James 2:14-26, A verse by verse study

[posthuman]

For several reasons: (1). James is talking about the kind of works that “save”, justify a man. That is totally different than works that are just “evidence” of salvation.

Abraham was justified before God by his faith, and before men by his actions.

James is talking about being justified before men. all his examples are about their witness in front of others: feeding the poor, clothing the naked, receiving the messengers - and the sin he accuses of them of, neglecting to do these things and instead showing partiality to the rich, is not a salvific work. all those are carnal things, not spiritual things.
it is the good they ought to do because of the grace they received, not the price they buy their souls with. the flesh profits nothing, the Spirit is lfe.

our lives were bought by Christ shedding His blood for us - while we were sinners and did none of these things.

your ceaseless campaign to prove you save yourself by your own merits and to damn those whose works you consider less than your own is not good. you only look at your hands, instead of your heart.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Verse 14: “If some one says he has faith but does not have works, can faith save him?” It’s a rhetorical question; and the answer is “no.” This is his premise and the rest of the verses in this chapter support and prove this premise.
Note: the “works” talked about here are works that “save” , works of salvation. “Can works SAVE him?” These are soul saving works, necessary for salvation.

Verses 15-16 - are used as an EXAMPLE. If someone is hungry and cold, you have not helped him if all you do is say be filled and warmed. That doesn’t accomplish anything. That will not suffice,, that is not enough. Thus, therefore, also, in the same way, (verse 17) just having faith alone, without works, will not accomplish salvation. He puts it this way “Faith by itself, if it does not have works , is dead.” Faith without works does not meet the requirements of salvation.

Verse 18: you cannot “see” faith without works; but you can see my faith by the works that accompany my faith.

Verse 19- now he shows the foolishness of having faith apart from works. “Even the DEVILS believe! Demons are BELIEVERS! If just believing “alone” will save you, then the demons will be saved!! They believe so strongly that they tremble! If you believe all you have to do to be saved is believe, how are you any better than the demons? This is his point. You can’t be saved by “faith alone.”

Verse 20- do you not know “oh, foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”

Verse 21- He uses another example—Abraham—to prove his point. Abraham had faith but was justified by his work of obedience when he offered his son as a sacrifice like God told him. That’s when he was saved—not before, when he only had faith and had not offered that sacrifice. “Abraham was justified (saved) by works when he offered Isaac. ..”

Verse 22- HERE IS THE ANSWER TO THIS DEBATE ABOUT FAITH AND WORKS—“ you see that faith was working TOGETHER with his works and by works his faith was made PERFECT!” The answer is it takes BOTH—faith and works Both are necessary for salvation. It’s not one or the other—it’s BOTH!

Verse 23 says Abraham’s faith was accounted to him for righteousness (BECAUSE it was accompanied by works).

Verse 24-He confirms that a man is saved (justified) by WORKS—not works alone—and NOT BY FAITH ALONE. Or faith only. The works he is talking about are ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION; and while they are “proof” of salvation their purpose is not for “evidence” but for the saving of the soul.

Verse 25- another example: Rahab. Rehab did not just believe; she was saved ( justified) by her work when she helped the spies. Another example to show how salvation is NOT by faith alone.

Verse 26- the last example of body and spirit. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” This is the message and premise of James 2:14-26. It teaches one thing: The only way to be saved is to have “faith and works together” but faith only will not save anyone.

The “works” that save are the works that God has commanded us to do—like “repentance”. Acts 17:30- it originated with God not man. It is commanded by God. It is a “work of God” John 6:28-29. But if you believe in “faith only” you have eliminated Repentance as being necessary to salvation. You can’t have it both ways! Faith only means only faith and nothing else. It means nothing but faith is necessary to be saved. And you have eliminated “repentance.” Same for “confession”. Romans 10:10 Confession is necessary for salvation but “the doctrine of “faith only “ removes confession as being necessary. Salvation by faith alone makes repentance and confession unnecessary. So you can just forget them because you are already saved by faith alone. The problem is that you are denying what God says and calling Him a liar. Because if we are saved by faith alone then we will NOT be lost if we don’t repent. And if faith alone saves us then we won’t be lost if we don’t confess Christ and God just lied when He said it was for salvation. Romans 10:10.

The only way to harmonize Acts 17:30, Roman’s 10:10 and James 2:14-26 is to reject salvation by faith alone and accept what James 2:22 says— it takes BOTH, faith and works, working together to produce salvation of our souls.

Hebrews 12:15- Be careful lest anyone FALL SHORT of the grace of God.

a word of faith from God to a man

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.

( a man of faith who acts upon it )

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭10:21-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

to have faith we need to hear what he said then if we believe we’re going to act in faith .

 

[Pilgrimshope]

James talks about neglecting to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, which are not 'repentance'

“but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭26:20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

actually when Jesus speaks of man’s judgement it’s those kinds of things he looks at

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. ( he’s talking about how they treated the needs of other people )

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

( this is how Jesus is explaining his return and judgement of all nations )


Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment:

but the righteous( the first group ) into life eternal.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:34-36, 40-43, 45-46‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Notice the one difference ? One group acted in mercy and compassion towards others . The other group did not tbey saw the need and didn’t help didn’t act in faith . This reappears many times in the nt in several forms

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5:10-11

“But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:17-18‬ ‭KJV‬‬


now look at James again

“What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can that faith save him?

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? ( this is like the second group who inherits the devils lot)

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
‭‭James‬ ‭2:14-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

what the op pointed out was if you have real faith it’s always going to lead to action in accordance with faith but we have to hear what Jesus said in order to have properly constructed faith has to come from his word

So for instance we just saw some scripture regarding certain things we are called to do by God . We can reject all of it and say “ I have faith I don’t need to do anything God said now “ or we can realize God is telling me the truth offering me real faith that brings me into action and obedience “

 

[HeIsHere]

No it doesn't. It comes from within when a person hears the word/spirit, is persuaded it is the truth and believes

Faith
G4102 πίστις pistis (piy'-stis) n.
1. a trust.
2. a firm persuasion, a confidence

Yes this would be correct.

 

[HeIsHere]

@Pilgrimshope I think that makes or 6 or 7, on CC that I know of who have the correct scriptural understanding of faith.
We are making ground. Yay!

 

[Pilgrimshope]

@Pilgrimshope I think that makes or 6 or 7, on CC that I know of who have the correct scriptural understanding of faith.
We are making ground. Yay!

spreading seeds in soil

 

[posthuman]

spreading seeds in soil

if they do not grow, it may be the soil, it may be the lack of water, it may be the birds that eat it - it's not necessarily that the seed was not good

 

[Magenta]

James talks about neglecting to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, which are not 'repentance'

I just want to say I love you and wish you a good morning and share my coffee with you...

 

[HeIsHere]

spreading seeds in soil

Amen, hard work, lol!!!

 

[Pilgrimshope]

if they do not grow, it may be the soil, it may be the lack of water, it may be the birds that eat it - it's not necessarily that the seed was not good

Yes agreed brother sometimes also ….the soil just isn’t prepared properly as of yet but it doesn’t mean Gods not working and digging and fertilizing , and it certainly doesn’t mean anyone is lost yet .

Its just a constant call home to God brother in the gospel it’s unavoidable to hear it a babe is still as saved as a mature adult , but just as in life a newly born son isn’t going to know the same things a grown adult son knows. And the responsability is also very different

it’s not a condemnation or insult at all but a family has babes and some children some teens and adults and some grown ups and some elders , they all bear his name as children but the babes don’t have the developed “brain power “ yet . just speaking as an example to life a baby isn’t expected to do anything but exist and be loved and learn and know thier daddy who holds them

abut this doesn’t work when we’re fifty we’re meant to grow up and eat some meat and potatoes and grow and flourish , be prined and cut back so we’re more fruitful later ect ect

brother anyone who truly believes the gospel belongs to the lord repentance and the works of faith are definately a part of the experience s we grow

all I meant in my reply there was that I was hoping to scatter seeds in soil with the scriptures I share here

i believe that’s leads to a place like this understanding

“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;

and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:26-29‬ ‭

the only value I have here is scattering seeds the making them grow part isn’t for me but I do sometimes get lucky and know the good seed to scatter sometimes not always of course but that’s all I was meaning

the first thing required is seed and often bad seed can also take root faiths seed is the gospel of the kingdom

belief fully in Jesus without any condition is needed first but then we come to life and begin the need for growth as slow or as fast as that comes we only need to not reject and war against his work on us through the word

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Amen, hard work, lol!!!

Lol brother ….sort of depends on the weather

“And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day,

and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.

For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.( process ) But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:26-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[Pilgrimshope]

if they do not grow, it may be the soil, it may be the lack of water, it may be the birds that eat it - it's not necessarily that the seed was not good

good seed

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

( bad seed )

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:1-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

good seed

“Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, ( good seed ) then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”( the fruit it bears )
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

bad seed and the damage it causes

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭2:1-2‬ ‭

notice how many people speak bout Jesus doctrine ? Satan doesn’t want people receiving the good seed so he speaks forth bad seed . Seeds grow . Whether a thorn bush or a fruit tree

good seed

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24:14‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. ….And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:15-16, 20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

bad seed

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭1:8-9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[JMH]

Yes, and Paul calls it a “work of faith” in 1 Thess. 1:3 and also 2 Thess. 1:11.

Yes, and God also said this that no one seems to want to remember..

John 6:29 "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom he sent"

My question to a lot of Christians along my journey who stumble on faith and works;

*People who have no arms or legs and cannot talk, can they still be saved?

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Yes, and God also said this that no one seems to want to remember..

John 6:29 "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom he sent"

My question to a lot of Christians along my journey who stumble on faith and works;

*People who have no arms or legs and cannot talk, can they still be saved?

“Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”
‭‭John‬ ‭7:16-17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭

Do we still believe him after we hear a few things he had to say ?

“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭13:3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we believe in him why would we reject the things he said will save us ? We can’t really believe in Jesus and also reject his words and reap his promises all at the same time . We’re called to believe in Jesus because he was sent to speak Gods true word of salvation

“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If we believe we want to do this

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭

and not do this

“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

( because his word is this word )

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12:48-50‬ ‭KJV‬‬

there’s a reason a single verse says “ believe in the one God sent “ because he’s the one God sent to preach life into the world

 

[Beckworth]

Nice spin. In John 6:29, Jesus said - "This is the work (singular) of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent," when He answered the Jews (who were taking a legalistic approach) when they asked, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works (plural) of God?" So, by Jesus' play on words here, He was not implying that believing is just "another" work in a series of works in a quest to receive salvation by works. Also, through believing, we are completely trusting in "Another's work," (Christ's finished work of redemption - Romans 3:24-28). There is a difference between faith AND works. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Repentance is a change of mind (Matthew 21:32; Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21) and not a work for salvation.
Confession is an expression of faith (Romans 10:8-11) and not a work for salvation.

NOWHERE does the Bible teach we are saved by grace through faith "plus" works of any kind. Also, the apostle Paul does not merely limit "works" only to specific works, as you imply, but includes works in general. In Titus 3:5, we read that it is not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.. and in 2 Timothy 1:9, we read that God saved us and called us with a holy calling not according to our works.. So your saved by "these" works and just not "those" works argument is bogus.

The apostle Paul calls Faith a work, also, in 1 Thess1:3 and 2 Thess 1:11. Jesus plainly calls Faith a WORK of God. If you won’t believe the words of Jesus, then nothing I say will convince you. I also know you do not believe the words of Jesus in Mark 16:16. Jesus talks about people who reject Him and His words in John 12:48. But, then, I suppose you don’t believe that, either.

 

[Beckworth]

Abraham was justified before God by his faith, and before men by his actions.

