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

[Beckworth]

Brother Beckworth, Have you confessed Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior ?
Do you believe in your heart He was raised back to life?

Yes. I followed the example of the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8. After hearing and learning the gospel of Jesus Christ, just as the eunuch heard it from Phillip, I BELIEVED every word and I REPENTED of my sins, as the Holy Spirit commands me to do in Acts 17:30, I, too, asked to be BAPTIZED like the eunuch did when he came to some water, because I read 1 Peter 3:21 that baptism saves us and also because Jesus Himself tells me that whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved. mark 16:16. and before being baptized for the remission of my sins (Acts 2:38), I CONFESSED that “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Exactly as the eunuch did in Acts 8:37. God saved the eunuch that way and I have every confidence that if He saved the eunuch that way, if I do what the eunuch did, He will save me, too.

You see, I can give you book, chapter, and verse for my salvation. I have tried to make sure that I have been saved exactly like the people in the book of Acts were saved; fulfilling all of God’s commands for salvation.

You do not find all of God’s truth in just one or two verses. Psalms 119:160 says that the “SUM” of God’s word is “truth.” You have to read it and put it all together.

On the other hand, it sounds like you, sir, are trusting in a “faith only” doctrine which is plainly condemned by the Holy Spirit in James 2:14-26. Even though you may have “repented” and at some time been baptized, you do not believe the Holy Spirit’s words in 1Peter 3:21 or the words of Jesus in Mark 16:16. You are promoting a false doctrine when you tell people that ALL you have to do is “accept Christ” ( believe). The Holy Spirit teaches that more is required than that.

And even though you may have been baptized, very likely you did not do it for the reason that Peter gives in Acts 2:38 or 1 Peter 3:21. Peter says it is for the forgiveness of sins and that it saves us. I doubt that you believe this. But please tell me if I am wrong about that.

So, please tell me—which doctrine is following the words of the Bible? “Faith only”, (James 2:24) or the doctrine of “believe” (Hebrews 11:6), “repent” Acts 17:30 and Acts 2:38, “confess” (Romans 10:10 and Acts 8:37, and be “baptized” as the Bible teaches:
TO BE SAVED (1Peter 3:21 and Mark 16:16)
FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS (Acts 2:38)
TO WASH AWAY YOUR SINS (Acts 22:16)

If we are going to “speak”, let’s speak as “the oracles of God. ” 1Peter 4:11.

So, I ask you, have you done what the Bible teaches—not obeyed just a few verses on “faith”, but what ALL of the Bible teaches on salvation? Have you obeyed the words and commands of the Holy Spirit and of Jesus? Have you been baptized for the right reason—the one given in Acts 2:38? If your conversion is different than the scriptures I’ve given, then you need to question your salvation. Don’t listen to men—believe God’s words.

 

[Beckworth]

"My firm belief is that every person must answer to the lord for our words and deeds and at that time they’ll receive salvation or not based on his judgement alone ".

Brother. correction from the bible for you again as you are stuck in your own belief and not trusting in Gods own words. The only work or deed you had to do brother was accept Jesus Christ as you Lord and Savior. Unfortunately many worship God with their mouth but their heart was far from Him. (Matthew 15:8-9)The day you stand a lone before God yes you will have to take accountability for your rejection of His only Son. If you have confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and believe in your heart He was raised back to life then you are saved.
Amen.

Actually Romans 10:9-10 says we believe and confess “UNTO salvation.” Not that we are immediately saved. It means “to” salvation. Going toward salvation. It is necessary, yes, but it doesn’t immediately save you as you are implying. Both “faith” and “confession” are included here. They are both part of the salvation process but not complete. “Repentance “ and “baptism” for the forgiveness of sins is also commanded as part of salvation. You see how God’s word is harmonious with all other scripture. It fits together with no contradictions. When you add the word “only” to faith, you immediately find yourself in opposition to many other scriptures. They do not harmonize. When, I say baptism is necessary to be saved because both Peter and Jesus taught that it was ( 1Peter 3:21, Mark 16:16), someone always says , “But God said we are saved through faith…”Eph 2. They see that as a contradiction—saved by faith Eph. 2 or saved by Baptism 1 Peter 3:21? IT’S ONLY A CONTRADICTION WHEN MEN ADD THE WORD “ONLY” TO EPH. 2. Do you see the word “only” after faith in Ephesians 2:8? Do you see the word “alone” after faith in Eph. 2:8? It’s not in my Bible; and it is not in yours either. It’s a very clever trick of Satan, promoted by men. You put Eph2:8 together with 1 Peter 3:21 and you have Mark 16:16, the words of Jesus. Faith + baptism = salvation.

