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NASB | Romans 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather humanly speaking, has found? [Has he obtained a favored standing?] |
Bible Question:
Help! Can someone clarify whether we are justified by works or by grace? These two scriptures seem to oppose each other. James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. |
Bible Answer: Dear exogrm, The"seeming" contradiction between James and Paul has been noted for centuries. Mine is not the definitive answer, but should provide some assistance:-) In brief, Paul is expounding doctrine for the church when he writes in Romans 4:1-8: "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.” Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered,“Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.” James, as I understand him is not teaching doctrine, but rather expounding about the practical side of our "faith". In other words, though we are justified by faith, our faith should produce good works (Eph.2:10). If our faith doesn't show forth works, what value is it? As scripture cannot contradict itself, we must attempt to reconcile the difficult passages with the clearly understood. We must also differentiate between what is doctrinal (teaching) and what is practical. Speaking The truth In Love, BradK |