This message is from Dr. Sproul’s 10-part teaching series Justified by Faith Alone. Watch the entire series: www.ligonier.org/learn/series/justified-by-faith-alone
though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge ??? though I have all faith ??? though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor ??? though I give my body to be burned ??? and have not charity 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (KJV) - 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Abraham was deemed a *believer* - and was justified to God (Gen 22:11,12) - because he acted on His faith and obeyed God. He left for the promised land (re: Heb 11:8), and later offered Isaac. His obedience made his faith alive and complete. His obedience was his "works" (nothing to do with "works of the the law" (Romans 3,4,5), and nothing to do with "good works" done for others (Eph 2:9,10)). For his obedience he was deemed a believer, and was justified to God . . . *"and not by faith only."* Here's James: ▬ "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:20-24) So we see that true *_believing_* goes beyond "faith only"; believers are those who act on their faith and obey God. Otherwise, faith is dead. Today Jesus is ▬ "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9) ===================== Please do no be confused about "works." *"Works" refers to different things, depending on the context.* When Paul says "not by works" in Romans 3, 4, 5 he was referring to the "deeds" or _works of the law._ That context was established clearly in Romans 3:20 and 28. Same goes for "good works" or deeds, Eph 2:9, 10. No one is saved by doing good works, nor is anyone saved by doing the works of the law. Abraham's "works" was his obedience. Through faith he saw he had a choice: to step out and obey, or not. He acted on his faith: He chose to obey. For that he was deemed a believer . . . "and not by faith only." Salvation is by grace, received "through" faith (Eph 2:8) . . . *not* just because we _have_ faith. By or through faith we can "see" the choice - and the need - to "come to God." Without faith God that exists and rewards, we would not see the choice, and it would be impossible to come to Him and please Him: ▬ "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6) It is coming to God on His terms that pleases Him -not faith alone. Faith is the "gift of God" (Eph 2:8) to call us. Question is, will we answer the call and come to God on His terms? God's terms is repentance: God ▬ "now commands all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30). If we'll obey, we'll enter His promised mercy: ▬ "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13) And our past sins will be "blotted out": ▬ "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19, NKJV). And we'll receive the gift of the holy spirit: ▬ "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38) ▬ "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him." (Acts 5:32) That's right: "faith alone" is not enough, we must act on our faith: we must obey and come to God in repentance. For *that* we please Him, and receive his promised mercy, and receive remission of past sins (Rom 3:25; 2 Peter 1:9) and receive the gift of the holy spirit (Acts 2:38, 5:32) . . . by which we enter "the presence of the Lord" (re: Acts 3:19). Jesus said "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:5; also 2 Pet 3:9). Now it becomes clear that "believeth in Him" in John 3:16 involves much more than "faith alone." As per Abraham's example, believing goes beyond "faith alone" or "just trust." Faith is "the gift of God" (Eph 2:8), given to us to call us. Question is, will we answer the call and obey, coming to God on His terms? If we'll obey, we'll enter His promised mercy and grace. Grace does not have to be earned or worked for. Grace _cannot_ be earned or worked for. But God has _conditions_ for receipt of His grace: it's _promised_ - and given freely - to those who follow His instructions.
Paul teaches how you are saved and James teaches how a saved person lives. Our works are the visible manifestations of faith. Faith is the inward motivation for works.
I posted something very similar on a "free grace" channel, and was told I'm believing a false gospel. They come across as saying "unless you stay in your sins, you are not really saved". They have gone off the charts now.
@@doriesse824 Faith apart from any works for salvation. Good works for the believer for rewards in heaven. First Corinthians 3:11-15. Good works could never pay for sin. Romans 3:23. Romans 3:9-10. First Corinthians 1:21. Acts 16:31. First John 1:8.
@@doriesse824 The topic is, can you lose eternal life? Can you earn eternal life? No. We have to be perfect to go to heaven. Romans 4:6. Just as David describeth the blessedness of the man to whom the Lord IMPUTETH righteousness, APART FROM WORKS. Blessed is the man whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not IMPUT SIN. Why? Because Jesus died for all the sins of the whole world. First John 2:2. Romans 1:16. Romans 11:6. If we could be saved by what we do or do not do, then Jesus died for nothing. Galatians 2:21. I do not void the grace of God, for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. First John 5:13. These things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God, THAT YE MAY KNOW YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. John 6:47. John 6:40. John 6:29. Jesus, answered, and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on the one He has sent. We only have to believe it one time to be saved forever. John 10:28-29. And I give unto them ETERNAL LIFE, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. God never gave anyone temporary life, or probationary life. He only gives ETERNAL LIFE. John 6:47. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that BELIEVETH on Me HATH, (PRESENT TENSE) EVERLASTING LIFE. God cannot lie. John 5:24. John 3:18. Second Corinthians 9:15. Thanks be to God for His UNSPEAKABLE GIFT, ETERNAL LIFE. Romans 6:23. After we are saved, by believing the gospel, First Corinthians 14:1-4, and Ephesians 1:13-14, Now we can earn rewards in heaven for discipleship. First Corinthians 3:11-15. And we can be chastened by the Lord for living in sin. Colossians 3:5-6. But our relationship as a child of God never changes. Only our fellowship can be broken by sin. First John 1:8. IF we say we have no sin, we are deceived and the TRUTH is not in us. We are all born sinners. We must be born again. Ephesians 1:13-14. Ephesians 4:30. Thank God we have His perfect RIGHTEOUSNESS IMPUTED TO OUR ACCOUNT. Romans 4:6. Without His perfect RIGHTEOUSNESS, no one will see God. I hope this helps. John 3:16. Romans 1:16. Jesus last words on the cross. "IT IS FINISHED" Meaning paid in full. John 3:18. The sin debt is paid in full. Past, present, and future sins we have not even thought of yet. Romans 4:7-8. The GOSPEL is GOOD NEWS. John 3:16. If you are a WHOSOEVER, you have eternal life.
Jesus says that glory will be achieved in His earthly kingdom after the Tribulation when He comes back to rule for a thousand years. The Reformers were clueless because of Daniel 12.1-9, but we who are here today at the end of these things CAN KNOW! See Matthew 25.31ff and Revelation 7, and Revelation 19 shows the progression.
@@Hendrix312002 Do you really believe that you don't need to produce good works to have genuine faith? Can I have faith and live a bad life intentionally with no repentance?
I completely agree. I don't know anyone else who can explain such difficulties and such profound truths in such simplicity to where the common man can understand it . He was a master teacher
At the end of the video, this doctrine of regeneration; is such a truth to me. I believed I was called from earliest memories but ran from God or more so, the church. There was that moment in my sinful existence, where God presented to me the horribleness of my sin. At that moment, I did not know Christ and knew no theology. But I knew what I was doing was wrong and tried to clean up my act. It did not work as life was just not right. I came away from that moment with the thought that I did not have a solid answer, for who this person Jesus is. I did not understand why this was important. Then, a year or so later buying a bible on a lawn sale changed my life as God had worked upon me, though I did not realize this and did not even understand this doctrine until my coming to reformed theology, after nearly 20 years in an independent Christian church. Amazing God. May His grace pour out.
@@nonamesthesame So true and I am still amazed at the truth of my own fallenness and the mercy that God gives to me in the "in-between" state of being, locked in this vessel of flesh, but of course, my depravity goes to the depth of my soul. What is also amazing to me is how the Holy Spirit works in me, teaching me, leading me to hate my sin, and deadening the delight I once had in my sin. Praise God that may He continue and complete that work in me!
@@nonamesthesame yes, being jsutified solely by trusting faith in jesus as saviour, you believe the gospel, that christ died for all u sins and rose again
I'm so glad I came across this video. Such a Bible-centered, clear and objective message on the real meaning of the Gospel and how there's no living saving faith which is not followed by fruits of righteousness.
Glad to hear you recognise that its not us who works, but rather the spirit who works through us and its God who is the founder and perfecter of our faith! So do not fear! Have faith which God has provided and let the spirit work in you and through you. Not under pressure, but rather from the heart!
@Narrow Way To Life Jews still observe the Saturday Sabbath, Islams holy day is Friday, Christians worship on the Lord's Day, Sunday, to show their separateness from Judaism and to denote the new creation and new covenant in Christ, his rising to life on that day. Heb.8:13 "By calling this covenant "new", he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. Heb. 7:12 "For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law." Jesus is now our high priest. Jesus and the Apostles went to the Synagogue, where the Jew gathered, on Saturday, to preach the New Covenant Gospel to them, not to worship with them. The Christians broke bread together in fellowship on Sunday, the Lord's Day, to commentate Christ's rising from the dead. In the New Covenant, everything is centered on Christ our only savior. Rejoice in his resurrection!
@@jollier80 What scripture do you have for that sister? The truth is that The Spirit works in us, but we have to let Him and obey Him 2 Cor 3.18 Philipians 2.12-12, Galatians5 the fruit of the Spirit, not our own. Both God ans us are working. To what degree each of us? The Bible doesn’t say, but we have to rest in the finishes work of Christ by faith 1 Cor 1.30, and by the same faith we are call to strive to conform ourselves to the image of Christ. Let ask God with humility to give us the grace to continue to obey Him and serve Him in a way that pleases Him, for Gis glory, not for us to be glorified for our good works. Stay blessed
Excellent lesson from the honorable Dr. Sproul. I have always struggled with the dichotomy of the doctrine of works between James and Paul. This brings clarity. I sure miss the teachings of Dr. Sproul
It is very much essential to understand the concept of justification by faith for all beievers.The explanation to it given by Dr . R.C Scroll clears the point. When one stands before God it is not necessary to prove ones faith to Him. Becauss God knows the heart of the man who stands before Him.But to prove the same in front of a man it is essential to prove it by works. Thanks to Ligonair ministry for this wonderful video and also to dear Dr. R.C Scroll though he is not with us.
"And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And *the angel of the LORD* called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: *for now I know that thou fearest God,* seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." (Gen 22:10-12).
The holy spirit leads us to all truths of the word....the devil influences man to misinterpret the word ...which causes divisions "sound doctrine" is what's important
The English word "BELIEVE" (verb) in the Spiritual context and meaning is like a Collective Noun (ex. Family, Company, Choir, Herd, etc.) which comes with 3 Components for the Salvation of Mankind, "By GRACE of God through FAITH in Christ Jesus that manifests in good/righteous WORKS." Therefore, in conclusion, the Spiritual Formula/Equation for Mankind Salvation is... [ GRACE (+) FAITH (x) WORK (=) SALVATION ]... (ref. John 3:15 / 3:36 / 11:25-26 /James 2:1-24 )... While St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians and Romans (ref. Eph. 2:8-9 / Rom. 3:20) means that "Personal WORKS (Efforts) ALONE" and "WORKS of the LAW" can not SAVE us... But for our Personal "WORKS" (efforts) to be accepted as Righteous in the Eyes/Sight of God... "WORK" must come first with "GRACE" of/from/by God through "FAITH" in Christ Jesus... That is the ORDER of SALVATION (Grace, Faith, and Work) for Father God/YHWH is a "God of ORDER" and not of Chaos or Confusion... (ref. 1 Corin. 14:33)... Facts and Truth, Biblically and Logically speaking... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen.
Our faith will always produce works. So we need both. If our faith does not produce works, it means we never had faith, or it just means that we need to work on it.
There are NO CONTRADICTIONS between the teachings of PAUL and JAMES... Apostle Paul to the Gentiles teaches the Gentiles and Israelites that by God's GRACE they are SAVED through FAITH in Christ without the "WORK of the LAW" (Mosaic/Moses Law) to boast of... (ref. Rom. 3:27-28 / Gal. 2:1627/ Eph.3:8-9). While Apostle James teaches the True Christians who worship God in Spirit and in Truth that they are SAVED by God's Grace through FAITH in Christ by applying GOOD (righteous) WORKS (Charity of Love) towards their Neighbors/foes alike as commanded by Christ Jesus...For FAITH without WORK is a "DEAD FAITH"... (ref. James 2:1-26). Take Note: ... Apostle Paul's AUDIENCES were Gentiles (atheists) and Israelites... while Apostle James's AUDIENCES were already CHRISTIAN believers... In conclusion, Apostle Paul's letters/Epistles to the Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians that to be SAVED, Gentiles and Jews must need NOT the "WORK of the LAW" to BOAST of... However, Apostle James teaches that True Christians need to apply the Good (Righteous) WORK (Charity of Love) into their Lives taught by Christ Jesus towards their Neighbors/foes alike just as they loved themselves, to justify their FAITH in Christ Jesus... True Christians no longer need the "LAW of Moses/Mosaic" but they need the "LAW of Christ Jesus" to be SAVED... as simple as that... no contradiction between the two Apostles... if we analyze their teachings carefully with the guidance of the Holy Spirit... Facts and Truth of the Matters, Biblically and Logically speaking... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen.
It's amazing, that however we examine the Pauline epistles and James' epistle - whether grammatically, contextually, philosophically - we come to the same conclusion and the same harmony between both Paul and James. Defining justification as being made righteous, we are only made righteous by Christ's work and Christ's work alone and His work demands our faith. Defining justification as a demonstration of truth, our faith must be a genuine faith, demonstrated in our living - if we so trust in Christ, we live our lives in accordance to His word demonstrating that we have been made righteous in Christ, are being made righteous in Christ and will be righteous in Christ.
I agree that when we are born again we want to live a holy life pleasing to God in love towards him and other , but there is still verse in the Bible showing that even with 0 work we can still be saved. Romans 4:5 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. what would be your explanation for that?
@Elrood in this verse Paul is speaking that justification is not earned. Verse before Paul gives example of man who works and get rewarded or get payment for works but we are justified and saved by faith alone. Works that we do are not works that we do for salvation, actually they are God given works (Ephesians 2:10, philippians 2:13..)
@@Elrood the context of that verse is in relation to Abraham's faith in Genesis 15. Let's suppose God gave Abraham his promise, that he will make him a great nation through his children, but Abraham never tried to have children with Sarah, he actually fumbled by making a child with Hagar. Just keep reading Genesis , "“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”” Genesis 17:1-2 This is the same promise as in Genesis 15 where Paul quotes. You cannot deny a connection between the inward faith Abraham exhibited and his outward lifestyle which was living according to that promise. If Abraham did nothing was his faith alive or dead?
R C Sproul was a profound teacher! all his lectures inspire me and also challenge me to think deeper in matters of faith and reason. Ooh I love the way he aligned philosophy and Christianity to show us that even in these early and modern philosophers' ideas' that ever lived, there is something we can indeed learn from each idea coined out. MAY HIS LEGACY IMPACT MORE LIVES AND ALSO AWAKEN MORE CHRISTIAN THINKERS.
Our Faith in Christ Jesus thru the Grace of God is justified thru the "WORK OF FAITH" and not thru the "WORK OF LAW."... for "FAITH without WORK is a DEAD FAITH"... (James 2:14-26). Amen.
@@HonestAbe122 Which "WORK of FAITH" do Christians follow/obey?... Christ Jesus's COMMANDMENTS... Christ said, "If you LOVE (verb) Me (Christ), KEEP (verb) My Commandments."... "Whoever DOES (verb = do) the WILL of My Father, is my mother, brother, and sister... and will enter the Kingdom of Heaven"... "Pick up (verb = carry) your cross, and follow (verb = obey) Me (Christ)." Therefore, with all being said, Christians must/should still need (be required) to "DO GOOD WORK of Faith" (Charity of Love) to justify their FAITH in Christ... FAITH ALONE when somebody is not yet a Christian (Baptize/Born Again Spirit)... but after being a Christian already, FAITH is no longer ALONE... FAITH now comes along with Good Works/Acts/Deeds/Charity of Love called "WORK OF FAITH." ... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen and Amen.
@@HonestAbe122 Analogy... a Single Man is ALONE... but when the Man gets married... he is no longer ALONE but 2 Bodies (husband and wife) with united Spiritual Souls as ONE... the same analogy... FAITH ALONE is when the person is not yet a Christian... but after becoming a Christian, FAITH is no longer ALONE, but "FAITH and WORK" as ONE... Amen.
@@elikramer6740 Christian FAITH must manifest and justify through our DAILY Deeds/Acts/Works... What good is our FAITH if we do not practice what we believe in? In Revelation 20, on the Judgment Day of God, aside from God judging all His creations (visible and invisible) Christ Jesus, and the Saints will also be on the Judgment Seat to Judge, but only God will be the FINAL (last) JUDGE and the only one who has the AUTHORITY and POWER to CONDEMN anyone in the Eternal punishment of Hell... In the Gospel of John, the Gardener (God) will cut off/remove all Branches (Christians) attached to the True VINE (Christ Jesus) who does not BEAR FRUITS (no Good Works/Charity of Love toward their neighbors and foes alike) and throw them in the Fire (Eternal Hell)... God will judge us all based on our "WORK of/by/for FAITH."... Faith without (Good) Works/Acts/Deeds is a "Dead Faith" or "Untrue/Fake/Superficial Faith." (Ref. James 2). Facts and Truth without compromise. Biblically and Logically... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen and Amen.
Very insightful. One can learn so much just by listening to these servants of our dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of our Father who is in Heaven. Years after God called him home, the words of his faithful servant, RC Sproul, still echoes in the hearts of people and by the quickening of the Holy Spirit, leads people to the Lord and repentance of their sin through His blood He shed for us on the cross. To God all the majesty and glory for the life of RC Sproul here on earth.
Thank you so much. I just finished the book of James and I was really stuck on faith vs works, although I knew there was an answer. I can attest to your explanation of faith preceding justification and this faith is given not of ourselves but from God. When I was reborn I had no idea of any of this and had not read the Bible. But I noticed a change in my spirit when I was reborn again, like I was awakened from a spiritual death. I never take credit for it happening and now that I am reading the Bible it’s amazing that everything that has happened and is happening to me, is explained in the Bible.
Varieties of Religious Experience by William James is quite interesting. Also, the end stories in Dale Carnegie's Stop Worrying Start Living. Worth a read sometime
If James is the half brother of Jesus then why should James be trusted. Remember that Mary and her other children wanted to stop Jesus and stop his mission. James should be read with this in mind.
Thank God for answering this question through this Saint, I had just listened to James and was confused on this topic, but I already knew that we are saved by Faith and not by works, but fruit will always follow true faith
Fruit will always compete faith. Your faith is incomplete without good works. Your justification is only partial without confirming our lives to Jesus.
Another ONE of about 17 or 18 "pat passages" Reformed speakers take completely out of their historical context. John Six is more than 70 verses long. Jesus talks about the "Last Day" in a number of them. MANY of you don't even THINK that there is a "Last Day" coming - but there SURELY IS! It will look a lot like Mt. 25.31-46. Where will your "only believe" assurances get you then? The "lost" are stunned when King Jesus calls them out. I have already had my "day of correction" from Him. It was terrifying, and I changed my superficial attitude immediately afterwards. You don't know WHO you are playing theological games with! Try reviewing the life of King Saul for a warning. Time is QUICKLY running out from the "times of the gentiles." It's down to weeks and months now. The "years" have already long run out.
If you have faith it follows that your work will be according to the will of god. It doesnt mean that because you have faith you are free to violate the teaching of Christ. Good works also reflect your faith in the teaching of Christ.
Clearly said from John 3:36 that we all required/needed to "BELIEVE" (Faith) and "OBEY" (Obedient to follow) Christ Jesus, the Son of God (YHWH)... and not by FAITH ALONE... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus ... Amen.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
It would appear to me that there are two concepts of works being discussed here. The futile works of the law in context of the new Covenant vs the works of Faith that is a bearing of the fruit of faith that demonstrates the new life of the Believer.
28 BIBLICAL VERSES in the New Testament that support FAITH in Christ Jesus thru God's Grace needs/requires Good Works/Deeds/Acts of Charity of Love to thy neighbors/foes alike for our SALVATION: 1. Titus 1:16... "DISOBEDIENCE, disqualified for every good Works/Deeds/Acts." 2. Titus 2:7... "In all things, show yourself to be a pattern of Good Works/Deeds/Acts." 3. Titus 2:14... "And purify for Himself, His own special people, zealous for Good Works/Deeds/Acts." 4. Titus 3:1... "To obey to be ready for Good Works/Deeds/Acts." 5. Titus 3:8... " that those who have believed (Faith) in God should carefully maintain Good Works/Deeds/Acts." 6. Titus 3:14... " And let our People (Christians) learn to maintain Good Works/Deeds/Acts, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfaithful." 7. Ephesians 1:11... "In Him (Christ) we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him, who WORKS all things according to the Council of HIS Will." 8. Ephesians 2:10... "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for Good Works/Deeds/Acts, that God prepared beforehand that we should walk with them (Works)." 9. 1 John 2:17... "The way of (good) Works/Deeds/Acts is the way of Life, He who DOETH (Works/Deeds) the will of God, abides forever." 10. Romans 2:28... " And we know that for those who love God, all things WORK together for good, for those who are called to his/her purpose." 11. Matthew 7:21-23... "Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who DOETH (Works/Deeds) the WILL of my Father (God) in Heaven." 12. 2 Thessalonians 2:15..." So then Brethren, Stand firm and Hold (Works/Deeds) to the tradition taught by us (Apostles/Disciples), either by spoken word (oral tradition) or by our letters." 13. 2 Thessalonians 3:10... "For even when we are with you, we commanded you this, that if anyone will not WORK (good Deeds), neither you should Eat (reap your labor of Salvation)." 14. 2 Thessalonians 3:16... "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brethren who are Walking in Idleness (Lazy/No Works/Deeds) and not in accordance with the Tradition that you received from us (Apostles/Disciples).". 15. Ecclesiastes 9:10... "Whatever your hands find to DO (Works/Deeds), DOETH with your might, for there is no Work/Deed or Device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave that you are going." 16. Ecclesiastes 12:14... "For God will bring every Works/Deeds into Judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil." 17. 1 Corinthians 9:24... "Do you know in the race, all Runners (Believers/Christians) must RUN (do good Works/Deeds), but only one received the prize, so RUN in such a way to get a prize." 18. 2 Corinthians 5:10... "For we must all appear before the Judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done (Work) in the body, according to what he has done (Work), whether good or bad." 19. James 1:22... "But be DOERS (Workers) of the Words, and not hearers only, deceiving yourself." 20. James 3:13... "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his WORKS/DEEDS/ACTS are done in the Meekness of Wisdom." 21. James 2:14-26... "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has FAITH but does not have WORKS/DEEDS/ACTS, can Faith save him? But do you want to know O' foolish man that Faith without WORKS/DEEDS is Dead?... Was not Abraham our Father not JUSTIFIED by Works/Deeds when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see then that a man is JUSTIFIED by Works/Deeds and not by Faith only? Likewise, was not RAHAB, the Harlot was she JUSTIFIED by her Works/Deeds when she received the messengers and send them out in another way? For as the Body without the Spirit is Dead, so Faith without Works/Deeds is Dead also." 22. John 5:29... "those who did the Good DEEDS (Works/Acts) to a Resurrection of Life, and those committed the Bad/Evil Deeds (Works/Acts) to a Resurrection of Judgment." 23. John 15:1... "I AM the real VINE (Christ), My Father is the Gardener (Vinedresser), HE breaks/cut-off any Branches (Believers/Christians) attached in the VINE that does not BEAR FRUITS (No Good Works/Deeds/Acts)." 24. 2 Timothy 3:17... "That the Man of God may be Perfect (Complete), thoroughly furnished/equipped (may be fully capable), unto ALL (every) GOOD WORK/DEED." 25. 2 Timothy 4:7... "I have fought a good fight, I have finished (Good Works/Deeds) my course/race, and I have kept the Faith." 26. Revelation 19:7-8... "His Wife (Bride/Church) has made herself ready, and to her was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean, and bright, for the Fine Linen is the Righteous of ACTS (Work/Deeds) of the Saints." 27. Revelation 20:12... Then I saw the dead, great and small standing before God's throne, the books were opened, then another book was opened, which is the Boof of Life/Living, and dead were judged according to their WORKS/DEEDS/ACTS, by the things which were written in the Books." 28. Revelation 22:12... "Behold, I am coming quickly, and MY (Christ) Rewards is with ME (Christ) to give to every one according to his/her WORKS/DEEDS/ACTS." In Conclusion... FAITH in Christ thru God's Grace must and should LEAD/BEAR Good Fruits/Works/Deeds/Acts of Charity of Love to thy neighbors/foes alike for our Salvation.
Through faith in Christ, and in what He did for us, we receive the Holy Spirit that was lost in Adam and now dwells within all those who believe, making us alive to God but dead to the world. And, since Christ died for the sins of the world, there is no longer any sin that can cause the Holy Spirit to depart. Justified by faith alone. The only unpardonable sin is the sin if unbelief. If one does not believe they will not be made alive (born again) by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Works are evidence for men but not for God.
@@vladdragos501 Greetings. The simple answer is that James had his own understanding of the Gospel. His was one that believed that to be a follower of the Lord Jesus one must dedicate themselves to repentance from sin and obedience to the Law of Moses. If you read his letter with that in mind you can see that, from his perspective, we should be doers of the law. This is most evident in Act. 15:19-21 and Act 21:18-21. Even his letter starts by addressing the "twelve tribes". He wasn't referring to twelve tribes of Christian believers. It was to the Jews in the diaspora. What do you think?
@@vladdragos501 Are you assuming that Paul was referring to the New Testament? If anyone wishes to try and live a life of righteousness by observing the Mosaic Law, Jesus was very clear; 'be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect'. Jesus freed us from the requirements of the law. All of the law. If someone thinks they are keeping the law, they probably don't know the law. Jesus said, "If you love me you will keep my commands.". He never said you will try to keep them or give it your best effort. Paul is telling Timothy that those who are leaders in the church are to be held to a different standard. Makes sense to me. James says the same at the beginning of chapter three. In my opinion. God bless.
"All means all, I doubt that James wants us to keep the Law, he talks about any works. I might not understand what you are trying to say but Faith is like love, without works its useless for everyone, we are Saved by Faith alone but that Faith must be the one described by James and even Paul in Romans 6, it must be alive. Works or Living Faith (James 2, Romans 6) + works=hell Living Faith (James 2, Romans 6) + nothing=Heaven Also never measure your Faith by deeds, works come naturally (I had Living Faith before I knew about James 2 and Romans 6 because the Spirit was working, I didnt force myself to work for Salvation, the Spirit made me work while I kept my focus on Christ Alone for Salvation, it was natural not forced faith)." - My opinion Honestly Im glad we disagree and still talk normally ❤
Personally I believed God, but held back from accepting his offer of Heaven, et al because I didn’t want to do what he wanted to do. I wanted to be my own person, do what I wanted to do. But after much soul searching I decided God was smarter than I was and I would be better off doing what he wanted me to do, so I accepted his offer. I was 7 years years old at the time.
I read James 2 recently and was confused when the text seemed to directly contradict justification by faith alone. This is the explanation I was looking for. Thank you.
