what Jesus said to the same thing.
Luk_17:10 So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
Paul quotes this lament from the psalms.
Rom 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Rom 3:13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
Rom 3:14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
Rom 3:15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Rom 3:16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
Rom 3:17 And the way of peace have they not known:
Rom 3:18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Rom 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
then Paul concludes wrongly that this shows that the Law only serves to inform people that they are sinners. and goes on that somehow his Faith alone "Gospel" which is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is the answer, because he believes Gods righteousness is in believing in Jesus.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
Rom 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Paul is wrong, because he doesnt even know the law, if he knew the law, he'd understand that there are commandments, 10 of them. plus love they neighbor as thyself. and then there are gods judgements, which tell you how to repent from your sins when you do fall short. to the one you sinned against, and to god. if you stole, pay back. if you kill you must be put to death. this is what means elsewhere when it is a sin that leads to death. but we can also forgive, because scripture makes it clear that God hears the complaints of those wronged and will answer those complaints and hold the sinner responsible. to say that no one can be justified by the law, is a blasphemous statement that says god will not honor his own law. this is a very good reason to shun everything paul teaches, he's a blasphemer of God, and a false teacher. we know this because God kept his promises and we know this through his son Jesus Christ. and Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him. keeping gods commandments, and when we err, keep his judgements to repentance. Jesus said, ive come to save the world. I will have mercy and not sacrifice: ive come to call sinners to repentance. the gospel is repent and be saved, and yes that is repent from sin, as shown to us by learning and fulfilling the law ourselves.
and as in my first verse quoted. this takes us from being wicked down to being unprofitable servants. this is the bare minimum. this will get you into the wedding. and anything less would have us be that man from the parable who had the wrong clothes on and got bound hand and foot and thrown into outer darkness. so I think we should do more. and Jesus does support this as well. when he says if you want to be perfect sell all you have and give it the poor. and then youll have treasure in heaven. and further when he says Love even your enemy. Be perfect. it is attainable.
as to the arguments in James. James is dealing with a false apostle teaching that god doesnt keep his law. that it is acceptable to just believe in the death burial and resurrection of Jesus christ. and you will be saved. but Jesus makes it clear that his Gospel will get you cast out and burned in a fire.
No Jesus didnt do for you. Jesus showed you the way, and he told you the truth of eternal life and salvation. if your faith in this doesnt move you to do the same as he does, and listen to his parables and teachings and do them. You are not worthy. you are unsaved. because you never asked the question about what are you being saved from?
what are you being saved from?
obedience to god, if you follow pauls false gospel.
a deserved judgement from god unto destruction, if you believe Jesus and his call to sinners to come to repetence and obedience to god, loving god with all your heart and mind and soul and loving your neighbor as yourself. which is the law and prophets. whatsoever good thing you would have someone do to you, do this also to them.
your choice,
be cast out and burned in a fire, by listening to paul and thinking faith alone can save you and that god will not honor his law.
be unprofitable and saved by doing just what is your duty
be perfect by doing everything God and Jesus say and making your life righteous and perfect before god presenting yourself without fault before the Lord your God.
Paul is a liar, this is about your life, the whole thing, and your death which is inevitable, and your second death which is in question and up to you with how you live it.
there is no konami code to eternal lives. you have to play the game well.
whatJames should have said is "Faith without works IS the second death."
Sir, to say Paul is wrong/a liar is to bring Gods sovereign plan into question as well as Gods choice in choosing Paul as an apostle. People who are anti-Paul do NOT understand the gospel, I’m sorry to say. Peter, an apostle who spent a lot of time with Jesus approved of Paul and his ministry. We are aves by Gods grace through FAITH! Do you not sin ever? If you are saved by your works, are all of your works good? Are you saying you aren’t a sinner? In 1 John(another apostle who spent much time with Jesus) said “if anyone says they do not sin he is a liar”. To say someone isn’t saved because they believe the writers of the New Testament is blasphemous, it puts a big question mark over the entirety of the Bible if your going to throw all of the writings of Paul out. Repent and put your faith in Christ and Him alone. He is the only one who can save you by HIS work; nothing that you have done or will ever do will save you. You may think you keep the law, but where is your heart? Jesus made it clear God cares about the posture of our heart and the things we think that nobody else can see. Nobody is perfect. Only Christ was. He was the only one who kept the law to the point of being considered righteous and perfect. That’s why he came down. Because we can’t.
