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Timotheist · 10-20-2022, 01:46 PM

Paul wrote this in chapter 2:

Rom 2:6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

This sounds a bit James-ish don't you think?

I touched on this verse on another thread, but I think it can be brought up again here.

When I compare this verse to the parable about the sheep and the goats, I see a link: that there is a way to eternal life that does not necessarily involve belief.

So one can be saved by works <gasp>.

So did Paul contradict himself? I don't think so. I am beginning to understand that Paul summarized one path to salvation in Chapter 2, followed by a "better salvation" in chapters 3-8. Then in Chapter 11 he describes a third path to salvation:

1) Gentiles who did not hear the gospel still can inherit eternal life, simply through their deeds. (2:6)

2) Jews are saved simply by being Jews.. "all Israel will be saved" (11:25).

3) Paul describes the NT good news, that which involves the indwelling Holy (Sanctifying) Spirit. (Ch 3-8)

Groups 1 and 2 do not have the Spirit, but can still be saved. We in the third group have the opportunity to inherit much more than eternal life... We are candidates from which the Lamb will choose His Bride.

Given this understanding, James and Paul are not in conflict (or at least less so). Others have already pointed out that James was talking to scattered Israel, and not to "us". To Groups 1 and 2, deeds are of primary importance. James cites two OT examples in that chapter: Abraham and Rahab. They represent Groups 1 & 2, and will be saved. Other, less obedient, Israelites will be saved as well, following the path described by the "rich man" in the Luke account. And I feel confident that both Abraham and Rahab will be made Holy during the kingdom.

10-20-2022, 01:46 PM	#37
Timotheist Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 424	Re: Infallibiliy of the Bible? Paul wrote this in chapter 2: Rom 2:6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. This sounds a bit James-ish don't you think? I touched on this verse on another thread, but I think it can be brought up again here. When I compare this verse to the parable about the sheep and the goats, I see a link: that there is a way to eternal life that does not necessarily involve belief. So one can be saved by works <gasp>. So did Paul contradict himself? I don't think so. I am beginning to understand that Paul summarized one path to salvation in Chapter 2, followed by a "better salvation" in chapters 3-8. Then in Chapter 11 he describes a third path to salvation: 1) Gentiles who did not hear the gospel still can inherit eternal life, simply through their deeds. (2:6) 2) Jews are saved simply by being Jews.. "all Israel will be saved" (11:25). 3) Paul describes the NT good news, that which involves the indwelling Holy (Sanctifying) Spirit. (Ch 3-8) Groups 1 and 2 do not have the Spirit, but can still be saved. We in the third group have the opportunity to inherit much more than eternal life... We are candidates from which the Lamb will choose His Bride. Given this understanding, James and Paul are not in conflict (or at least less so). Others have already pointed out that James was talking to scattered Israel, and not to "us". To Groups 1 and 2, deeds are of primary importance. James cites two OT examples in that chapter: Abraham and Rahab. They represent Groups 1 & 2, and will be saved. Other, less obedient, Israelites will be saved as well, following the path described by the "rich man" in the Luke account. And I feel confident that both Abraham and Rahab will be made Holy during the kingdom. Last edited by Timotheist; 10-20-2022 at 10:22 PM.