Subject: Have you ever read a book by a Catholic? |
Bible Note: Greetings Dalcent! Please my friend, let's keep the posts nice! :-) I would agree with you that the NIV is not an inspired translation, but none of them are inspired! :-) I have posted many times on the question of James 2. You can search for them if you would like to read them. The short version is this: the word translated as 'justified' is also used in Scripture to mean 'demonstrated' or 'proven'. This fits the context of James 2 far better than 'justified'. James speaks of 'showing' our faith by our works. He certainly isn't claiming that we are saved by our works which would clearly contradict Eph. 2:8-10. Romans 1 through 5 is a clear cut unit. Paul begins his discussion in chapter 1 by demonstrating that 'pagans' are lost. Then, in chapter two, he demonstrates that Jews are lost. Chapter 3 makes the point that all are lost. Chapter 4 makes the point that all are saved by faith, not by works. Chapter 5 demonstrates that it is faith in the atoning work of Christ that saves. Surely, you would not have us believe that Paul says in Eph. 2:8-10, Rom. 4, and in Galatians that we are not saved by works, but that in Rom. 2 he is saying that we are saved by works! :-) Romans 2 is setting up the case of what would happen in someone could follow the Law perfectly, but Rom. 3 clearly states that this is not possible. There is only one thing that we all deserve for our 'works' - death (Rom. 3:23). Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |