Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
James is a crucial book because without it we might not be clear that real faith issues in works. James did not mean that our works justify us, he meant that works confirm the existence of justifying faith.
As one teacher said, the equation is not,
Faith + Works = Salvation. it is instead,
Faith = Salvation + Works
In other words, real faith issues in two things (1) salvation, (2) works. This is what James was trying to convey.
The idea of justification by faith already was widespread when James wrote his letter, otherwise he would not have addressed the idea. But he did not challenge it, he qualified it. He challenged the false idea that all you had to do was say you had faith and you were saved. We know that to be true now because we know "nominal" Christians claim to believe but don't have works. They lack genuine saving faith that results in regeneration. |
It is easy to disprove your claim that real faith = faith+works. What works did the thief on the cross have? None. Yet Jesus said "today you will be with me in Paradise". So this disproves your claim about "real faith" being faith+works. The thief just believed, and was saved without works.
The problem for us is that James does say that a person is justified by works.
James 2:24 "You see that
a person is justified by works and not by faith alone"
What is it called when a person says something they don't mean? Dishonest?
Since God cannot be dishonest, the verse must mean what it says.
This leaves us with some limited choices:
1) James was right, we are justified by works and faith. Catholic were right all along
2) James was wrong, we are justified by faith alone, as Paul taught. Catholic are wrong to follow James, Luther was right.
3) The instruction is only for Jews (as the letter is addressed to Jews). I don't think this is right since God would not have one path for Jews and another for Gentiles.
I personally think James was wrong, for whatever reason, we should focus on Paul's ministry which makes clear salvation is by faith alone. But the practical advice and wisdom James gives is useful to us.