James wanted to stop Jesus' ministry. They thought Jesus was mentally ill. You should read his book with this in mind. Mark 3:21-22 When his family[b] heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” 22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
it is like faith is the thing that makes you to be saved, it is not your works proving you are worth of heaven. No works can save you cuz everybody fall short of God's grace, as paul said it. You should emphasize here being saved is not a reward, rather a gift of faith. Once you have faith, you are saved, and if you are really saved, you will act according to the holy spirit guidance. Then you will try to improve, trying to win the temptation by the help of the spirit. That proves youre saved. But it doesnt mean you will be some kind of glorified person that you can resist sin entirely. You may sin but you feel guilty and repent for it because of the holy spirit inside you. The spirit will guide you how to glorify God in your works. What matters is that you have genuine faith and then the spirit will really help you to good works, In resembling Christ, fulfilling the Father's will. That's why we say works follow faith, but not being a criteria to go to heaven. If we say works are really the criteria, then no one is going to heaven. Because your works should be according to the law. If you even keep the 9 laws and break the 1, it is as if you broke all the laws, then that makes you a bad person unworthy of heaven. Believing works as a criteria is expecting you deserve to be saved because you acted as the perfect person you can imagine, i mean, it also makes Christ crucifixion meaningless. Like if your works are going to save you, you are going to say, my works are the ones that define me, Christ's work is not gonna determine my position of being saved. I guess that makes it clear that it is the faith, not the works, makes you saved.
The Speaker of the presentation said (12:25 min. onward) "Now If I tell you here in this room today that I have SAVING FAITH, do you know for sure just because I said it that I have it? Can anybody in here read my heart?... "Of course not. The only way you can evaluate the TRUTH of my claim is to see if I manifest it in my life.." "By their FRUITS you shall know them," we are told... and even then we can fool people with rotten fruit that is phony fruit.".. "How long does God have to wait before He (God) knows whether my profession of Faith is genuine?"... Can HE (God) read my heart?... YES... (and so on...) Therefore, the speaker's conclusion was, (13:42 min. onward) St. Paul makes his point that we are justified by Faith apart from the works of the Law by pointing to Chapter 15, where Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness"... (while)... "St. James makes his case that Abraham is justified by WORKS by pointing to chapter 22, seven chapters difference actually, between chapter 15 and chapter 22, which is the chapter that tells about the sacrifice of Isaac on the altar." QUESTION: If God TRULY sees in Abraham's heart that he has TRUE (LIVING) FAITH (not dead faith) and was already JUSTIFIED by Faith apart from the WORKS... (logically speaking)... How come God needed/required to TEST Abraham's Faith by asking him to offer his only son Isaac as a sacrificial burnt offering if God knew Abraham's Faith is true (not dead Faith) and has already been justified in Chapter 15 as RIGHTEOUS??? In Genesis chapter 22, when God had stopped the hands of Abraham from killing his son, Isaac... God said, (paraphrased) "NOW I KNOW THAT YOU HONOUR (fear) AND OBEY GOD."... that means, God only knows that time Abrahams's TRUE FAITH whether Dead or Alive Faith is thru Abraham's Good WORKS (Bear Fruits)... not by FAITH ALONE... In conclusion, WORKS (good works/charity of love based on the Law of Christ) justified our FAITH in God's Eyes... Living FAITH must manifest thru our Good Works... Amen. John 15:5-7 (paraphrased) "I AM the VINE (Christ), you (believer with faith) are the BRANCHES, and my Father (God) is the GARDENER, any BRANCHES (w/ Faith) attached to the VINE that does not Bear Fruits (Good Works/Acts/Deeds) after the Gardener had pruned them, shall be cut off from the VINE (Christ) by the Gardener (God) and threw them into the fire (hell)."... not Saved. Logically speaking, what for was the ACT (Good Works/Deeds) of the Apostles if they only need FAITH Alone?... St. Paul said (paraphrased) "I CHASTISED myself from earthly matters, I FOUGHT a good fight (spiritual), I have KEPT the faith, I RUN to the fullest and I FINISHED the race"... Chastised, Fought, Kept, Run, and Finished are all VERBS (Good Acts/Works/Deeds)... Do our Good Works justify our Faith in the Eyes of God, just like Abraham's Faith with Work?... Definitely sure, YES... FAITH and WORK should go hand in hand for our Salvation... and not without the other... For what profit does a Man's Faith if he does not have Fruits (Good Works/Acts/Deeds)?.... Amen.
The common denominator between faith and deeds is the will of God. If you say you have faith but did not do the will of God, then it is useless. How can you do the will of God if you dont have faith? You see? Your faith is proven by doing what God wants you to do and without that faith you can't do what he asked you to do.
@@eightmiles3401 FREEWILL is the common denominator of FAITH (noun) and DEEDS/acts/works (verb)... God will not give the Gift of FREEWILL if man has NO capacity/power to CHOOSE... Satan has FAITH and DEEDS but chooses his own WILL to Evilness without the approval of God, however, God allowed it to happen... If EVERYTHING is in God's WILL, the Gift of Freewill has no effect at all... Take Note: the Bible said, "Detached Branches from the VINE (Christ) can NOT produce or bear FRUITS... However, Attached Branches (Christians) to the VINE (Christ) that do not BEAR FRUITS (without Deeds/Works/Acts of Love) after the Gardener (God) had pruned them, those Branches (Christians) will be cut off/removed by the Gardener (God) and throw them to the Fire (Eternal Condemnation)... (ref. John 15). No one can remove us from the Hands of Christ Jesus (VINE), but through our own doing (by free will) and from God who sees IDLENESS from us to do Good Works/ Deeds/Acts of Charity of Love to thy neighbors/foes alike... Amen. In conclusion, the NOTION of many Protestant Churches who had their FAITH in Christ by God's Grace through Baptism will AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCE/BEAR FRUITS without them doing NOTHING... such as Peace, Love, Hope, Patience, Endurance, Wisdom, etc... and we do not need to do any Deeds/Works/Acts of Charity of Love... because Christ has done ALL these things for us... we only need to BELIEVE, sit back, and enjoy SALVATION, that is all, period... NOPE, that is the misinterpretation from the passages of the Bible which Satan wants us to believe. The Promised of SALVATION is a PROCESS... the PROMISE is in the Future Perfect Tense, "SHALL/WILL BE SAVED"... It is not AUTOMATIC that we can produce SOMETHING (GOOD FRUITS) without doing ANYTHING after receiving our Faith in Christ by God's Grace... We have to DO SOMETHING to produce SOMETHING... we need to SEEK (verb) first the Kingdom and Righteousness of God, and ALL shall be added unto us"... ASK (verb) and you shall receive, SEEK (verb) and you shall find, KNOCK (verb) and the door shall be opened unto you... Otherwise, why will Christ Jesus command (us) those with Faith in Christ by God's Grace to "CARRY (verb/work/act/deed) OUR CROSS (Yoke/Task) and FOLLOW (verb/word/act/deed) HIM (Christ)."... if we just only need to BELIEVE (nothing else), unless you are dying in bed or like the Thief on the cross... logically speaking. Facts and Truth of the Matter, Biblically and Logically speaking... Glory, Praise, and Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen and Amen.
@@eightmiles3401 God (YHWH) knows EVERYTHING for He is ALMIGHTY GOD, however, God allowed it to happen because of God's GIFT of FREEWILL to both Mankind and Heavenly creatures (Cherubim, Sarafim, Archangel, watchers, etc.)... no matter what the consequences and outcomes are... Again, if Everything is in God's Will as the common denominator which you claimed... Christ Jesus would NEVER ask from His Father, " Let this cup pass from ME, not my WILL but yours be done," since everything is the WILL of God... When Lucifer became Satan, was that the WILL of God?... NOPE... but God allowed it to happen due to their own FREEWILL... Facts and Truth of the Matters, Biblically and Logically speaking... Praise be to God in Christ... Amen
Jesus and his apostles taught faith and works. Paul gave over emphasis on Grace. But works is also necessary for salvation. That's what the parable of the talents teach us.
Amen. It is sad, the moment you share the supporting scriptures to confirm works are necessary for salvation, you are instantly attacked with words of "You are prideful" or "That's your own righteousness, not His". The biblical evidence is overwhelming, yet most choose to ignore or twist the scriptures to their own demise. Proverbs 7:1-3 NKJV [1] My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. [2] Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. [3] Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. Luke 10:25-28 NKJV [25] And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [26] He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” [27] So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” [28] And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” John 5:28-29 NKJV [28] Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice [29] and come forth-those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. Romans 2:12-13 NKJV [12] For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law [13] (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified; Hebrews 5:8-9 NKJV [8] though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. [9] And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, Revelation 22:14 NKJV [14] Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.
Works are a natural expression of your faith. Both scriptures are correct. Faith first and then when you believe you will naturally express your faith.
There is no contradiction with what Paul states in Roman's and what James states in his letter. Paul states that there can be no salvation through works, mankind cannot work their way into heaven, it must be "faith" alone. James states that "faith" must show itself by some outward display, show itself by an outward demonstration. The examples that James gives all start out with the person having faith and then displaying that faith through outward action. That's why James says faith without works means nothing. The world is filled with words and no action; the same for the church, much speaking but no action. Don't say you're full of God's love if you're not displaying it to the down and out, to the least in your world.
