Quote:
Originally Posted by Igzy
I would disagree. Direct teaching in the Bible must be explained and reconciled with the rest of the Bible.
James is reconcilable with Paul. If you see that he was saying that a person with real faith will also have evidence in his living of that faith (aka works) then there is not a problem. The works don't save you. Faith saves you. But if you are truly saved you will have works. Just like if you are truly healed from a broken leg you will walk.
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Works is not the litmus test of faith you know? A person could have works but no faith (Matt 7:23).
"But if you are truly saved you will have works" - this really means faith + works, however we look at it. What about people on their death bed who believe before they die? They may have no chance to speak or do anything.
In essence it is saying:
Faith alone does not save, because faith alone is not genuine faith.
Works alone does not save, because God justifies by faith.
Only faith+works saves.
Paul says that we are not saved by works in case anyone can boast (Eph 2:9).
With a faith+works doctrine, someone might boast in their works. So it is not the right doctrine.
I am just paraphrasing Paul:
Romans 4:1-7
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For
if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS