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NASB | James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole Law but stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of [breaking] all of it. |
Subject: Joe, who is ya, man? |
Bible Note: Joe, excellent post. Mere intellectual assent can save no one. These are great verses that you'd listed here. I especially like this, 'Or is it a complete and total dependence on Christ which will result in God-honoring works and a changed life?' I think that you have hit the nail on the head here. You've got it in the right order, too. Total dependence on Christ RESULTS in works and change. The type of 'born-again' that we see in the scripture is a complete life-altering experience. Obedience does matter. Works do matter. Believe and trust in Christ is more than an acknoledgement of the facts concerning Jesus. It is a radical change in your whole belief system. I wanted to share another passage that came to mind that, I believe, highlights the correct order. The disciples, impressed with Jesus' works, came to Him to see how they could also DO the works of God. Notice who's works Jesus did. Yes, He was and is God, but He was doing His Father's works. So they ask, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." -John 6:28,29. Some people use this to support easy-believism or 'dead' faith but I don't think it was recorded for that purpose. I think that Jesus was again stressing the abiding factor. Look at the Source. Abiding in Christ is not inactive. If we as a branch are not 'bearing' displaying any fruit, then we need to look to see if we are indeed grafted into the Vine. If we practice sin, we need to check to see if we really understand the FULL gospel message. Practicing sin is a concerted, willful, thoughtful effort to accomplish it. I play the piano and I can tell you, practice takes effort. When I am 'practicing', it involves the efforts of my mind, my will, my emotions and, obviously, my body to get the musical piece 'right'. I think that this is what James is saying. If you are just looking for ways to sin (that grace may abound) and you are bent towards it, then you need to question your salvation. If your whole being is geared to 'practicing' sin, then your faith, by biblical standards, is in vain. Thanks for your comments, brother, Bill Mc |