So true. People often trip over the fact that both James and Paul use the word, "works" , despite them clearly using it to mean different things. Rather, you see they are very much in agreement when you read Hebrews 11, which pretty much says the same thing as James, but in Paul's words this time. Paul speaks of faith as a package (I believe and so I do/act upon my belief), whilst James opens up the package to show us that *neither actions alone, nor belief alone is enough, but they need to be coupled.* There is no contradiction.
@Narrow Way To Life *“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.”* (Romans 14:1-6 NKJV). Whether one celebrates the Sabbath on Saturdays, Sundays or everyday is not important, as the Sabbath means more than a day off. Let us make sure that I'm whatever we do we do it for God!
@Narrow Way To Life when we use terms like "professed Christians" we should be careful of falling into being judgemental as there is no love in that. Though I'd prefer to not argue about these matters the core of your argument is quite problematic and as such, I feel I need to address it: Particularly around these points: "Also Jesus gave clear direction on clean and unclean food." "Many professed Christians read Paul's letters as scripture. [...] No NT was written yet while Jesus was alive. [...] Jesus' word is the scripture." Firstly, Jesus never taught that there are clean foods or unclean foods. Rather, when the Pharisses raised this same stance you are bringing He said, *"When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”*_ (Matthew 15:10-11 NKJV), and further explained to Peter saying, *"So Jesus said, **_“Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”_** "* (16-20) Jesus was clearly not in support, nor focused on clean or unclean foods. That was a carnal interpretation of a much deeper more important spiritual law, as most of the old law is. Be it Sabbaths, foods, marrying outside the house of Israel and so on. The same could very easily be said of the Sabbath as the reading you actually quoted where Jesus said He is the Lord of the Sabbath is also one where he 'disobeyed' the Sabbath as Jews practiced it. Now onto the more worrying point, your argument that Paul's writing can not be taken as scripture can also be used to disregard the whole new testament, and even the Bible. In the reading you quoted, 2 Peter 3:15-17, Peter says *"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, **_as they do also the other scriptures,_** unto their own destruction."* If you are to claim it is a warning against Paul, it is also very much a warning against the Bible in its entirety as he makes it clear it is not just Paul's writing but scripture in its entirety that people twist and wrest. What Peter is saying is precisely what Paul said in 1 Cor 2 and 2 Cor 3, that scripture is veiled. I used to also believe there were contradictions in scripture, but as I grew in my relationship with God I came to realise there are none. Paul's teachings are aligned with Jesus'. In fact, Paul expands on what Jesus taught in such a beautiful way that it testifies of God's intercession as how else would he be able to do so having never met Him? So did Paul really teach contrary to Jesus in 1 Cor 8? Well, what did he say, did he tell us to eat food from idols (and in the sense Jesus is speaking about in Rev 2)? No, he said that food neither commends us to God or separates us from Him, but rather our disposition in our heart (as Jesus said in Matthew 15 I might add). That is why he spends most of the chapter speaking about the very real dangers of doing it saying: *"However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse. But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble."* (1 Cor 8:7-13 NKJV). I don't think the sin Jesus spoke of in Rev 2 is that they eat the food, inasmuch as that they ate it as food offered to idols. I hope you are having a blessed sabbath nonetheless! Sorry for the long response, was concerned so tried to be meticulous. God bless!
At the 10 minute mark he guesses James is talking to people who just made a profession of faith, nothing like adding to scripture. In John 15 we see people who were "in Christ" who were not producing fruit. they had saving faith they were in Him but no fruit, the reason the people in James did not have works was not because their faith was bad. they had good faith but it was dead because they did not have works with it read the passage again the quality of their faith is never in question, it was whether they added works to it. weather it was completed. Paul also says we are justified by works Romans 2::13 when we stand before Jesus at the final judgement our faith is not even mentioned rather we get eternal life based on what we added to our faith. Jn5:28&29,Matt 5:31-46, Romans 2:6-10, so you see it is really Jesus, Paul and James vs Luther. Always go to the conclusion, that is the final judgement to see how we are eternally saved . Blessings
I believe the answer is simple: 1. Shaul haShaliach (Apostle) talks about justification by faith vertically, God justifies sinner, without works. 2. Yakov (James) talks about horizontal justification between men. Our sanctification must lead to have our faith justified before men, for them to believe. Simple.
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, *according to their works.* And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man *according to their works."* (Rev 20:12,13)
@@TheBibleSays ... I John 3:23 “And this is his commandment, That we should *believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ*, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.”
@Narrow Way To Life ... And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Salvation has always been by faith. The difference is the audience and the way God is dealing with his people in that time period. As for Paul he is writing to the Body Of Christ in this present age of grace which we are neither Jew nor Gentile but one spirtual body redeemed by Christ faith. It really is as easy as believing and receiving. That being said we all realize that what we believe is what drives our actions so there should be fruit but it may not be fruit that everyone else sees. Even Paul makes reference to not doing the things he knows are right and doing the things he knows is wrong. But his message is one of grace and thank God he is speaking to us in Paul’s epistles. On the other hand James is very clear from the very beginning that he is addressing the 12 tribes scattered abroad. This is clearly the tribulation and the Jews that will not take the mark and will have to endure to the end. They will be running for there lives and the Holy Spirit will not seal them to the day of redemption like we so freely enjoy the benefit of today. We will have already been caught up to me Jesus in the air. (Raptured) so when James says salvation plus works he is speaking of the new covenant that we are not a part of as the Body Of Christ , we were a mystery hid in God before the world began and are not the subject of Old Testament prophecy. Those prophecy’s concern Israel and the covenant God made with them. The prophecies line up with James but not with Paul’s epistles. So during the tribulation you will have to prove you faith by your works but today it isn’t required. To put it simply we live from the acceptance of Christ and they under the new covenant will have to live for the acceptance of Christ. They live in constant fear of loosing salvation and turning back to perdition and if they do they are dammed. Paul never says anything in reference to loosing anything but reward for service. We have the privilege to live in the greatest time that God ever designed and all he asks through Paul is that we are thankful and don’t abuse it. But if you are unthankful and do abuse grace you will not loose your salvation because you are sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption! Praise the Lord and Amen!
Christ be with you Rom 4:5 is speaking of works of the Law specifically King David's forgiveness without animal sacrifice. It is not talking of Good works because St Paul has just said Faith must uphold the Law. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.(rom 3:31) You need to read the bible not just proof texts God bless you
There are plenty of people who can Appear to be faithful and show fruits of the spirit. However you are only saved by grace. We cannot work our way there. However if you are saved fruits will and should be there.
Christ be with you No that is false. St James speaks of Abraham being justified on the Altar with Isaac.(James 2:20-24) If we look to see what happened we see this was his obedience before God (Gen 22:9-18) God bless you
@@saintmike7709 Christ be with you so you would rather look for an exception than listen to God word. to answer your question however the thief was not an exception. He defended Jesus while going to his own death. One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” *But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?* *And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said,* “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Come to Christ
Nowhere does the Bible teach final justification by faith/belief “alone.” That is a one-sided Reformation/Protestant distortion of the full and balanced teaching of Holy Scripture, which warns against “faith alone.” James 2:24 teaches explicitly against one-sided “faith alone” distortions: ὁρᾶτε ὅτι ἐξ ἔργων δικαιοῦται ἄνθρωπος καὶ οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως μόνον “you see that a man is justified from works, and not from faith alone.” Even the phrase “pístis alone” (which Saint Paul never uses) would not necessarily mean simple “faith alone” in English, and definitely not mere “belief alone.” The Cambridge Greek Lexicon (2021) defines pístis (πίστις) as trust, faith, belief, trustworthiness, honesty, loyalty, credibility, creditworthiness, etc. The ESV and numerous Protestant translations translate pístis (πίστις) as “faithfulness” in the virtue-list in Galations 5:22-23: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness (pístis), [23] gentleness, and self-control (egkráteia)” (ὁ δὲ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματός ἐστιν ἀγάπη χαρὰ εἰρήνη, μακροθυμία χρηστότης ἀγαθωσύνη, πίστις [23] πραΰτης ἐγκράτεια). 1 Corinthians 6:9 teaches: Ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἄδικοι θεοῦ βασιλείαν οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν; μὴ πλανᾶσθε “Do not be deceived: Do you not see that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Then the saint gives a vice-list of the types of sins that can exclude one from salvation at the Final Judgment according to works. We need to return to Apostolic-Patristic doctrine on justification and final judgment, and we must jettison both medieval Latin distortions and Reformation/Protestant overreactions. “Struggle for the truth until [your] death, and the Lord God will fight for you” (ἕως θανάτου ἀγώνισαι περὶ τῆς ἀληθείας, καὶ κύριος ὁ θεὸς πολεμήσει ὑπὲρ σοῦ, Sirach 4:28)
Well said. Easy truths. Paul can be hard to read but it's pretty clear he believes your works will 100% contribute to future justification in the judgement. We are either loyal to Jesus/theGospel/God or were not. How can Paul say, to justified Christians who had received the spirit, that if they practice certain sins, they will n o t inherit the Kingdom if works don't matter. And if we're talking about good works Paul encourages it in the Christian walk and considers it a necessity AND staple toward future salvation.
James is not speaking about eternal life or salvation. The whole book of James is about how to "save your soul/life." It is your temporal life here after you believe in Christ. James from first to last is reiterating the importance of endurance during trials, obedience to the Word, obedience to the royal law of liberty which is "love your neighbor as yourself." Obedience and endurance will "save the soul/life" of the believer. It will save them from the consequences of sin and God's judgement for breaking the royal law. This is alluded to in the parable in Matt. 18:23-35. The whole idea that we have to prove our faith to men is absurd. Our works themselves declare us righteous. There is no mention of faith and works justifying us before God or that we are to have a faith that proves itself "authentic" through works. Faith and Works are necessary to save the life of believers. Just as James says in James 5:19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. James is speaking truths found in Psalms, Proverbs, and Job. Job's life/works and endurance/obedience under trial saved his soul/life. And because he obeyed he received the temporal reward for his obedience while he was still alive. Just as in Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. It seems most Christians today don't care about the blessings/rewards of living an obedient life. Just to be clear, I'm not promoting a Health/Wealth Gospel. But simply stating the truths found in the Psalms. Proverbs, and Job. If you want a blessed life, it will be a life of obedience/good works.
Revelation 2:23 I will give to every one of you according to your WORKS. James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without WORKS is dead Janes 2:24 Ye see then how that by WORKS a man is justified, and not by faith only Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Rev. 20-12 breaks the tie for me. There are also many other places where Jesus talk about burning up the unproductive vines. We must give an account of our lives. Not just a confirmation of belief.
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but BELEVETH on Him who JUSTIFIETH the UNGODLY, his faith is counted for righteousness. Faith alone apart from any works. Lots of people do good works, but they have never done the will of His Father in heaven. John 6;40 and John 6:29. Matthew 7:21-23. They trusted in what they did, not what Jesus did for us. They trusted in their own works, not the blood of Jesus that covers all our sin. Galatians 2:21 I do not void the grace of God, for if RIGHTEOUSNESS come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Romans 4:6.
@@jonny87kz Faith is apart from works or action. Faith is believing and receiving the free gift of God by a one time faith alone in Jesus finished work on the cross alone. Romans 6:23. For the penalty for sin is death, but the GIFT of God is ETERNAL LIFE, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 11:6. All grace, what Jesus did for us, apart from any works. To add one work to grace is to pervert the gospel of grace and makes the cross of no effect. Galatians 2:21. Works for the believer will be rewarded in heaven. First Corinthians 3:11-15. Works can add nothing to the free gift of eternal life. John 3:18. Believers can no longer be condemned, but UNBELIEVERS are condemned already because they have not believed on the name of the Son of God. First John 5:13. These things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God, that ye may KNOW YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. John 6:40. John 6:29. John 6:47. John 5:24. Gods promises to us.
One can 'not' receive His salvation with works - but 'clearly' evidence of a person's given gift should become part of who they are. Separate from the world - that you would not hide your light and instead allow all to see the Glory given you, of the Heavenly Father’s grace. Again, clearly, this is a holy balance balance between grace & evidence. By the way - God does all in His timing and possibilities. Think about it - the thief on the cross who, before passing, asked Jesus ... Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. The grace freely given and with 'no' works was the changing/inner ignited alteration of his heart. Yet, the words the thief spoke to the Lord 'was' his work/expression of faith. Even though all we may do through righteousness is as filthy rags, certainly compared to all things that are from above. We still need/are required, I would dare say, to do our part in bringing - "earth as it is in heaven!"
James 1:1 settles the entire issue. James was written to Hebrews, the 12 tribes of Israel. Specifically. This was written knowing Romans 10:12 “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” So why would James make a distinction? Because he was writing to his unsaved jewish brethren who would be going through the Tribulation where it will be a WORKS based salvation. Not a faith only based salvation like we enjoy during this present Church Age. When you read Gods Word in context (and James establishes that context from the first verse) it all makes total and complete sense. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the word of truth.”
James 2:22,24, 'you seen that ....' - we humans can see if a person is justified by faith by the works of that person... We can see Rahab's faith by her works... RC❤️
"And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And *the angel of the LORD* called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for *now I know* that thou fearest God, seeing *thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me."* (Gen 22:10-12).
@@TheBibleSays Titus 3:3-5, For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit...
11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before [c]God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second [d]death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
QUESTION... if Abraham was justified by FAITH alone by God after seeing Abraham's Faith manifest alive on him as R.C. Sproul claimed... then, why did God require to TEST Abraham's (alive) Faith if he was already justified before he sacrificed his only son Isaac?... Does not make any sense what R.C. Sproul claimed... Only AFTER that angel had stopped the hands of Abraham from harming his son, that Abraham's FAITH justified PERFECTLY in the Eyes of God from that moment in time... If God knew from the start whether our FAITH manifest is Alive or Dead... what for would Christ Jesus say, "Those who ENDURE (Persevere) to the END will be Saved?" (ref. Matt. 24:13)... Even St. Paul's Faith and Work endures until he was beheaded... In Conclusion... St. Paul taught JUSTIFICATION by Faith Alone... while Apostle James taught "PERFECT JUSTIFICATION" by Faith (Belief) and Work/Obey (Obedient to follow/to bear fruits/to carry our cross/to love charity)... Therefore, we can be justified by FAITH but only through/by WORK/OBEY/FOLLOW that we are made PERFECT and be SAVED... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen.
Nobody is trying to refute anybody. The way I understand it is that faith doesn't simply mean to believe but to actually be faithful. Like in John 14:15 Jesus says: if ye love me, keep my commandments. God saw that Abraham was faithful when he was about to sacrifice Isaac. I have been reading the Didache and the Church fathers and it seems that is how they understood it. According to the Didache you have to be in communion with a Bishop of apostolic succession and taking the eucharist to be part of the church.
That’s how understood it as well. Faith includes trust in Christ and that we abide in him so we can bear good fruit (John 15). So no it’s not works, but abiding and trusting in Christ leads us to bear good works/fruit.
The book of James is written by a Jew to Jewish believers, at a time that the Christian church was mainly Jewish. The book of James is written in a very simple style.......and is written like Old Testament wisdom literature.
@@alexair7936 Alex.........It is Islam that claims the Quran was dictated to Mohammed and he just wrote it down. Orthodox Christianity teaches the Holy Spirit inspired ordinary men ( old and new testament) to write Scripture. So.......Alex, do you not understand this?
Does it really matter when there is no more distinction between Jews (chosen) and Gentiles (adopted) when it comes to the teaching(s) of CHRIST ... that to inherit or have a share in (not earn or attain) the grace of everlasting/eternal life is through "faith AND good works" (both are inseparable *"works of love"* ) in Lk 10:25-37 ?
I'm Catholic and I have come to appreciate R.C.'s gracious manor that he exhibited while still alive. As far as this presentation (except for the several differences I picked up on e.g. my understanding of Baptismal Regeneration and the differences I see between the 'works of law' i.e. the OT Mosaic rituals including circumcision, and what I call the NT law of grace and love) R.C. and I hold the same understanding of faith + works (i.e.fruit expressed in works of love). I think, in some ways, we may believe in the same thing in essence but we used different terminology and paradigms to express our views. It's analogous to speaking two different languages requiring translation. Even so, R.C. and I would readily admit our obvious differences in some things concerning this topic.
Was the thief on the cross justified by faith apart from works? Yes. Romans 4:5. Faith alone apart from works. James was writing to BRETHREN. All ready saved believers. He was telling them to go on to good works for profit/rewards in heaven. First Corinthians 3:11-15. IF we have no good works we will have no rewards in heaven. Good works could never save a sinner. Salvation is by faith apart from works. Good works for the believer will be rewarded in heaven. Jesus said even a cup of cold water given in my name will be rewarded in heaven. Salvation by works never works. Romans 11:6. God is not the author of confusion. John 3:16. Jesus said it, we believe it, and that settles it. First John 2:2. First John 5:13.
I hate to be the one to break this to you a year later but the theif on the cross went to paradise...the good side of sheol...just like Jesus did according to Peter...where he preached to the turkeys on the bad side of sheol from the time of the flood. Paradise is not heaven. Check your Greek. And what do you know of the theif and his life. Romans weren't crucified. He was probably a jew who got in a bad spot and stole. How many people do you know who lived generally good live and then made one big mistake. Read what jesus taught. Not what paul mused.
@@the.mr.nobody Jesus said, John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, will not come into judgement, but is passed from death unto life. John 6:40. And this is the will of Him who sent me, that ALL that Seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up on the last day. John 3:18 Believers are no longer condemned, but unbelievers are condemned already because they have not believed on the name of the Son of God John 12:32 I, if I, be lifted up will draw all men to me. John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me HATH EVERLASTING LIFE. John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that HE gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM, should not perish, but HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE. John 6:29. Jesus, answered, and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on the one He has sent. John 1:12 But as many as received Him to them gave He POWER to become the children of God, even to them that BELIEVE on HIs name. John 3:18. The gospel Paul preached. First Corinthians 15:1-4. That Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, that he was buried and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. Romans 1:16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the POWER of God unto salvation to everyone that BELIEVETH, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Galatians 1:6-9 Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that we have preached unto you, LET HIM BE ACCURSED. As we said before, so say I again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received from us. LET HIM BE ACCURSED. Hebrews 13:5. For He hath said, I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. John 6:37. I will never cast you out.
