Why do some Christians have no problem comprehending Ephesians 2:8 but can't understand James 2:20?

Question

I can't count the number of times I've heard people quote Ephesians 2:8

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

While I believe this is true doctrine, I also believe what James 2:20 says:

"But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead."

In other words, Christ alone has power to save. Nothing we do of ourselves can bring us salvation without the blood of Christ. But just confessing that Jesus is the Christ cannot be enough. We must show him we love and follow him by the things we do (keep the commandments, etc.).

Matthew also says:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven"

That is what "works" are to me--doing the will of the Father. Why does so much of Christianity have a problem with the concept of works?

Answer 1

I agree in part with what you are saying, but if you refer to Matthew the same chapter the verses after that say:
Matthew 7:21-23
22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'

Some of these people believe they are serving God. But their problem lies in that they tried to please God by works apart from Jesus Christ. They never had a relationship with Jesus.

I agree with you that it is God's grace that saves us. But like in Matthew 7, it is also a heart issue. God can see our heart, and knows if have truly chosen him or not.

All James is saying is that the evidence of your salvation is what you do for Jesus, and at that point your words and your faith should match each other and go hand in hand.

Answer 2

Close-
Yes we are save by faith alone-
But we can never show God enough works to stay saved. Salvation is once and for all. No works are "required".
What James is saying is that sincere faith will yield a fruit (works). We do works because we want to-not because it is required. Works are not required. The real danger in works is the same danger we have with baptism. Just as some believe that if they are baptized they are saved, others believe that because they do works they are saved. This is a tragic error.

Answer 3

I don't have a problem with the concept of works. However, works alone cannot get you into heaven. I think some of the problem is some people don't understand who James is writing to. James is writing to the believer. Therefore, once saved our lives change and we "work" for Christ (do His will).

Answer 4

The King James version Bible is unquestionably my prominent e book. i like the previous English style wherein this is written. the well known variations are so bland to me, there like watered down soup with out spices in it. i don't understand why all human beings thinks the ok.J.V. is so perplexing to study, for there are in basic terms some words that one needs to alter into familiar with, and any dictionary can help them with those words. in actuality previous English is a plenty purer style of the English language. many human beings can not comprehend the Bible by using fact they are actually not saved, and God shouldn't grant to somebody all the effectual jewels of awareness contained interior the Bible in the event that they won't even settle for the main severe jewel of all, that's his Son Jesus. the traditional Christian has by no potential even study the completed Bible and that they specially have self assurance in what a guy tells them the Bible says. it is between the excuses why there is plenty confusion. additionally, the actuality that quite some Christians are reading an totally diverse e book while they study yet another version a great deal provides to this confusion. i don't think of that many Christians comprehend quite some the Bible, for even however i've got spent an excellent style of time reading the Bible I’m nonetheless baffled by potential of many stuff. finally, it’s important to comprehend that in basic terms by using fact a guy or woman is unquestionably versed interior the Bible doesn’t make that guy or woman a stable Christian, or perchance a Christian in any respect, for even devil ought to cite the Bible. yet on the different hand, there are people who've study little or no of the Bible, and yet their Christian character might placed the traditional pastor to shame, for those Christians intuitively enable the Holy Spirit to lead, and supply them discernment.

Answer 5

The principal here is that "Show me your faith without your works and I will show you my faith by my works" The dieing thief was saved on the spot without works! Works are supposed to be the fruit of the Spirit, not in order to be saved or to keep saved. You have commented on the Father's will however a look at John 6:40 clearly tells us just what the will of the father is; "And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that everyone that seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day." Jesus further clearly stated in John 6:47 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on Me hath everlasting life" Note; the key words are always "believe" "Abraham believed God and it was accounted unto him as righteousness" Romans 3:22 tells us that "The righteousness of God is to all and upon all who will believe"
Those to whom the Lord will say "depart from me, I never knew you" are those who places all their faith in their supposed good works and not in Christ Himself. We note here that these same people claimed that they were working miracles and doing all sorts of wonderful works however clearly this power by which they were working the so-called miracles was not from God. Jesus further stated that "we have passed from death into life" at the point of believing on Him (John 5:24 refers)
No where does the Bible state that the Lord's plan of salvation for us is a grace plus works package.
The Lord has made it plain that he doesn't need our help to save us or keep us saved because He stated that we are "kept by the power of God" 1 Peter 1:5

Answer 6

Works is also healing as Jesus did, and this shows our dedication and love, for this understanding comes by turning from the world to gain the spiritual truth, the Christ, God's true idea.

Answer 7

You are saved by grace through faith. no works involved in your salvation, He paid it all;
but once you receive the gift of God, then with Him in your heart you will begin to be like Him
you will do good works out of love for Him

Answer 8

your not reading this after verse 9

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10
King James Version

you must work out your salvation.

Faith alone will not save you. think again. ADD to your faith

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

II Peter 1:5-8
King James Version

see not FAITH alone can save you. You work for your salvation

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Philippians 2:12


i hope you understand

Answer 9

Because recognizing that "works" matter means they have to do more than "just believe in the Lord Jesus Christ". It means they have to DO SOMETHING.

Answer 10

it is the faith in Jesus that saves you. not the works, but if you truly have faith in Jesus you will have works if someone says that they are saved and they don't act like they are(works) then i question if they really have faith. but if you don't have faith but have the best works anyone has seen you are not saved. the theif on the cross was saved only by faith, but had he not died Jesus knew he would have had works, God knows the heart.