Subject: Do we as men dictate the terms of Salv? |
Bible Note: Greetings Grace and Truth! Thanks for the reply my friend! The problem is that there are many very clear Scriptures which teach against your understanding of salvation and baptism. Further, your understanding of James is not contextually accurate. James isn't teaching that works save, but that those who are saved will work. In fact, James 2:1-13 makes it clear that the 'works' being referred to concern the way we treat others. In this light, James says, "What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?" - James 2:14. To the objector in v. 18, James says, "....Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." Because, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." - James 2:17. Thus, the context is clearly speaking to those who claim to have faith, but do live it. James is simply saying to them that they don't really have faith because faith works. Which is fully in accord with Eph. 2:10. There Paul, says that once a person is saved that they will produce good works. Verse 24, simply says that faith which works is proven true. Your view contradicts other very clear Scriptures my friend! Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |