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NASB | Romans 2:13 for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 2:13 For it is not those who merely hear the Law [as it is read aloud] who are just or righteous before God, but it is those who [actually] obey the Law who will be justified [pronounced free of the guilt of sin and declared acceptable to Him]. |
Bible Question: I have a question about Justification. We are justified by faith right so why does James 2:24 say that, "You see that a person is justified by faith what he does and not by faith alone." |
Bible Answer: This might be a helpful insight. First of all Romans 2:13 is speaking of the one that is trying to make his boast in the Law, saying he is righteous because he keeps the Law. In the context Paul is speaking to those that think that because they are Jews and have grown up hearing the law that they are special and accepted by God rather than the gentiles, and Paul tells them it is not the hearing of the Law that would make you just but the doing, in other words, They would have to do the Law before they could make that boast, and they have all failed already so they can't "go there" either. Now as to James, He is not talking about the LAW or the works of the Law. Many have taken up the case of this "seeming" contradictin between James and Paul. Even Luther had a hard time accepting James as canonical because of this. (Which shows how Luther was not always so sharp) All you have to do is look at the context and you see James gave an example of the kind of "works" his is referring to. James 2:16-17 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone... It is not the law he is speaking of but the faith that produces fruit. Or as John the Baptist preached to the Pharisees, "Bring forth fruit meet for repentance" And Paul said.. faith which worketh by love. So Paul and James were always in agreement about true faith, Paul also taught that the TRUE Grace of God teaches something.. and what is that? Titus 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; So just becuase men and yes even "reformers" have had a hard time accepting it, True Faith, and True Grace demands True Repentance that bears fruit, and God will not have it any other way. Even now the axe is laid into the root of the trees, and every plant (that's me and you) that does not bear fruit will be hewn down and thrown in the fire," But such were some of you, now you are justified, and as a result you will be bearing fruit and showing it by your Love works, and if not, examine yourself whether you be in the True faith or just a fasle security of mans making. |