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NASB | James 2:14 ¶ What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 2:14 ¶ What is the benefit, my fellow believers, if someone claims to have faith but has no [good] works [as evidence]? Can that [kind of] faith save him? [No, a mere claim of faith is not sufficient--genuine faith produces good works.] |
Bible Question: Can someone explain to me the doctrine of "salvation by faith only in Christ in light of Jam. 2:14-26. This doctrine does not agree with scripture. |
Bible Answer: Hi, 1Cor13; Read James 2 in light of Jesus' words in Matthew 25:31-46. To have faith (and salvation in Christ) is to have deeds. In James' example of Abraham, he says that Abraham's "faith was made complete by what he did". But it was not his action made him "God's friend". Note the Scripture that James quotes: "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness". Not his deed, his belief (faith). Verse 24 is, of course, the most troublesome ("...a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone"). I can only assume that this is something of a reprise of verse 17: "... faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead" Otherwise it directly contradicts Acts 16:30-31, Romans 10:9-11, Ephesians 4:8-9, 1 Peter 1:8-9, and others that clearly state that salvation is by faith alone. Hope this is helpful. Peace and grace, Steve aka Indiana Jones |