James is talking about being justified before men. all his examples are about their witness in front of others: feeding the poor, clothing the naked, receiving the messengers - and the sin he accuses of them of, neglecting to do these things and instead showing partiality to the rich, is not a salvific work. all those are carnal things, not spiritual things.
it is the good they ought to do because of the grace they received, not the price they buy their souls with. the flesh profits nothing, the Spirit is lfe.

our lives were bought by Christ shedding His blood for us - while we were sinners and did none of these things.

your ceaseless campaign to prove you save yourself by your own merits and to damn those whose works you consider less than your own is not good. you only look at your hands, instead of your heart.[/QUOTE

Abraham was justified before God by his faith, and before men by his actions.

James is talking about being justified before men. all his examples are about their witness in front of others: feeding the poor, clothing the naked, receiving the messengers - and the sin he accuses of them of, neglecting to do these things and instead showing partiality to the rich, is not a salvific work. all those are carnal things, not spiritual things.
it is the good they ought to do because of the grace they received, not the price they buy their souls with. the flesh profits nothing, the Spirit is lfe.

our lives were bought by Christ shedding His blood for us - while we were sinners and did none of these things.

your ceaseless campaign to prove you save yourself by your own merits and to damn those whose works you consider less than your own is not good. you only look at your hands, instead of your heart.

I do not read anywhere in James 2:14-26 that says “Abraham was justified by faith and before men by his actions.”

My Bible says that “Abraham was JUSTIFIED BY WORKS.” Verse 21. What does yours say?

It also says that “Rahab was justified by WORKS” verse 25. In Fact it doesn’t even mention faith, so there is no mis-understanding this unless you just want to.

This whole passage is showing the necessity of works for salvation. Why do you think he kept saying “faith without works is dead”? He repeated that sentence 3 times in verses 17,20 and 26. Verse 22 explains what is acceptable to God—faith + works, together. Not faith alone, ( verse 17 and 24) and not works alone; but faith and works TOGETHER.

No matter how much you rationalize, twist, or pervert, the scripture here still teaches that faith WITHOUT works is dead—that means it will not save you. It still says—and still means— you cannot be saved by “faith only”. Verse 24.

 

[Beckworth]

a word of faith from God to a man

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.

( a man of faith who acts upon it )

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭10:21-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

to have faith we need to hear what he said then if we believe we’re going to act in faith .[/QUOTE



What you have said, here is very true. And the example you used from Exidus is exactly like the examples James used in 2:21. Faith is definitely the first requirement and requires us to respond by acting on our faith. But there are other requirements God has given that MUST be done or else our faith is dead” and will not save us. That is the point of this passage in James.

Most people who hold on to “faith only” do not believe that not acting on your faith will cause you to be lost. The teach salvation at the point if faith—without works, and then you SHOULD do works, but if you don’t that is o.k. You will be saved anyway. That is not what James 2 is teaching.

 

[mailmandan]

The apostle Paul calls Faith a work, also, in 1 Thess1:3 and 2 Thess 1:11.

False and your misinterpretation culminates in salvation by works. I already explained to you that work "of" faith does not equate to work "is" faith. Other translations say:

AMP, AMPC - your work energized by faith
NIV, CSB, EHV - your work produced by faith
CEB - your work that comes from faith
CJB - how your trust produces action
DRA - the work of your faith
ERV - all that you have done because of your faith
EXB, ICB - the things you have done because of your faith
GNT - how you put your faith into practice

1 Thessalonians 1:3 - Bible Gateway

In 2 Thessalonians 1:11, other translations say:

CSB - work produced by faith
CJB - every action stemming from your trust
GW, NOG - everything your faith produces
MEV - works done by faith
NCV - works that come from your faith
NIV, NIVUK - every deed prompted by faith

2 Thessalonians 1:11 - Bible Gateway

So, once again, notice the words "work of" faith, "labor of" love and "patience of" hope in 1 Thessalonians 1:3. These are the practical outworking of the Thessalonians' conversion. The "work" the Thessalonians do is a result or consequence of their faith. So too their "labor" flows from love and their "endurance" comes from hope. Work "of" faith does not mean that faith in essence is the work accomplished. Their work is a result or consequence "of" their faith. The work done is "of" faith or done "out of" faith. Faith was already established at conversion and then the work "followed" as a result or consequence "of" their faith.

