Subject: And what about those who will die before |
Bible Note: Greetings Dachande! The view that Paul was addressing one extreme, while Peter was addressing the opposite extreme simply doesn't work because their statements would still be contradictory under your intepretation. There is a much simpler answer. We simply need to look at the actual context of James 2. Here is part of what I have previously posted about James 2: ************************************ 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. ************************************ The key to James 2 is found in v. 14. James is not saying that more than faith is needed for salvation. He is saying that 'those who claim' to have faith, but do not live it - do not really have faith. Thus, there is no conflict with Paul's teachings. Eph. 2:8-10 is quite clear about the relationship between faith, salvation, and works. We believe and are saved apart from works (vv. 8-9)... because we have been saved, we do good works (v. 10). Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |