Works With Faith Does Not Make Saving Faith

[Enow]

Whether you wish to use the term "vindicated" or "confirmed", the fact remains that good works are the outward proof of saving faith. They do not contribute to your justification but they definitely play a role in your sanctification. Therefore we must be very careful in how this is presented to someone who may be struggling with the role of good works in our salvation.

Scripture makes it crystal clear that we are saved by grace through faith UNTO good works (Ephesians 2:8-10):

SALVATION IS BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

GOOD WORKS DO NOT SAVE

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

GOOD WORKS PROVE THAT WE ARE SAVED

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Exactly,well said.We are saved by faith for good works. James 2:18

kaylagrl you really need to watch how people say one thing and say something else that if you really think about it, is the opposite of what they have just said. So I know you do not totally agree with that brother when he said good works prove that we are saved.

 

[mailmandan]

I sure wish the Lord will help you to see that because so many believers say one thing and say another in regards to misreading and misapplying the words of James that it is a heresy to do so to apply also to the faith in Jesus Christ for salvation which has to be without works.

I never said that we are saved by works. Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works. It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not by the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 3:24; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies is never alone (solitary, unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine (James 2:14-24). *Perfect Harmony.*

 

[Enow]

I never said that we are saved by works. Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not based on the merits of our works. It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not by the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 3:24; 5:1; 5:9);

I know you said that and I thank the Lord that you know this....BUT...

This is where you oppose yourself below....because you are saying "yet" as in putting in a "but".

yet the faith that justifies is never alone (solitary, unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine (James 2:14-24). *Perfect Harmony.*

Either faith in Him is without works that justifies or that supposedly saving faith cannot be alone and thus requiring works to make it saving faith or genuine faith or whatever.

Works with faith is about discipleship in bearing fruit so that our joy may be full; it can never be about salvation.

 

[garee]

I do not read James 2:1-6 as a parable but a rebuke to the church for disrespecting the poor literally. And because James is speaking literally, he was also rebuking the church for voicing faith in His Providence to the departing poor after church service for getting out of helping the poor. The church voiced their faith in His Providence to get out of helping the poor. That was the rebuke James was giving wherein that kind of faith requires the church to lead by example to the poor.

Perhaps you should read it as a parable seeing without parables Christ spoke not, hiding the spiritual understanding from the lost

We are not to have the faith of coming from Jesus in respect to our own self or any other human being. It’s what those in the parable were typified as doing. Big difference between “faith of” (the "things of God” towards us as a living works and faith in”(.the “things of men)” they we offer towards him as dead works

There must be a clear distinction between the things of God and those of men Great offence occurs when men do blaspheme the holy name by which we are called bu having that exclusive faith of God having it in respect to the creature

It’s a parable. A man wearing different kind of clothing does not mean men are blaspheming the holy name we are called by it is the conclusion to that part of James 2:1-7 There clothing in that parable was used in represent the righteousness of Christ our righteous… having it in respect to their own self or others is to blaspheme the holy name by which we are called.

A good example of men in whom the spiritual not seen understanding of the parables was hid is shown in Luke 9. There when Christ hid the understanding it showed they were putting there faith in the things seen immediately after being confused every time they would look for another outward body as a source of faith and play the childish (not child like) game of “who the greatest” a form of blasphemy having dismissed Jesus from the picture

But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and "they feared to ask him of that saying". Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. Luk 9:45

Three times denoting the end of a matter Christ performed that to help them how to understand a parable. Then he plainly said to them

Luk 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

You could say what manner of spirit rejects the spiritual understanding of parables?

 

[Enow]

Perhaps you should read it as a parable seeing without parables Christ spoke not, hiding the spiritual understanding from the lost

We are not to have the faith of coming from Jesus in respect to our own self or any other human being. It’s what those in the parable were typified as doing. Big difference between “faith of” (the "things of God” towards us as a living works and faith in”(.the “things of men)” they we offer towards him as dead works

There must be a clear distinction between the things of God and those of men Great offence occurs when men do blaspheme the holy name by which we are called bu having that exclusive faith of God having it in respect to the creature

It’s a parable. A man wearing different kind of clothing does not mean men are blaspheming the holy name we are called by it is the conclusion to that part of James 2:1-7 There clothing in that parable was used in represent the righteousness of Christ our righteous… having it in respect to their own self or others is to blaspheme the holy name by which we are called.

A good example of men in whom the spiritual not seen understanding of the parables was hid is shown in Luke 9. There when Christ hid the understanding it showed they were putting there faith in the things seen immediately after being confused every time they would look for another outward body as a source of faith and play the childish (not child like) game of “who the greatest” a form of blasphemy having dismissed Jesus from the picture

But they understood not this saying, and it was hid from them, that they perceived it not: and "they feared to ask him of that saying". Then there arose a reasoning among them, which of them should be greatest. Luk 9:45

Three times denoting the end of a matter Christ performed that to help them how to understand a parable. Then he plainly said to them

Luk 9:55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.

You could say what manner of spirit rejects the spiritual understanding of parables?

How about asking Jesus if James is citing a parable.

James 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.[SUP]2 [/SUP]For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;[SUP]3 [/SUP]And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:[SUP] 4 [/SUP]Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?[SUP] 5 [/SUP]Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?[SUP] 6 [/SUP]But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?[SUP]7 [/SUP]Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?[SUP] 8 [/SUP]If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:[SUP] 9 [/SUP]But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

When James is citing an example and talking to the hearers & judging them for doing those things... that is not a parable.

James is addressing & rebuking the church for judging others by their outward appearance in how they respect the rich over the poor. The church were respecting the rich that oppress them, draw them into judgment seats and blaspheme by that worthy name which the church was called. The church kissing the butts of the rich that mistreat even them & disrespect the Lord's name is the iniquity that the church was actually doing in respecting the rich over the poor when the church should be treating every one in the same way.

I cannot see how you got a parable out of that. When does the parable begin and where does the parable end?

Are you using a commentary in reading James 2:1-7 ( I included verse 8 as quoted above in this post ) or are you taking some favorite minister's sermon that applies James 2:1-7 to be used only as a parable?

I have read Jesus in how he starts and ends a parable. I do not see James doing the same thing here.

 

[Nehemiah6]

Okay bear with me then...can something be dead before it was ever alive?

That is not what James was trying to say. The context makes it clear that a dead faith is in fact NO FAITH. On the other hand a living faith (which is genuine saving faith) will automatically produce good works. James was telling us that many people claim that they have faith in Christ, but they do not show the proof of that in what they do. So this corresponds to the saying "The proof of the pudding..."

 

[UnderGrace]

It is my understanding that James is writing to the Jews, who are learning how to come out from under the Law and what role works have to play in their final judgment.

The question of faith has already been settled, we are saved by faith, James knew this he was a born again believer.

James is teaching on the profitable life of the Christian and being judged by the law of liberty when one stands before God

Those under the law of liberty are already justified by faith in Christ.

Faith alone does not profit because we are already justified by faith, for the believers judgement before God it is works that will be Rewarded.....that is why he is stressing works

No body cannot exist that was not first alive....it died.. but it did have life.
As well just like a body needs to be alive to do works.

It is the perfect analogy James is making

As well the Greek word for dead can mean inoperative, in Mediterranean languages words are understood by their context


Thayer's Greek Lexicon
νεκρός, νεκρά, νεκρόν (akin to the Latinneco, nex (from a root signifying 'to disappear' etc.; cf. Curtius, § 93; Fick i., p. 123; Vanicek, p. 422f)), the Sept. chiefly for [FONT=&quot]מֵת[/FONT]; dead, i. e.

universally, destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative: τῇ ἁμαρτία, unaffected by the desire to sin (cf. Winers Grammar, 210 (199); Buttmann, § 133, 12), Romans 6:11; of things: ἁμαρτία, Romans 7:8; πίστις, James 2:17, 20 (R G), 26; ἔργα, powerless and fruitless (see ἔργον, 3, p. 248b bottom), Hebrews 6:1; Hebrews 9:14. (Cf. θνητός, at the end)

That is not what James was trying to say. The context makes it clear that a dead faith is in fact NO FAITH. On the other hand a living faith (which is genuine saving faith) will automatically produce good works. James was telling us that many people claim that they have faith in Christ, but they do not show the proof of that in what they do. So this corresponds to the saying "The proof of the pudding..."

 

[willybob]

John the baptizer said let your works prove your faith...

James said faith without woks is dead...

Paul said that your works be done in faith, and we will be judged (heaven or hell) by our deeds done in faith....

John said; LET NO MAN DECEIVE YOU, he that DOES righteousness IS righteous, and he that sins is of the devil...

be blessed

 

[Thehappymom]

It is my understanding that James is writing to the Jews, who are learning how to come out from under the Law and what role works have to play in their final judgment.

The question of faith has already been settled, we are saved by faith, James knew this he was a born again believer.

James is teaching on the profitable life of the Christian and being judged by the law of liberty when one stands before God

Those under the law of liberty are already justified by faith in Christ.

Faith alone does not profit because we are already justified by faith, for the believers judgement before God it is works that will be Rewarded.....that is why he is stressing works

No body cannot exist that was not first alive....it died.. but it did have life.
As well just like a body needs to be alive to do works.

It is the perfect analogy James is making

As well the Greek word for dead can mean inoperative, in Mediterranean languages words are understood by their context


Thayer's Greek Lexicon
νεκρός, νεκρά, νεκρόν (akin to the Latinneco, nex (from a root signifying 'to disappear' etc.; cf. Curtius, § 93; Fick i., p. 123; Vanicek, p. 422f)), the Sept. chiefly for מֵת; dead, i. e.

universally, destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative: τῇ ἁμαρτία, unaffected by the desire to sin (cf. Winers Grammar, 210 (199); Buttmann, § 133, 12), Romans 6:11; of things: ἁμαρτία, Romans 7:8; πίστις, James 2:17, 20 (R G), 26; ἔργα, powerless and fruitless (see ἔργον, 3, p. 248b bottom), Hebrews 6:1; Hebrews 9:14. (Cf. θνητός, at the end)

Exactly !!!!!!

 

[willybob]

It is my understanding that James is writing to the Jews, who are learning how to come out from under the Law and what role works have to play in their final judgment.

The question of faith has already been settled, we are saved by faith, James knew this he was a born again believer.

James is teaching on the profitable life of the Christian and being judged by the law of liberty when one stands before God

Those under the law of liberty are already justified by faith in Christ.

Faith alone does not profit because we are already justified by faith, for the believers judgement before God it is works that will be Rewarded.....that is why he is stressing works

No body cannot exist that was not first alive....it died.. but it did have life.
As well just like a body needs to be alive to do works.

It is the perfect analogy James is making

As well the Greek word for dead can mean inoperative, in Mediterranean languages words are understood by their context


Thayer's Greek Lexicon
νεκρός, νεκρά, νεκρόν (akin to the Latinneco, nex (from a root signifying 'to disappear' etc.; cf. Curtius, § 93; Fick i., p. 123; Vanicek, p. 422f)), the Sept. chiefly for מֵת; dead, i. e.

universally, destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative: τῇ ἁμαρτία, unaffected by the desire to sin (cf. Winers Grammar, 210 (199); Buttmann, § 133, 12), Romans 6:11; of things: ἁμαρτία, Romans 7:8; πίστις, James 2:17, 20 (R G), 26; ἔργα, powerless and fruitless (see ἔργον, 3, p. 248b bottom), Hebrews 6:1; Hebrews 9:14. (Cf. θνητός, at the end)

James was writing to the Christians of the church at Jerusalem....the works he was speaking of in this context were not that of former Jewish religious works, but rather deeds done in faith....Paul spoke many times of the works of the law, which means religious works and ceremonial ordinances, of the which is found 5 times in the book of Galatians....one must always know the context when rightly dividing the word...Note: past pundits and flesh king scholars (mighty men of renown) are the ones that invented the idea that James was speaking to the Jews and not Christians. They have deceived many, and John said let no one deceive you, for he that sins is of the devil......the flesh will always demand a reading from the text that makes his itself feel good, but keeps the soul in the bondage of sin............be blessed

 

[UnderGrace]

Yes they were believers I think that at least that was implied in my post if not started clearly.

Seems like there is always someone to jump when their long held beliefs are challenged, no worries I was there once,

but I of this I am completely sure and no one will persuade my otherwise I am saved by grace through faith and it is a gift of

God and it is a singular event and that can never be lost of forsaken because He is always true to His Word and He has never

shown me otherwise even after thirty years.

James was writing to the Christians of the church at Jerusalem....the works he was speaking of in this context were not that of former Jewish religious works, but rather deeds done in faith....Paul spoke many times of the works of the law, which means religious works and ceremonial ordinances, of the which is found 5 times in the book of Galatians....one must always know the context when rightly dividing the word...Note: past pundits and flesh king scholars (mighty men of renown) are the ones that invented the idea that James was speaking to the Jews and not Christians. They have deceived many, and John said let no one deceive you, for he that sins is of the devil......the flesh will always demand a reading from the text that makes his itself feel good, but keeps the soul in the bondage of sin............be blessed

 

[mailmandan]

That is not what James was trying to say. The context makes it clear that a dead faith is in fact NO FAITH. On the other hand a living faith (which is genuine saving faith) will automatically produce good works. James was telling us that many people claim that they have faith in Christ, but they do not show the proof of that in what they do. So this corresponds to the saying "The proof of the pudding..."

A phrase that James could have coined, "the absence of evidence could be construed as evidence of absence."

 

[mailmandan]

I know you said that and I thank the Lord that you know this....BUT...

This is where you oppose yourself below....because you are saying "yet" as in putting in a "but".

Either faith in Him is without works that justifies or that supposedly saving faith cannot be alone and thus requiring works to make it saving faith or genuine faith or whatever.

Works with faith is about discipleship in bearing fruit so that our joy may be full; it can never be about salvation.

Works do not make it a saving faith; works show that we have a living, saving faith.

Faith is the root of salvation and works are the fruit. No works at all (given time to produce them) demonstrates there is no root. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God (Romans 4:2-3).

 

[UnderGrace]

So important to separate out discipleship from salvation, because this can cause the clear gospel to get muddled

Saying that works proves our salvation is very problematic
As well what is the purpose of the works?
Why James addressing this topic and to whom and why is it important that he is?

The book needs to be understood in totality other wise it gets very messy and the basis for much arguing.

I know you said that and I thank the Lord that you know this....BUT...

This is where you oppose yourself below....because you are saying "yet" as in putting in a "but".



Either faith in Him is without works that justifies or that supposedly saving faith cannot be alone and thus requiring works to make it saving faith or genuine faith or whatever.

Works with faith is about discipleship in bearing fruit so that our joy may be full; it can never be about salvation.

 

[Enow]

Works do not make it a saving faith; works show that we have a living, saving faith.

When we had first believed in Jesus Christ, we had been saved since. Works are done on that foundation which was laid by Jesus Christ are for rewards, bearing fruit, and that our joy may be full living as His disciples in running that race by looking to the author & finisher of our faith to help us lay aside every weight & sin while helping us love our enemies as He has done.

Faith is the root of salvation and works are the fruit. No works at all (given time to produce them) demonstrates there is no root. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God (Romans 4:2-3).

Faith in Jesus Christ has laid that foundation that can never be removed. Works on that foundation... either to the fruits of the Spirit or to the works of the flesh shall be judged ON that foundation, but even if only the works of the flesh was done on that foundation, that foundation will remain as the works will be burned up, but the spirit will be saved in the day of Christ ( 1 Corinthians 3:15 ), regardless of suffering a physical death when left behind in the bed of the great tribulation. ( 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 )

What you are contending for are the necessity for the rewards from discipleship which cannot include salvation. That is why Jesus commanded His disciples to teach new believers in making disciples out of them by learning of Him & His words on how to trust Him as their Good Shepherd to guide them and enable them in following Him as His disciples to bear fruit and so that their joy may be full.. and especially to obtain the eternal glory that comes with our salvation which is to be received by Him as the Bridegroom at the pre trib rapture event to attend the Marriage Supper of the Lamb to be held in His honor & His glory and to the glory of God the Father, and not of men's.

 

[willybob]

Yes they were believers I think that at least that was implied in my post if not started clearly.

Seems like there is always someone to jump when their long held beliefs are challenged, no worries I was there once,

but I of this I am completely sure and no one will persuade my otherwise I am saved by grace through faith and it is a gift of

God and it is a singular event and that can never be lost of forsaken because He is always true to His Word and He has never

shown me otherwise even after thirty years.

they were believers in the faith and James was warning them that if they did not have the righteous works to back up their faith they would be nothing more than dead posers professing Christ, much like the vast majority of professed Christianity....nothing new under the sun, no?

 

[willybob]

Jesus said to build your house on the Rock of truth, to dig deep and lay a solid foundation, lest one be swept away by the flood of lies and tribulation.....sounds like work to me...i would suggest rather than reading flesh based biblical scholars, one might want to read the story of the little red hen... be blessed

 

[UnderGrace]

Good news I never read flesh based biblical scholars anymore

There is one thing I know for sure and this may be the only thing I know for sure, I am born again to eternal life by grace through faith, it is a gift, it can never to be taken back and it can never be forsaken.

I knew this from the moment I was born again and it has not changed in thirty years because Jesus in love has told me so by His word and His spirit within me

There is no foundation other than Jesus

Jesus said to build your house on the Rock of truth, to dig deep and lay a solid foundation, lest one be swept away by the flood of lies and tribulation.....sounds like work to me...i would suggest rather than reading flesh based biblical scholars, one might want to read the story of the little red hen... be blessed

 

[Enow]

they were believers in the faith and James was warning them that if they did not have the righteous works to back up their faith they would be nothing more than dead posers professing Christ, much like the vast majority of professed Christianity....nothing new under the sun, no?

I say you are misapplying what James was saying and not reading in context of what kind of faith James was rebuking the church specifically for in using it to get out of helping the poor which is faith in God to provide which has to come with leading by example if the church share that faith to the poor to have.... which is hardly the same as faith in Jesus Christ for salvation as that saving faith must come without works in how any one is saved, especially for those about to die that call on Him to be saved.

The so called dead posers professing Christ is a judgment not found in the Bible, since no standard has been raised for the church to use in discerning fake believers. Granted, believers point to Matthew 7:21-23, but many believers overlook that any work of iniquity done by a saved believer actually denies Him.....

Titus 1:[SUP]16 [/SUP]They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Reprobate is defined as disqualified and thus not signifying loss of salvation but loss of rewards in failing to run that race by NOT looking to the author & finisher of their faith to help them lay aside every weight & sin to be received by Him but to be rejected as castaways at the pre trib rapture event when God shall judge His House first. This is where the vessels unto dishonor comes from that are still in His House; saved believers and even former believers that did not go to Jesus for help to discern the lies & iniquities so they could call on Him for forgiveness as well as help to depart from it & keep them from it.

..........and thus by that work of iniquity that denies Him is why Jesus is denying knowing them.