@@RisenWithJesus Yes. I try to preach the good news of the gospel to everyone that will listen. That is the great commission. To go into all the world and preach the good news of the gospel. First Corinthians 15:1-4. That Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, that HE was buried and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. First Corinthians 1:21 For after that, by the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching to save them that BELIEVE. John 3:16-18. First John 5:13. John 10:28-29. Hebrews 13:5. See you in heaven.
The works in James 2 and Galatians 2, Ephesians 2, Romans 3 are not the same. Here lies our misunderstanding of justification by faith. It is because in the Letters of Paul, justification is not by works of the law (ceremonial Jewish laws such as circumcision), while in James, works is what we do in obedience of the law (the commandments as in ‘love your neighbor’). Meaning, Paul and James are speaking of different kinds of work, they do not contradict each other. Paul wrote about works of the law because the Jews boast that they are special, they are circumcised, unlike the Gentiles. So my friends, follow James by loving your neighbor, doing good works, and you will be saved. Follow Paul and don’t boast that you were circumcised and you wash your hands before eating and you refrain from eating pork and shellfish.
So, if I'm understanding Sproul correctly here, there are two kinds of faith spoken of in scripture: a 'living faith' that leads to life, and a 'dead faith' that leads to condemnation. James makes the distinction that without works, faith is dead, while Paul asserts that a living faith is an obedient faith (essentially saying that an obedient faith will reflect acts of work as a natural outflow from a regenerated heart). It should then be noted then that 'obedience' is an act of 'works', so both James and Paul are saying the same basic thing. If this is the case, then when we read the passages that seem to assert the 'faith alone' perspective, we are to actually read that the 'faith' in those verses is intrinsically demonstrating 'acts of works/obedience being a 'living faith'. In neither case, nor in this video, is the 'work/obedience' defined clearly apart from James giving an example of reacting to a poor brother or sister in Christ. What specifically are we to be in obedience to and how extensive is it? We know that the Law of Moses (the 5 early books of the OT) does not apply to us and neither is it even capable of saving anyone. Jesus at the cross supersedes the Law, but does that mean that the 10 Commandments, a part of the Law, are not edicts we are to follow? Surely they have a place in any Christian's life, if indeed they are not universal. The scriptures give clarity to this question. In Luke 10:27, Jesus says, "Love the Lord God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. Do this and you will inherit eternal life". We get more in Mathew 19:17-19, "But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments", and when asked which ones, He replies, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself". We then read in John 3, "Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. You must be born again". Are these the kind of things that James speaks of as 'works' and that Paul supposedly alludes to in his 'faith alone' (living faith) preaching? I believe it is. Salvation by a living faith, is still a free gift because without Christ, works of any kind would matter not, and being that no one can work for that gift to earn it or 'replace' it with good works, the gift of faith is purely an act of God. But, if believing in one's heart upon Jesus isn't an act of works, can the same be said of confessing with thy mouth that belief or being baptized in water? Both are connected in scripture to being saved. Ultimately, do acts of obedience, according to scripture, have anything to do with our being saved. There are indeed verses that strongly imply that a faith devoid of works/obedience - a dead faith - will end badly for such questionable believers. The parable of the master leaving and entrusting his servants to perform to his word, only to return and find that one did next to nothing - that servant did not end well. There is also 1 Timothy 4:1, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits...". One can't depart without first being, and obviously these ones chose not to follow in obedience. But, it could not be more clearly said than what Jesus said in Rev.3: "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels". You can't have your name blotted out if its not first written there, and that by not 'overcoming' (works of some kind) one can lose his place in salvation. This verse also implies a working relationship involving at least time with prayer and supplication to overcome. It is not a case of it being like a toilet seat salvation - up, then down, then up again, and so on, all predicated on whether or not one sinned yesterday but not today, only to sin again the following day. God knows the heart and whether one's struggle with sin is genuine or not - Rev. 2:5, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place - unless you repent" (is this what happened to the 5 virgins that didn't make it?). Yes, you must believe in Christ. Yes, you must confess Christ. Yes, you must be born again of the Spirit. But, don't think for one minute that obedience to the commandments of God are unimportant...according to scripture, your salvation may very well depend on it. With hearing/reading comes knowledge, and with knowledge comes faith - a living faith - and with such faith comes redemption. Hoping to see you all soon
Not if your faith is DEAD, that's for those who have a living faith of which they use to do the will of the Father. If your just sitting there like a bump on a log and not being moved by the Holy Spirit to come here or go there, to do this or do that, then your faith is DEAD. A dead faith does NOT justify us.
Our salvation is like a door on the outside it says "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) When we have entered trough the Door and look back, it says: For many are called, but few are chosen.”Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” So if one beliefs that we have a free will and not God but we are choosing, and have the ability to accept or reject Jesus by our will and action. Then you are still gazing at the outside of the door.
The problem I see here is the timing ,the moment of faith vs. Salvation...Salvation doesn't happen somewhere down the line when you demonstrate works and obedience...that would be a 100% works Gospel. It happens the moment ,the very instant you believe in Christ . You are given at that point 40 things including being placed in union with Christ...Act:16 :39 .So how can any thing the new believer does or does not do after they are saved ,,have any effect on his or her salvation...They are saved before heor she, takes one step into the Christian life...Christ did all the work ...we believe...that is it...Now if he or she fails in the Christian life ,and there initial faith dies, ( that is a faith they demonstrated at the point of faith and faith alone in the finished work of Christ on the cross .That person is saved but minus blessings...not to mention a possible sin unto death penalty . None of us deserve salvation remember that..regardless wether we are good or bad..
Somebody should have told poor old St. Paul that he was actually more powerful than God. He wondered his whole life if he would finish the race. If only this "you are the judge, God has no power over you" theology had been available to St. Paul.
You are missing the point. The discussion is wether faith is present or not. Anyone can claim he has faith . But real faith is followed by works. You can not say you have faith in Jesus yet deny everything He says and refuse to walk in Godliness. Real faith will lead you to relationship with God. Salvation is not empty words but a real encounter with God. Everyone who have that encounter with God will walk in Godliness.
@@joshracheltonhorai8482 faith is what the martyrs had. That certainly was't simple intellectual assent. Faith is complete trust that if you give your earthy life to Him, He will give His eternal life to you. It's TRUST, not man made assurance.
@@joshracheltonhorai8482 I think you are missing my point by a mile. Exactly what faith are you talking about when you say "whether faith is present". It sound to me like the faith that is developed from the intake of Bible Doctrine as we grow spiritually. I am referring to the very act of faith Act:16:31 , at the moment of faith in Christ for eternal salvation...This is a one time act that puts us in Union With Christ, a position in which it is impossible to get out of. I anyone claims this faith ,they are saved forever.
My understanding of "Justification by Faith Alone" means thru the Grace of God, "FAITH" alone (not work) must come FIRST before "GOOD WORKS" (Charity of Love/Deeds) begins/starts... It can not be WORK alone first before FAITH or both Faith and Work thru Grace justifies us at "the same time"... Our Faith Alone in God must come "FIRST" to each individual, then through our Faith in God... Good Works (Charity of Love/Deeds) will manifest or reflect on us thru the grace of God in Christ Jesus... Yes, it is true... the Bible said, "FAITH without WORK is a dead faith"... but it did not say,... "WORK without FAITH is a dead work."... Christ said, No works/deeds of man can be justified in the sight of God unless Faith thru Grace of God must come first to man... and that Faith is thru HIs Son, Christ Jesus... after that, our Charity of Love/Deeds begins/starts throughout our life in Christ and that is where our DEEDS will be judged by God on His Judgement Day (Rev. 20:12 / Roman 2:6/14:10-12)... Therefore, FAITH "alone" must come FIRST before Good Works (Charity of Love/Deeds) begins/starts for those who truly repented and believe in God... Can not be the other way around... Amen.
Word of God does not ever contradict itself. James is about profitability to man. To be justified before man with faith plus works. If you say you have faith but don't show any good works, then man will not believe you have that claimed faith. If you have faith but no works, then you are of no use to man but still saved by grace through faith because it is not of yourself or works lest you boast. We are justified by faith before God. 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. Paul addresses this: Roman 4 4 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
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This message is from Dr. Sproul’s 10-part teaching series Justified by Faith Alone. Watch the entire series: www.ligonier.org/learn/series/justified-by-faith-alone
Thanks Ligonier Ministries & May Our Great Almighty God Bless Yu & R. C. Sproul So Very Much.
Thank you guys for releasing this!!
Thank you so much Ligonier for the resources. Such a huge help and blessing. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you always...
though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge ???
though I have all faith ???
though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor ???
though I give my body to be burned ???
and have not charity
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (KJV) -
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Abraham was deemed a *believer* - and was justified to God (Gen 22:11,12) - because he acted on His faith and obeyed God. He left for the promised land (re: Heb 11:8), and later offered Isaac. His obedience made his faith alive and complete. His obedience was his "works" (nothing to do with "works of the the law" (Romans 3,4,5), and nothing to do with "good works" done for others (Eph 2:9,10)). For his obedience he was deemed a believer, and was justified to God . . . *"and not by faith only."* Here's James:
▬ "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:20-24)
So we see that true *_believing_* goes beyond "faith only"; believers are those who act on their faith and obey God. Otherwise, faith is dead.
