Quote:
Originally Posted by countmeworthy
My quick take on James is it is not written to us, the non Jewish believers. And while most here might think I am nuts for what I am about to write, after some digging I am good with my theory which I am about to share.
James addresses the 12 tribes (of Israel) in the very beginning of his letter: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
It’s not written to the gentile church! The gentile church knew nothing of the 12 tribes of Jacob/Israel. And Most if not everyone here did not grow up Jewish, never went to synagogue.
So in James 2:24 where it says Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only., .
Anyway, I am glad I am understanding that the Bible is written for us all to read but it is not all written TO US. It is very clear we can and have learned a lot from the OT but it is more historical and prophetic. It has cleared up a lot of questions and confusion for me.
|
I would also endorse these principles. Like myself,
countmeworthy has friends in Pentecostal churches who seem to apply the OT to the church. The latest here is to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in the church.
Going back to James' word here, "
by works a man is justified," my question is always, "
what kind of works are you referring to?" Is this not a question that must be addressed? So much confusion surrounds this one word "works." WL also confused the use of this word, and its counterpart "dead works."
Let me say more. If by "works" James means circumcision, kosher, Sabbath, Passover, holidays, etc., then I would say "no, we are NOT justified by works." See Acts 14-15. But, if by "works" James means loving others, preaching the Gospel, hospitality, assembling, etc., then I would agree. If there is none of this in our lives, then you can be sure that our faith is dead. Can we even claim to be justified?