Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
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: Greetings Rowdy! I haven't read all of the posts on this thread, so forgive me if I cover ground that has already been covered. :-) Your first question about James is actually very easy. The word used in James 2 (justified or 'dikaioo') has two possible meanings. One is 'to make or declare righteous' and the other is 'to show or demonstrate to be righteous'. It is this second meaning which James is using. Our works demonstrate our faith. The objectors that James is arguing against thought that they could claim faith without any evidence to back up that claim. James shows that our works are the evidence which give validity to our claim to faith. Thus, James fully agrees with Paul. He is not saving that works save us. He is saying that works follow true faith. Concerning Matt. 25, this passage is a little more difficult. However, there are many who believe that this passage does not refer to the judgement of believers and non-believers, but to nations. Under this view, the judgement is based upon how nations treated God's People - Israel. Some believe that this judgement will determine who gets to enter into the millenial Kingdom. Whichever view we take, Eph. 2:8-9 is quite clear that we are not saved by works. :) Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |