Fellowshipmtz

Justified by Faith AND Justified by Works

James 2:20-24

In his letter to the Romans (3:28), Paul writes -- "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law." To prove his assertion, Paul cites Abraham's reckoned righteousness on the basis of faith alone (see Romans 4 and Genesis 15:6). 

Interestingly, James asserts in his letter (2:14, 24) -- "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? . . .  You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."  Even more interesting, and similar to Paul, James also cites Abraham's life to demonstrate the necessity of works!

Avoiding Two Fatal Errors

The possibility of opposite (and competing) ERRORS is not a modern problem; it has ALWAYS been a problem.  During Apostolic era, two prominent errors were:
#1 -- The ADDITION of "works of law" in order to be saved (justified)
#2 -- The SUBTRACTION of "works of faith" as a necessary effect/outcome of salvation (justification).

Various Scriptures Include:

Acts 15:1-21 (The Jerusalem Council)
Galatians 2:15-16
Romans 3:19-24 ;  4:1-10

Romans 6:1-2, 15-16
Galatians 5:1-14

Objection! Must Works Follow Faith?

James 2:14-20

James doesn't mince words when he boldly asserts, "Faith apart from works is dead!"  A dead faith is no better than what the demons believe.  A dead faith that doesn't save.

Liberty of the Law - Mercy's Triumph!

James 2:12-17

It is impossible experience the Liberty of God's Law until you have first experienced the bondage of God's Law.  If however, the bondage of God's Law leads to faith in Christ Jesus, it impossible not to experience the Liberty of God's Law!

The Royal Law and Mercy's Triumph!

James 2:8-13

James adds two additional reasons explaining why partiality is wrong among believers:
#3: Partiality is against the royal law of love
#4: Partiality is opposed to the dynamic of mercy

Partiality, God, Gospel, and the Church

James 2:1-7

James makes an inseparable connection between the Lord Jesus Christ and those who are His followers.  Specifically, because Jesus did not show partiality (favoritism), therefore His followers [Christians] are not to show partiality (favoritism).
I can't rightly call myself a Christian and disdain, discriminate against, certain groups or persons.  

But wait a minute! Not so fast! Are we so sure Jesus didn't show partiality ?

Pure Religion (Is Probably Different Than What You Think!)

James 1:26-27
If someone asked you to summarize the essence of "pure religion" -- what would you answer?  I suspect a group of Christians would answer quite different from one another.  James' answer, the inspired writer, is especially surprising: "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

The Law of Liberty & Freedom!

James 1:22-25

As important as HEARING the Word of God is, it is not enough.  Hearing must necessarily be accompanied by action, by doing, by change!  James likens the person who responds thusly to a person who "looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty. and perseveres."  James' view of the Law makes some evangelicals uncomfortable; so what does he mean by the terms?

How Do You Hear?

James 1:21-22 --  "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."

James provides explicit instructions to believers so that they can receive every advantage from God's implanted Word, resulting in the saving of their souls!

Man's Wrath / God's Righteousness

James 1:19-20

Today's message delves into the details of man's anger/wrath.  Why is it necessary for the Bible to contain so many warnings against anger?  Is it ever righteous? ever justified?  If so, under what circumstances?  And finally, how do these principles apply to Christ's Church?  Does the Church's commission include expressing anger at immorality?