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NASB | Matthew 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; |
Subject: Grace AND? |
Bible Note: Rowdy, Regarding James, I think we can agree that as a principle, scripture cannot contradict scripture. Realizing that many good men, such as Martin Luther have been perplexed by this as you noted. I believe that focus of Romans is Doctrinal, and that of James is more the practical outworking of our faith. The weight of doctrine regarding our salvation, justification, and redemption is found in the Pauline Epistles. We must give proper weight and consideration to the context of each book in scripture- though all are inspired- not all have the same emphasis! The focus- context- of James would be in line with Eph. 2:10. James cannot contradict Romans- they must be harmonized. For example, lets look at 2 contrasting and apparently contradicting verses: "By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace." (Heb. 11:31) "You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?" (James 2:24-25) Both verses appear to be contradictory, yet thet're not! In Hebrews the writer tells us that, "by faith" Rahab... This is true because the passage tells us so. This is dealing with the justifying faith of Romans 4. Now, James seems to be stating the opposite, that "Rahab the harlot was justified by works". However, again as scripture cannot contradict- the passages in question must be dealing with 2 different aspects of faith. I would submit that the Hebrews passage is speaking of justifying faith as it relates to our salvation, where the James passage is dealing with the practical outworking of our faith. We should show good works AS EVIDENCE of our faith.( Gal. 5:22) I see both Eph. 2:10 and James 2:24 as dealing with this aspect of faith. Possibly some others would care to comment or offer a hopefully clearer understanding of this "dilemma". Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |