James 2:14 "Of what benefit is it, my brothers, if a certain one says he has faith but he does not have works? That faith cannot save him, can it? 15 If a brother or a sister is in a naked state and lacking the food sufficient for the day, 16 yet a certain one of YOU says to them: “Go in peace, keep warm and well fed,” but YOU do not give them the necessities for [their] body, of what benefit is it? 17 Thus, too, faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself."
2007-06-22 14:50:23 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ephesians 2:8-10
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
James 2:17-18
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Both passages say the same thing.. Works ALWAYS manifest saving faith. Paul is a bit clearer coming right out and saying that faith saves and works are the outgrowth of that, God providing them for us to do.. James say I can't see your faith but says he can see your works. If the works aren't there the faith is false.. God can see your heart and knows without question if your faith is false or true. Works are not necessary to manifest faith to Him.. Jim
2007-06-22 15:22:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The problem that the legalist James had is that he did not understand what the Holy Spirit does to those who trust God. He was used to the works of the Law of Moses and probably never grew out of it. Poor James!
So I'm glad that people are finally seeing a difference between Paul's message and James' error. But there are many more that I have met that lean towards James, some without realizing it.
The proof that James was both influential and legalist can be found in Acts 15. Peter was the only one who got it right.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
2007-06-22 14:56:45 · answer #2 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are some good answers here.
Some assume, without paying attention to the context, that James was referring to works of the law... not so.
Works of love follow faith. If there are no "works" i.e. fruit of the Spirit manifested, then their faith is dead, and a dead faith is no faith.
.
2007-06-22 15:27:38 · answer #3 · answered by Hogie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
James was pointing out that the kind of faith that saves is an application oriented faith. It is not a faith in works, but a faith that works that saves.
Jesus likewise said, " Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Mt 7:21
2007-06-22 15:02:25 · answer #4 · answered by Steve Amato 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What's not to understand...
If you claim to be a Christian, you are expected to live up to the name. True faith will have actions that compliment the faith. James is writing this letter to point out that people in the church are claiming to be followers of Christ, yet they are making Christians look bad...
2007-06-22 14:53:42 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. A 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Living faith naturally produces fruit. Dead faith does not. Dead faith is NOT saving faith.
2007-06-22 14:56:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolute Faith will always produce "good deeds" But you should never rely on works to gain heaven............Jesus death was a free gift of grace...If the holy spirit is active in you, you will always manifest a God driven change in your life...It is the MOST effective way to Witness,
2007-06-22 15:07:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am not certain that I understand what your question is.......
But the concept is that your faith is revealed in your works. Christanity is not something you claim or preach, it is something you live...........
2007-06-22 16:43:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What is your question?
2007-06-22 14:54:02 · answer #9 · answered by Esther 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