Faith without Works is Dead By Joshua Evers
The understanding of the doctrine of justification was a major source of conflict between the Catholic Church and the Reformers. Johannes Eck, in his Enchiridion, (on page 64) serves as a great example to the accepted stance concerning the Catholic Church's understanding of justification. He Presents the foundation of his argument by quoting the book of James.
"What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith, and yet does not have works? Can faith then save him?" -James 2:14
"Faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself" - James 2:17
"You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe , and tremble" - James 2:19
James 2:21 also references Genesis 22:16, saying "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?"
This is pretty clear that faith without works is dead, but things get much more confusing at first glance. Luther and the reformers commonly pointed to the book of Romans for their side of the argument.
"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." -Romans 3:28
"For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." -Romans 4:2-3
Romans 4 is referencing Genesis 15:6, when God made his covenant with Abraham, and before Abraham had put Isaac on the altar.
Both Romans and James are using the same Old Testament saint, Abraham, to argue their points. This led to annoying debates on both sides, even leading Luther to question the authenticity of James. The Bible does NOT contain any contradictions whatsoever, but at first glance and even intense study, there appeared to be a disagreement between James and Paul. I personally enjoy theological debates, not for the sake of smearing the opponent with a loss, but to discover the truth in the end. Standing as the world's shortest dwarf, on the shoulders of many giants of church history, I will offer a brief summary of the conclusion to the confusion.
Romans, speaking about how a believer is justified before a Holy God, referred to Genesis 15:6 in which Abraham's faith justified him before God.
James however, speaks concerning believers showing their faith among other believers, and refers to Genesis 22:16, Abraham's work, of following through with God's command until being interrupted. The key difference is that God knows the heart of an individual and humans don't. God accredited righteousness to Abraham when he had faith, but we as humans are not able to see the hearts of others and instead see works as evidence of faith. We are justified by faith alone, and works are a byproduct of that faith. The works do not justify the believer, they only attest to their faith. The Scriptures are the inspired Word of God and worthy of our praise and adoration. I greatly appreciate the Reformation and its push for scripture as final authority.
"What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith, and yet does not have works? Can faith then save him?" -James 2:14
"Faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself" - James 2:17
"You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe , and tremble" - James 2:19
James 2:21 also references Genesis 22:16, saying "Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?"
This is pretty clear that faith without works is dead, but things get much more confusing at first glance. Luther and the reformers commonly pointed to the book of Romans for their side of the argument.
"For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law." -Romans 3:28
"For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." -Romans 4:2-3
Romans 4 is referencing Genesis 15:6, when God made his covenant with Abraham, and before Abraham had put Isaac on the altar.
Both Romans and James are using the same Old Testament saint, Abraham, to argue their points. This led to annoying debates on both sides, even leading Luther to question the authenticity of James. The Bible does NOT contain any contradictions whatsoever, but at first glance and even intense study, there appeared to be a disagreement between James and Paul. I personally enjoy theological debates, not for the sake of smearing the opponent with a loss, but to discover the truth in the end. Standing as the world's shortest dwarf, on the shoulders of many giants of church history, I will offer a brief summary of the conclusion to the confusion.
Romans, speaking about how a believer is justified before a Holy God, referred to Genesis 15:6 in which Abraham's faith justified him before God.
James however, speaks concerning believers showing their faith among other believers, and refers to Genesis 22:16, Abraham's work, of following through with God's command until being interrupted. The key difference is that God knows the heart of an individual and humans don't. God accredited righteousness to Abraham when he had faith, but we as humans are not able to see the hearts of others and instead see works as evidence of faith. We are justified by faith alone, and works are a byproduct of that faith. The works do not justify the believer, they only attest to their faith. The Scriptures are the inspired Word of God and worthy of our praise and adoration. I greatly appreciate the Reformation and its push for scripture as final authority.
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