There is value in works in regards to rewards (Matthew 16:27; 1 Corinthians 3:13-15) not in regards to meriting eternal life. Big difference! Yet Roman Catholics believe that salvation is received based on the merits of good works and Catholics also believe that James teaches we are saved by works, yet James is discussing the proof of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18), not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God (Romans 4:2-3).
In James 2:14, we read of one who says-claims he has faith but has no works (to back up his claim/where is the proof?). This is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" He is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith.
It's far removed because the value that Roman Catholics teach which increases is [righteousness] received which they teach is "preserved and also increased before God through good works." To the contrary, we read in Romans 4:5 - 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.
Yet Catholics go beyond fruits merely being the proof of faith and teach that these fruits are also the means of their salvation. In regards to fruits as proof of genuine faith, In 1 John 2:3, we read - By this we know that we have come to know Him, (demonstrative evidence/fruits) if we keep His commandments. *BTY the Greek word for "keep" is "tereo" which means to keep, to guard, to watch over, preserve. It does not mean sinless, perfect obedience to all of His commandments 100% of the time as sinless perfectionists teach. Also, those who are born of God practice righteousness and not sin and love their brother (1 John 3:9-10; 4:7). Love being the first and foremost fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
For Protestants, it's not a matter of picking which sacraments you like and believe that save you, as it is with Catholics.
In James 2:14, we read of one who says-claims he has faith but has no works (to back up his claim/where is the proof?). This is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" He is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith.
It's far removed because the value that Roman Catholics teach which increases is [righteousness] received which they teach is "preserved and also increased before God through good works." To the contrary, we read in Romans 4:5 - 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.
Yet Catholics go beyond fruits merely being the proof of faith and teach that these fruits are also the means of their salvation. In regards to fruits as proof of genuine faith, In 1 John 2:3, we read - By this we know that we have come to know Him, (demonstrative evidence/fruits) if we keep His commandments. *BTY the Greek word for "keep" is "tereo" which means to keep, to guard, to watch over, preserve. It does not mean sinless, perfect obedience to all of His commandments 100% of the time as sinless perfectionists teach. Also, those who are born of God practice righteousness and not sin and love their brother (1 John 3:9-10; 4:7). Love being the first and foremost fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
For Protestants, it's not a matter of picking which sacraments you like and believe that save you, as it is with Catholics.
I believe I'm saved by grace. That my own personal bottom line. The things I do with that faith - my works - make me grow in faith and so it's a kind of circular, sustainable life God's given me. The Catholic doctrines sometimes provide me with tools to help me along. BTW, I'm real aware of how people at cc (especially in bdf) feel about Catholics so I appreciate Mailmandan's mature, nonjudgemental remarks.