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NASB | James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God's precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth]. |
Subject: Grace vs Works? |
Bible Note: Please don’t confuse me as a troll or someone that just likes being contentious to stir things up. I’m really not. Thank you Justme for your answer but it still didn’t quiet my doubts nor quench my thirst. Not yet being a Bible scholar let me just approach this from the angle of a scientist (which I am). It seems that you are saying that just proclaiming to be a believer is not enough but if salvation requires works then how many works? What about the thief on the cross that would be in Heaven by the end of the day? He never performed ANY good works. How can he go to Heaven if good works are required? And how many good works do we need? Do we need an average of one per week, per month? And what is ‘good’? Is volunteering to sweep the church a good work? Who determines what is good? How many works are good enough? What if you do a thousand good works? Is that enough? Some of these questions that I’m asking are obvious exaggerations but can you see my confusion? If we are saved by faith then we are saved by faith. I’ve heard that the works is the outward manifestation of having been saved. What do I care about that? My relationship with my Lord is deeply personal. I really don’t care if you or anyone else can discern what is in my heart. Is that wrong? Should I go around trying to impress everyone around me with my piety? I’m sorry but I really am confused and not trying to be argumentative but I can’t resolve this. It seems to me that James and Paul are at odds one with the other. I’m not the only one that is confused, am I? I’m praying for wisdom and maybe God will use one of you to help me discover that answer. Until then I’ll keep reading, praying, and asking. |