@@gr4hamm Who is the Way the Truth And thew Life? ANd Who should you follow? If you take what he taught, and Follow what Paul Taught. you will be going in two different directions. I have Sinned, I have Repented, And now I do Not. I have Control of this as it is My actions.
The verse many folks don't give enough attention to is James 2:24. A verse which is in complete opposition to Romans 3:28.
Romans 3:28, Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
James 2:24, Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
These verses are plain, clear and self explanatory, so no one can say "well, James means this" or "means that." These verses aren't just about faith and works or what's real faith or what are real works. These verses are both about how a man is justified. One says it's by faith apart from the deeds of the law, the other says it's by works and not faith only. Now even I used to argue that Paul doesn't say it's by faith ONLY and that the deeds of the law doesn't exclude the "works" of Ephesians 2:10. But when I read how Romans 3:24 says we are justified freely by God's grace and compared it to Romans 11:6 where Paul also says that if it's by grace, then is it no more of works (an obvious principal of grace), this confirmed to me (and should confirm to anyone) that Paul is excluding works of any kind from how a man is justified, where James is clearly not.
I knew the problem wasn't with the word of God, but my understanding of it. As I started studying further, I was able to reconcile these verses. I'm willing to share how, but first wanted to see how others reconcile these verses.
Amen! The just lives by faith! Man likes to put his filthy hands on the finished work of Jesus Christ!
Will you share with us your understanding?
@@Hope4thebroken1 Sorry for the long explanation, but there’s no quick way to go about it. First, some background: Israel’s prophetic, law program (and really even before that) was always faith by works. In other words, their works would prove their faith. In Hebrews 11, it says that by faith Abel offered a sacrifice (works) and by faith Noah built the ark (works), etc. Those examples were before Israel was a nation, but God dealt the same way with them. Israel stumbled at the cross (Romans 9:32-33). They had a 2nd opportunity to repent and accept their Messiah after he had ascended, Acts 2:36-39; Acts 3:17-21. Notice the statement Peter makes in Acts 3:21, “…which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” After their stumble, Israel nationally fell when they stoned Stephen in Acts 7 (Romans 11:11), at which point salvation came to the Gentiles. Shortly after the stoning of Stephen, the Lord appeared to Saul (Paul) on his way to Damascus in Acts 9 and he’s the one God would choose to bring salvation to the Gentiles, Acts 9:15; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 14:26-27. God interrupted Israel’s prophetic program and would reveal the mystery dispensation of grace to Paul, which is ongoing to this day, where God is saving Jews and Gentiles into one body (of Christ). Our faith is in the finished cross-work of Christ. Therefore, there are no works we can perform for justification because Christ did it all on the cross! Remember the statement Peter made in Acts 3:21? Now compare that with the statement Paul made in Romans 16:25, “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began…” Something spoken by the mouth of the prophets since the world began and a mystery kept secret since the world began cannot possibly be the same thing! Paul then starts verse 26 with “But now is made manifest,” so prior to its revelation to Paul, it remained a mystery and cannot be the same as what was spoken by the prophets. Paul reveals more details regarding the mystery in Ephesians 3 and Colossians 1:24-29. Starting with Paul’s apostolic ministry in Acts 13 and through the end of the book is the transition from law to grace. With Israel failing to accept Christ as their Messiah, Israel was still operating under the law. This is evident when reading Acts 15:5 and Acts 21:20. This created problems with Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles which resulted in the conference in Jerusalem outlined in Acts 15. Paul brought up this event in Galatians 2 and mentioned that an agreement was made where James, Cephas (Peter) and John would continue their apostleship to the circumcision (Israel - Jews) and Paul and Barnabas to the heathen (Gentiles), Gal. 2:9 (see also 1 Cor. 7:17-20). The whole purpose of this background is to demonstrate that Romans and James are written by two Apostles with distinct apostleship’s, addressing two different audiences. This is also evident by simply reading both intro’s (Romans 1:1-7 & James 1:1). Notice how James is writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. That’s Israel. They were scattered after the stoning of Stephen before Paul was even saved (Acts 8:1-4) and remained scattered, Acts 11:19 (notice they were preaching to Jews only). So even though Romans 3:28 and James 2:24 are opposing ways for man to be justified, they are both correct to the audiences they are addressed to. Once the dispensation of grace is over and the body of Christ is raptured, God will resume Israel’s prophetic program where the law will once again be in effect and Israel as a purged nation (comprised only of the believing remnant) will be saved (That’s who the books of Hebrews - Revelation are addressed to and will serve as instructions and doctrine for Israel in the future). This is outlined in Romans 11 where Paul mentions their temporary blindness in part according “as it is written,” which indicates prophecy (verses 7-10), followed by salvation coming to the Gentiles, which was a mystery (verses 11-24, according to prophecy, salvation was to come to the Gentiles through the rise of Israel, Isaiah 60:1-3, not their fall) and then the mystery concerning Israel’s blindness: that it will continue until “the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (verse 25). This was not prophesied; hence It was a mystery. Paul then continues with Israel’s future salvation (in verse 26) “as it is written,” once again indicating prophesy. At least that’s how I see all these passages and allows for the reconciliation of the supposed contradiction between Romans 3:28 and James 2:24. I wish more professing believers recognized this distinction between prophecy and mystery. There are many other passages that supposedly “contradict,” but can all be reconciled in the same manner. This is why Paul told us to study to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, 2 Tim. 2:15.
@@jimmie_g - I don’t buy it. The notion that salvation is obtained any different for the Jew or the Gentile, or will ever be. Those verses are extremely easy to reconcile, Salvation is obtained by faith apart from the works of the law, Faith transforms the believer as evidenced in their works that follow…very simple. Faith, if it hath not works is DEAD! In fact, it is not even faith at all if it does not produce good works…good works are the measure and bellwether of faith. James calls people “foolish” and “vain” who think there can be saving faith without the evidence of good works.
@@Bobepc Well technically you're right in what you say about salvation, or God imputed righteousness/justification, not being any different for the Jew or Gentile. But the means of salvation is not always the same throughout scripture. It hasn't always been solely by faith apart from works as it is today and has been since the dispensation of the grace of God was given to Paul for Gentiles (and Jews as well), Ephesians 3:2. Your argument doesn't reconcile James 2:24 and Romans 3:28, because both verses are about how a man is justified, not what's real faith and what's not. You're dealing with two verses about justification saying opposite things, just like James 2:21 is in opposition to Romans 4:2. Notice how Romans 4:5 is also in opposition to James 2:24.
Dispensation...
Dispensation...
Dispensation...
Jesus died for THE WORLD. ALL (WHOSOEVER) who believes on Him WILL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.
Easy.
Eisegis
You conflate "works" with the law.
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
The works James is referencing are the physical attributes of the Church.
Baptism. Operation of the Spiritual gifts. Fellowship. Communion. Preaching, brotherly love
Faith without those works is dead.
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Your right, people look outward like the Jewish whitewashed tombs that cleaned the outside of the bowl. Perfectly pieastistic, yet disgusting inside. They look to self efforts and outward appearances which is from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Which good is evil and evil is evil.
The work is inward of the heart that has works done by the Spirit. This produces fruit of the spirit and thus the inside of the bowl is clean.
There is zero textual evidence that James is referring to "the physical attributes of the Church".
@@thinkerj Except the text itself.
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
@@brucedavenport7016 Again, verse 26 says nothing about "the physical attributes of the Church". That is something you read into the text.
@@thinkerj I don't understand your argument
What do you mean by "the physical attributes of the church"?
Jesus died and rose agian if you believe that he died and rose and were saved by grace through faith alone you will be saved. Once Saved Always saved no need to repent from your sins for salvation.,
By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God……
...for other foundation (for salvation) can no man lay than Jesus Christ, The Lord, i.e, (Jesus) is the only true & sure foundation for salvation...BUT
let a man (any man) be careful how he build upon that foundations, because every man's works shall be tried, tested, by fire to see what sort it is and if...
any man's works shall be burned he (that man) shall suffer, endure loss, i.e, (loss of eternal rewards - for lack of quality of works that God requires), BUT
he, himself shall be saved so as by fire...