2 Timothy 2:[SUP]11 [/SUP]It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:[SUP] 12 [/SUP]If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:[SUP] 13 [/SUP]If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

So even former believers are still saved, but that is why even they are called to depart from iniquity or else...

2 Timothy 2:[SUP]18 [/SUP]Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.[SUP] 19 [/SUP]Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.[SUP] 20 [/SUP]But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.[SUP] 21 [/SUP]If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

So when you see a former believer or when you see what you deem falsely as a dead posers professing Christ....know that Christ is in them and you are as led by Christ.. to call them to go before that throne of grace to for help in discerning the lies that turned them away from the truth so they can call on Him for help to depart from that iniquity.

Matthew 18:[SUP]10 [/SUP]Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.[SUP] 11 [/SUP]For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.[SUP] 12 [/SUP]How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?[SUP] 13 [/SUP]And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.[SUP]14 [/SUP]Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.[SUP] 15 [/SUP]Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.[SUP]16 [/SUP]But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.[SUP]17 [/SUP]And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

So the commandment to withdraw as well as to excommunicate is to lead them to repentance as Paul pointed out that as Christ touches us to help us to do that commandment, it is not to treat them as the enemy... as if they are fake believers, but to admonish them as brothers because they are brothers still. When they repent, they do not need to be reached the gospel and be water baptized again to be allowed back in but to do a public confession before the church so that the church that excommunicated that brother, may know to continue fellowship with that repenting brother again.

2 Thessalonians 3:1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:[SUP] 2 [/SUP]And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.[SUP] 3 [/SUP]But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.[SUP] 4 [/SUP]And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.[SUP] 5 [/SUP]And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.[SUP]6 [/SUP]Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.[SUP] 7 [/SUP]For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;............[SUP]14 [/SUP]And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.[SUP]15 [/SUP]Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

So there are no dead posers professing Christ but saved believers that have gone astray from the faith or living in iniquity wherein they need to be exhorted to go before that throne of grace for help to see the lies that turned them away from the truth as well as see the iniquity and their need for Him to deliver them from that iniquity and trust in Him to keep them from it too.

 

[garee]

The kind of faith is the faith of God. The commandment that sets the standard for the rest of the chapter is not to have His faith (the faith of God) in respect to the creature. It is what he faulted the believers in regard to the Nicolaitanes in Revelation 2.

How about asking Jesus if James is citing a parable.

Jesus is citing a parable .He is the one author of the scriptures not James. The loving commandment. Have not the faith that belongs to Jesus (the faith of God) in respect to any man, in the end of the matter (verse 7) they commit blasphemy which is contributing the work of one (God) to another (man) .

Many today simply say God… does not need faith or have to and eliminate him as a prospect.

When James is citing an example and talking to the hearers & judging them for doing those things... that is not a parable. He was judging them for having the work of Christ’s faith that works in the believer to both will and do His god pleasure in respect to their own selves

He who spoke not without parables is using that seen clothes, the temporal to represent that not seen the eternal Spirit of Christ the Holy Spirit of God…. the unseen righteousness of Christ that does cloth the believer.

When searching for the spiritual meaning the prescription for rightly dividing must be applied or a person will mis the spiritual application


2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen "are temporal"; but the things which are not seen "are eternal".

James is addressing & rebuking the church for judging others by their outward appearance in how they respect the rich over the poor. The church were respecting the rich that oppress them, draw them into judgment seats and blaspheme by that worthy name which the church was called.

The concern is the gospel (eternal) not what they wear to cover their bodies of death (temporal)


Blaspheme by that worthy name which the church was called ....having it in respect to the faith of (coming from Christ)? Or coming from men ?


Again blasphemy is to usurp the authority of one by giving it to another. Wearing better or different clothes is not considered blasphemy. It could be considered plagiarism if a person steals the label. The clothing in that parable represents the unseen glory of Christ righteousness as a work of His faith or labor of His love. .

Does God have or need faith?