Jesus plainly calls Faith a WORK of God.

Once again, in John 6:29, Jesus said - "This is the work (singular) of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent," when He answered the Jews (who were taking a legalistic approach) when they asked, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works (plural) of God?" So, by Jesus' play on words here, He was not implying that believing is just "another" work in a series of works in a quest to receive salvation by works, as you teach.

Also, through believing, we are completely trusting in "Another's work," (Christ's finished work of redemption - Romans 3:24-28). There is a difference between faith AND works. Saved by grace through faith, not works. (Ephesians 2:8,9) Notice the distinction between faith and works here. Paul made that very clear. Faith is faith and works are works. In Romans 4:5-6, we read - But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: *Notice the distinction between faith and works? So, how can God impute righteousness through faith apart from works is faith is just another work?

If you won’t believe the words of Jesus, then nothing I say will convince you.

I believe the words of Jesus. I just don't believe your eisegesis.

I also know you do not believe the words of Jesus in Mark 16:16.

Sure I believe the words of Jesus here and I also believe the words of Jesus in (John 3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26) but apparently you don't. Mark 16:16 - He who believes and is baptized will be saved (general cases without making a qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes but is not baptized) but he who does not believe will be condemned.

The omission of baptized with "does not believe" shows that Jesus does not make baptism absolutely necessary for salvation. Condemnation rests on unbelief and not on a lack of baptism. What Jesus did not say, "whoever is not baptized will be condemned." *NOWHERE does the Bible say, "baptized or condemned."

If water baptism is absolutely required for salvation, then we would expect Jesus to mention it in the following verses. (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26) Yet what is the 1 requirement that Jesus mentions 9 different times in each of these complete statements *BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics.

John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Jesus talks about people who reject Him and His words in John 12:48. But, then, I suppose you don’t believe that, either.

Once again, I believe the words of Jesus. I just don't believe your eisegesis. You simply isolate the first half of Mark 16:16, then build your doctrine on that and ignore the second half of the verse along with ignoring that Jesus connected believes "apart from water baptism" with receiving eternal life in (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26). That's called flawed hermeneutics.

 

[mailmandan]

My Bible says that “Abraham was JUSTIFIED BY WORKS.” Verse 21. What does yours say?

It also says that “Rahab was justified by WORKS” verse 25. In Fact it doesn’t even mention faith, so there is no mis-understanding this unless you just want to.

This whole passage is showing the necessity of works for salvation. Why do you think he kept saying “faith without works is dead”? He repeated that sentence 3 times in verses 17,20 and 26. Verse 22 explains what is acceptable to God—faith + works, together. Not faith alone, ( verse 17 and 24) and not works alone; but faith and works TOGETHER.

No matter how much you rationalize, twist, or pervert, the scripture here still teaches that faith WITHOUT works is dead—that means it will not save you. It still says—and still means— you cannot be saved by “faith only”. Verse 24.

Be sure to go back and read post #68 and post #70. Your false teaching that the whole passage is showing the necessity of works for salvation is thoroughly refuted there.

For the umpteenth time, James is not using the word "justified" to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/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) This remains your Achilles heel.

Man is saved through faith and not by works (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet genuine faith is (evidenced) by works. (James 2:14-26).

*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.* (Romans 3:24-28)

It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not based on the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine. (James 2:14-26) *Perfect Harmony*

 

[Everlasting-Grace]

Be sure to go back and read post #68 and post #70. Your false teaching that the whole passage is showing the necessity of works for salvation is thoroughly refuted there.

For the umpteenth time, James is not using the word "justified" to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/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) This remains your Achilles heel.

Man is saved through faith and not by works (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet genuine faith is (evidenced) by works. (James 2:14-26).

*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.* (Romans 3:24-28)

It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not based on the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 4:5-6; 5:1; 5:9); yet the faith that justifies does not remain alone (unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine. (James 2:14-26) *Perfect Harmony*

Sadly, ony God can help some people. Their pride is too deep