1 Cor. 3:10-15
Note:
The Lord knows those that are His, i.e, that belong to him, and not one of them shall be lost.
Amen!
Ps:
And we / I personally know nothing as I ought..
Learning to walk in true humility - through the key of understanding that of everything God has revealed to & taught me of His Word, which is right....or maybe I might even be wrong about some areas - the truth of
I know nothing as I ought
position me in humility to be continually being taught, instructed, and given more understanding from God, and Corrected..
My Prayer:
Teach me Lord!
Works don’t get you to heaven. Faith does. But works should be the evidence of your faith.
Our faith is proven by our works. Be the model. Network with like-minded Christians, by Subscribing to their channels.
Your works proves nothing! Reprobates and unbelievers do "works"...are they saved too?
Yes your works will prove that you're the one Jesus is referring to in Matt 7:23
the pre add is a false mormon recruiting mgs ...keep away.
Wait, James can’t be discussing “real saving faith in Jesus.” James is wisdom literature. Demons can’t be saved. “Dead” means unproductive, not fake. James was encouraging (saved believers) to get to work! NOT to question the realness of their faith..
Dead means worthless, or of NO value. This is why he says in vs 14: “can that faith save him?” the obvious answer is no, it cannot…..no more than it could save a demon.
Dead has never in Scripture meant unproductive .
So Arminian or Pelagian it’s not funny.
@@tomhitchcock8195 False dichotomy, Jacob Arminous was a calvanist...
@jesuschristisyhwh - Yes, context is key. 1 Cor 3 is referring to works of “ministry” not works of righteousness. Verses 10-15 must be understood in the context of verses 1-9 where Paul is specifically referring to their labor “in the ministry”. That’s what the judgement seat of Christ is for.
James is referring to the works of righteousness that are the necessary fruit of anyone claiming saving faith. If a person claims to have faith in Christ, but does not walk in righteousness, that is actually not faith sufficient to save and they are lost. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God (1 Jn 3:10).
James was pointing out if you are following law or love. He is saying that if you believe truly you will love because you found out that you are defeated by the law and that's invites Christs mercy so in the same way sinner that he loved you, you also will show love, mercy, forgiveness to those like you. That is faith and faith with works, works of love, not perfection.
Romans 8:2 - For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Two laws: the law of the Spirit of life, and the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:3 - For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
We know that this verse refers to the law of sin and death because it is weak through the flesh. The components of the flesh are the heart, soul, mind, and strength. as found in the Great Commandment, the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:4 - That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
This verse refers to the law of the Spirit of life, it cannot be referring to the law of sin and death because there is no righteousness in the law of sin and death. It also makes a distinction between walking after the flesh, the law of sin and death, and walking after the Spirit, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
Romans 4:1 - What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
This verse refers to the law that pertains to the flesh, the law of sin and death.
Romans 4:2 - For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God.
This verse refers to works of the flesh, works done according to the law of sin and death.
Romans 4:3 - For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
This verse pertains to the law of the Spirit of life, because there is no righteousness in the law of sin and death.
Without work there is no righteousness.
James 2:21 - Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
James is not contradicting Paul; he was clarifying what Paul was saying. When Paul talked about works of the law he was referring to the law of sin and death. When James talked about works, he was referring to works of the Spirit of life. Consider the example James used. Nowhere in the law of Moses was there a commandment to offer your son on the altar. In fact, that work would be contrary to the law of Moses. The example James used was compliant to the law of the Spirit of life. As the Father has loved me, I have loved you; as I have loved you, love one another. The Father offered his Son on the altar, Abraham did likewise by faith which was fulfilled by works of the law of the Spirit of life.
(Saying that the law of Moses has not yet been given is a red herring.)
Romans 3:28 - Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
When Paul says that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law, he was referring to the law of sin and death. When James says Abraham was justified by the works of the law, he was referring to the law of the Spirit of life, where the righteousness of the law is fulfilled in you by the Holy Spirit who works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Well considering the Catholic Church is the one and true Church