It’s only a contradiction if you insert (add) the word “only” after faith. But Eph. 2:8 does NOT say “.. you have been saved through faith “only”. Do you see that. Eph. 2:8 says we are saved by faith. 1 Peter 3:21 says we are saved by baptism; and Romans 10:10 says confession saved us. Are these all contradictions? No! We are saved by ALL OF THESE. God did not ask us to pick just “one.” As God says in James 2:22, they work TOGETHER. Jesus forever settled the question when He joined them together—faith and baptism in Mark 16:16. It takes BOTH for salvation. AND it also takes repentance Acts 2:38 and confession (Matt. 10:32). God did not give us everything in just one verse. I believe this was on purpose—a test to see who will SEEK”. Seek and you will find.

 

[posthuman]

“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. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:17-19‬ ‭

“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭5:2-4‬ ‭

it wouldn't be written down if we didn't need to read it

 

[Beckworth]

it is really something quite amazing to learn that Romans 4 is not in your Bible?!?

Yes, I have chapter 4 AND I have chapter 3; especially verses 20, 21, 27, 28 and 29. Where each teach that the kind of “works” he is talking about in both chapters 3 and 4 are the “works” of the old Testament law of the Jews. So when Paul talks about Abraham not being justified by “works” in chapter 4:2–what kind of works is he talking about?? He’s talking about the works of the old law. He is not talking about the works of God. Christ’s new law was called a “law of faith” by the Holy Spirit through Paul in chapter 3:37, and referred to in verse 31. 2 verses later, Paul says Abraham was not justified by works (of the old law); he said these were “boastful” works; like the ones in Eph.2:8-9– those were boastful works, also. Your mistake is in not knowing that there are different kinds of works—some bad and some good. John 6:29 is about Works that will save you. Romans 3 and 4, about works that will NOT SAVE you. Janesv2 is not talking about the kind of works that Romans 3 &4 is talking about. It’s talking about good works that will justify you. Galations 3:10 is talking about works that will NOT justify you. So you see, comparing The works of Roman’s 3 &4 to the works of James 2 is like comparing apples to oranges. Jesus told the Sadducees,“ you do err, not knowing the scriptures.”

 

[posthuman]

It fits together with no contradictions. When you add the word “only” to faith, you immediately find yourself in opposition to many other scriptures.

not of works, lest any man should boast.

 

[Pilgrimshope]

it wouldn't be written down if we didn't need to read it

Yes he would never have sent his witnesses to preach it if we didn’t need to hear it

“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 ‭

 

[Pilgrimshope]

not of works, lest any man should boast.

Amen

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

[JMH]

Yes. I followed the example of the Ethiopian Eunuch in Acts 8. After hearing and learning the gospel of Jesus Christ, just as the eunuch heard it from Phillip, I BELIEVED every word and I REPENTED of my sins, as the Holy Spirit commands me to do in Acts 17:30, I, too, asked to be BAPTIZED like the eunuch did when he came to some water, because I read 1 Peter 3:21 that baptism saves us and also because Jesus Himself tells me that whoever believes and is baptized shall be saved. mark 16:16. and before being baptized for the remission of my sins (Acts 2:38), I CONFESSED that “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Exactly as the eunuch did in Acts 8:37. God saved the eunuch that way and I have every confidence that if He saved the eunuch that way, if I do what the eunuch did, He will save me, too.

You see, I can give you book, chapter, and verse for my salvation. I have tried to make sure that I have been saved exactly like the people in the book of Acts were saved; fulfilling all of God’s commands for salvation.

You do not find all of God’s truth in just one or two verses. Psalms 119:160 says that the “SUM” of God’s word is “truth.” You have to read it and put it all together.

On the other hand, it sounds like you, sir, are trusting in a “faith only” doctrine which is plainly condemned by the Holy Spirit in James 2:14-26. Even though you may have “repented” and at some time been baptized, you do not believe the Holy Spirit’s words in 1Peter 3:21 or the words of Jesus in Mark 16:16. You are promoting a false doctrine when you tell people that ALL you have to do is “accept Christ” ( believe). The Holy Spirit teaches that more is required than that.

And even though you may have been baptized, very likely you did not do it for the reason that Peter gives in Acts 2:38 or 1 Peter 3:21. Peter says it is for the forgiveness of sins and that it saves us. I doubt that you believe this. But please tell me if I am wrong about that.

So, please tell me—which doctrine is following the words of the Bible? “Faith only”, (James 2:24) or the doctrine of “believe” (Hebrews 11:6), “repent” Acts 17:30 and Acts 2:38, “confess” (Romans 10:10 and Acts 8:37, and be “baptized” as the Bible teaches:
TO BE SAVED (1Peter 3:21 and Mark 16:16)
FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS (Acts 2:38)
TO WASH AWAY YOUR SINS (Acts 22:16)

If we are going to “speak”, let’s speak as “the oracles of God. ” 1Peter 4:11.

So, I ask you, have you done what the Bible teaches—not obeyed just a few verses on “faith”, but what ALL of the Bible teaches on salvation? Have you obeyed the words and commands of the Holy Spirit and of Jesus? Have you been baptized for the right reason—the one given in Acts 2:38? If your conversion is different than the scriptures I’ve given, then you need to question your salvation. Don’t listen to men—believe God’s words.

My dear Brother in Christ , As God said, by GRACE we are saved not by our own works lest we boast.. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
God gave me a heart of repentance and placed his spirit inside of me. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
God gave me eyes and a heart to believe, confess and accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. (Romans 10:9)
God gave me His Holy Spirit to become Holy as He is Holy. (1Peter 1:15-16)(Romans 6:3-4)
God even set up the day of my only water baptism to be on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)

You see dear brother in Christ, God alone be the glory!!

 

[posthuman]

the kind of “works” he is talking about in both chapters 3 and 4 are the “works” of the old Testament law of the Jews. So when Paul talks about Abraham not being justified by “works” in chapter 4:2–what kind of works is he talking about?? He’s talking about the works of the old law.

you might have those chapters but do you not understand them?

the law was not until 430 years after Abraham.

the will and effort of mankind under the law cannot save, nor can the will and effort or mankind outside of the law. Salvation is the work of God and God alone. not you.

 

[posthuman]

what kind of works is he talking about?? He’s talking about the works of the old law. He is not talking about the works of God.

the Law is authored by God, and every work James encourages is in the Law.

 

[mailmandan]

the Law is authored by God, and every work James encourages is in the Law.

In an effort effort to get around the truth, those who teach salvation by works often try turn "not saved by works" passages into saved by "these" works (good works) and just not "those" works (works of the law) but that argument is bogus.

In James 2:15-16, the example of a "work" that James gives is: "If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?" To give a brother or sister these things needed for the body would certainly be a "work of faith/good work" yet to neglect such a brother or sister and not give them the things needed for the body is to break the second great commandment "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39) as found written in the law of Moses. (Leviticus 19:18)

In Matthew 22:37-40, we read: Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. Now which good works could a Christian accomplish that are "completely detached" from these two great commandments which are found in the law of Moses? (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18)

So when it comes to the moral aspect of the law, we cannot dissect good works from the law of Moses. In Titus 3:5, Paul said 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, Paul said that God saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works.. so "not saved by works" is not merely limited to specific works under the law of Moses, but works in general

 

[Pilgrimshope]

My dear Brother in Christ , As God said, by GRACE we are saved not by our own works lest we boast.. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
God gave me a heart of repentance and placed his spirit inside of me. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
God gave me eyes and a heart to believe, confess and accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. (Romans 10:9)
God gave me His Holy Spirit to become Holy as He is Holy. (1Peter 1:15-16)(Romans 6:3-4)
God even set up the day of my only water baptism to be on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)

You see dear brother in Christ, God alone be the glory!!

amen by Gods grace we are saved

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:11-15‬ ‭Niv

 

[Beckworth]

not of works, lest any man should boast.

You did not give the scripture reference for this but I’m guessing you are referring to Ephesians 2. Yes, Ehp. 2 says that by God’s Grace He has revealed His plan whereby we can be saved. ( we are saved by grace) tAnd we are not saved by “boastful” works. I know He is not talking about the “works of God” here because 1) Luke 17 says when we have done what God tells us to do, we have only done our “DUTY”. So we cannot boast about that. Luke 17: Also, 2) I know the works He is talking about are not the “works of God” because Jesus has already told us that “faith” is a work! John 6:29, 1 Thess. 1:3, 2 Thess. 2:11) and He includes faith as part of God’s plan of salvation. So, Eph. 2, in no way contradicts James 2, or John 6

My dear Brother in Christ , As God said, by GRACE we are saved not by our own works lest we boast.. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
God gave me a heart of repentance and placed his spirit inside of me. (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
God gave me eyes and a heart to believe, confess and accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. (Romans 10:9)
God gave me His Holy Spirit to become Holy as He is Holy. (1Peter 1:15-16)(Romans 6:3-4)
God even set up the day of my only water baptism to be on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)

You see dear brother in Christ, God alone be the glory!!

Are you saying the Ethiopian eunuch was not saved the right way? He did it all wrong? We’re YOU saved like the eunuch was, or like the Samaritans were in Acts 8, or like Saul of Tarsus was in Acts 9, God said the Holy Spirit is a “gift” to us that we get when we are baptized. Acts 2:38.

 

[Beckworth]

you might have those chapters but do you not understand them?

the law was not until 430 years after Abraham.

the will and effort of mankind under the law cannot save, nor can the will and effort or mankind outside of the law. Salvation is the work of God and God alone. not you.

And, yet, James 2 is all about how faith without works is dead. And Abraham was “justified” only when his faith caused Him to obey the command to (work) offer Issac as a sacrifice. It took BOTH faith and works verse 22.

 

[Cameron143]

And, yet, James 2 is all about how faith without works is dead. And Abraham was “justified” only when his faith caused Him to obey the command to (work) offer Issac as a sacrifice. It took BOTH faith and works verse 22.

We do what we believe; we don't believe what we do. In other words, what we believe influences what we do.
If someone says they believe something, but do not act on it, then they don't actually believe as they say. This is the point James is making. A person can say they believe something but if they are not performing the actions that someone who truly believes would do, there is no way they actually believe as they say. For example, if I say I believe Christians should give to the less fortunate but never give any help to the poor, then there is no way I actually believe Christians should give to the poor. If I actually believe this to be true, my actions would reflect this and I would give.

 

[rogerg]

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.

Yes, but both the faith AND works necessary for salvation were accomplished solely by Christ on our behalf - and that is what makes
Him Savior, not us. Though His faith, we are imputed His faith and His works along with His righteousness. By being imputed unto us, we then also manifest them in our lives unto others but being from salvation (from/by/through which they were imputed), but not to bring salvation. If what was written in verses 15, 16,17 were intended to be understood as demands for us to satisfy to become saved, then much more detailed information would have had to be provided regarding specifics as to type, volume, and frequency of works necessary for salvation, but not just generalized statements as were actually written. Given as that was not provided, as they stand, they would be meaningless, telling us nothing about how to satisfy those requirements. As such, they would be requirements without solution and therefore, pointless.

 

[posthuman]

You did not give the scripture reference for this but I’m guessing you are referring to Ephesians 2. Yes, Ehp. 2 says that by God’s Grace He has revealed His plan whereby we can be saved. ( we are saved by grace) tAnd we are not saved by “boastful” works.

No, it says "by grace we are saved, not of works, lest any should boast"

there is no Biblical distinction between works that are boastful and works that are not. that is a purely human-made imaginary term you're preaching, because you want to boast in your personal definition of non-boastful works.

the scripture says works are a cause for boasting - such that salvation, if it were by works, would be earned, a salary, a paycheck, something deserved.
But God has specifically designed His Way so that it is impossible to boast, because salvation is not by works at all but instead by belief.
He did this because He knew beforeha d what you and people like you would think and preach.

He knew before time began that you would seek to change His Word, wishing to make it say "boastful works" when it only says "works"

so God was quite explicit in saying that salvation is not by works, period. and that this is so in order that it is not possible for you to boast.

 

[posthuman]

And, yet, James 2 is all about how faith without works is dead. And Abraham was “justified” only when his faith caused Him to obey the command to (work) offer Issac as a sacrifice. It took BOTH faith and works verse 22.

Nope. false again.

what does scripture say?

Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness.
decades before he took Isaac to the mountain.

 

[posthuman]

Nope. false again.

@Beckworth

in your view can a person who has sinned ever regain their salvation?
for example, having spoken falsely, are you now eternally damned, all your works that you believe merit eternal life as a wage made forfeit by your mistake?

 

[mailmandan]

No, it says "by grace we are saved, not of works, lest any should boast"

there is no Biblical distinction between works that are boastful and works that are not. that is a purely human-made imaginary term you're preaching, because you want to boast in your personal definition of non-boastful works.

the scripture says works are a cause for boasting - such that salvation, if it were by works, would be earned, a salary, a paycheck, something deserved.
But God has specifically designed His Way so that it is impossible to boast, because salvation is not by works at all but instead by belief.
He did this because He knew beforeha d what you and people like you would think and preach.

He knew before time began that you would seek to change His Word, wishing to make it say "boastful works" when it only says "works"

so God was quite explicit in saying that salvation is not by works, period. and that this is so in order that it is not possible for you to boast.

Excellent post and well said! You really nailed it when you said, "you want to boast in your personal definition of non-boastful works."