Today Jesus is
▬ "the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him" (Hebrews 5:9)
=====================
Please do no be confused about "works." *"Works" refers to different things, depending on the context.* When Paul says "not by works" in Romans 3, 4, 5 he was referring to the "deeds" or _works of the law._ That context was established clearly in Romans 3:20 and 28.
Same goes for "good works" or deeds, Eph 2:9, 10. No one is saved by doing good works, nor is anyone saved by doing the works of the law.
Abraham's "works" was his obedience. Through faith he saw he had a choice: to step out and obey, or not. He acted on his faith: He chose to obey. For that he was deemed a believer . . . "and not by faith only."
Salvation is by grace, received "through" faith (Eph 2:8) . . . *not* just because we _have_ faith. By or through faith we can "see" the choice - and the need - to "come to God." Without faith God that exists and rewards, we would not see the choice, and it would be impossible to come to Him and please Him:
▬ "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
It is coming to God on His terms that pleases Him -not faith alone. Faith is the "gift of God" (Eph 2:8) to call us. Question is, will we answer the call and come to God on His terms?
God's terms is repentance: God
▬ "now commands all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30). If we'll obey, we'll enter His promised mercy:
▬ "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Proverbs 28:13)
And our past sins will be "blotted out":
▬ "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19, NKJV).
And we'll receive the gift of the holy spirit:
▬ "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)
▬ "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him." (Acts 5:32)
That's right: "faith alone" is not enough, we must act on our faith: we must obey and come to God in repentance. For *that* we please Him, and receive his promised mercy, and receive remission of past sins (Rom 3:25; 2 Peter 1:9) and receive the gift of the holy spirit (Acts 2:38, 5:32) . . . by which we enter "the presence of the Lord" (re: Acts 3:19).
Jesus said "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:5; also 2 Pet 3:9). Now it becomes clear that "believeth in Him" in John 3:16 involves much more than "faith alone." As per Abraham's example, believing goes beyond "faith alone" or "just trust."
Faith is "the gift of God" (Eph 2:8), given to us to call us. Question is, will we answer the call and obey, coming to God on His terms? If we'll obey, we'll enter His promised mercy and grace. Grace does not have to be earned or worked for. Grace _cannot_ be earned or worked for. But God has _conditions_ for receipt of His grace: it's _promised_ - and given freely - to those who follow His instructions.
Paul teaches how you are saved and James teaches how a saved person lives.
Our works are the visible manifestations of faith. Faith is the inward motivation for works.
Great summation.
I posted something very similar on a "free grace" channel, and was told I'm believing a false gospel. They come across as saying "unless you stay in your sins, you are not really saved". They have gone off the charts now.
@@doriesse824 Faith apart from any works for salvation. Good works for the believer for rewards in heaven. First Corinthians 3:11-15. Good works could never pay for sin. Romans 3:23. Romans 3:9-10. First Corinthians 1:21. Acts 16:31. First John 1:8.
@@jimkraft9445 Off topic.
@@doriesse824 The topic is, can you lose eternal life? Can you earn eternal life? No. We have to be perfect to go to heaven. Romans 4:6. Just as David describeth the blessedness of the man to whom the Lord IMPUTETH righteousness, APART FROM WORKS. Blessed is the man whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not IMPUT SIN. Why? Because Jesus died for all the sins of the whole world. First John 2:2. Romans 1:16. Romans 11:6. If we could be saved by what we do or do not do, then Jesus died for nothing. Galatians 2:21. I do not void the grace of God, for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
First John 5:13. These things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God, THAT YE MAY KNOW YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. John 6:47. John 6:40. John 6:29. Jesus, answered, and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on the one He has sent. We only have to believe it one time to be saved forever.
John 10:28-29. And I give unto them ETERNAL LIFE, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. God never gave anyone temporary life, or probationary life. He only gives ETERNAL LIFE. John 6:47. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that BELIEVETH on Me HATH, (PRESENT TENSE) EVERLASTING LIFE. God cannot lie. John 5:24. John 3:18. Second Corinthians 9:15. Thanks be to God for His UNSPEAKABLE GIFT, ETERNAL LIFE. Romans 6:23.
After we are saved, by believing the gospel, First Corinthians 14:1-4, and Ephesians 1:13-14, Now we can earn rewards in heaven for discipleship. First Corinthians 3:11-15. And we can be chastened by the Lord for living in sin. Colossians 3:5-6. But our relationship as a child of God never changes. Only our fellowship can be broken by sin.
First John 1:8. IF we say we have no sin, we are deceived and the TRUTH is not in us. We are all born sinners. We must be born again. Ephesians 1:13-14. Ephesians 4:30. Thank God we have His perfect RIGHTEOUSNESS IMPUTED TO OUR ACCOUNT. Romans 4:6. Without His perfect RIGHTEOUSNESS, no one will see God.
I hope this helps. John 3:16. Romans 1:16. Jesus last words on the cross. "IT IS FINISHED" Meaning paid in full. John 3:18. The sin debt is paid in full. Past, present, and future sins we have not even thought of yet. Romans 4:7-8. The GOSPEL is GOOD NEWS. John 3:16. If you are a WHOSOEVER, you have eternal life.
Dr. Sproul was such a tremendous gift to the church. I look forward to personally saying thank you to him in glory.
sheeple
@@Andy-m8b how so? Can you give some specific examples?
Jesus says that glory will be achieved in His earthly kingdom after the Tribulation when He comes back to rule for a thousand years. The Reformers were clueless because of Daniel 12.1-9, but we who are here today at the end of these things CAN KNOW! See Matthew 25.31ff and Revelation 7, and Revelation 19 shows the progression.
@@Hendrix312002 Do you really believe that you don't need to produce good works to have genuine faith? Can I have faith and live a bad life intentionally with no repentance?
@ good works are a product of saving faith. There is no such thing as good works without saving faith. No works save you.
God blessed us so much through Dr Sproul. It is so wonderful to still have him with us through the recorded video medium.
Amen! He most certainly did!
Christian Dehlinger - So true.
God also blessed us with the technology and devices to have these lectures recorded as well as many others.
YES!
blind following the blind.
Brilliant explanation. This is why I keep returning again and again to Dr. Sproul’s teaching.
I completely agree. I don't know anyone else who can explain such difficulties and such profound truths in such simplicity to where the common man can understand it . He was a master teacher
I encourage you to explore elsewhere. Our ancient church fathers never believed in Sola Fide. Please find me someone who did.
At the end of the video, this doctrine of regeneration; is such a truth to me. I believed I was called from earliest memories but ran from God or more so, the church. There was that moment in my sinful existence, where God presented to me the horribleness of my sin. At that moment, I did not know Christ and knew no theology. But I knew what I was doing was wrong and tried to clean up my act. It did not work as life was just not right. I came away from that moment with the thought that I did not have a solid answer, for who this person Jesus is. I did not understand why this was important. Then, a year or so later buying a bible on a lawn sale changed my life as God had worked upon me, though I did not realize this and did not even understand this doctrine until my coming to reformed theology, after nearly 20 years in an independent Christian church. Amazing God. May His grace pour out.
Praise the Lord
me too!?
u are lost, if u havent trusted in christ as saviour,
@@nonamesthesame So true and I am still amazed at the truth of my own fallenness and the mercy that God gives to me in the "in-between" state of being, locked in this vessel of flesh, but of course, my depravity goes to the depth of my soul. What is also amazing to me is how the Holy Spirit works in me, teaching me, leading me to hate my sin, and deadening the delight I once had in my sin. Praise God that may He continue and complete that work in me!
@@nonamesthesame yes, being jsutified solely by trusting faith in jesus as saviour, you believe the gospel, that christ died for all u sins and rose again
What a blessed teacher! R.C. has left us a treasure trove of great teaching. Thank you Ligonier for keeping these available!
Do you believe that you need repentance?
@@PantocratorFollower Oh yes. I have it in Christ Jesus!
@@ericmontgomery5241 That's works.
@@ericmontgomery5241 Repentance is an action, it's works.
I'm so glad I came across this video.
Such a Bible-centered, clear and objective message on the real meaning of the Gospel and how there's no living saving faith which is not followed by fruits of righteousness.
Doesn't that mean that we need faith and works?
If any one has ever taught me well from his grave, he is RC Sproul. Rest in eternal peace, man of limitless wisdom!!
taught you lies.
@@Daniel12.4Ministryyet you keep watching his sermons online😂😂
@@nchofuasegaidprotus8040 No I do not.
Sproul spread Muslim doctrines brought into Christianity by an evil 16th century French lawyer.
No man has limitless wisdom. Venerate God alone in such a way.
Dr. Sproul NAILS IT! I miss him every day!
Glad to hear you recognise that its not us who works, but rather the spirit who works through us and its God who is the founder and perfecter of our faith! So do not fear! Have faith which God has provided and let the spirit work in you and through you. Not under pressure, but rather from the heart!
@Narrow Way To Life Jews still observe the Saturday Sabbath, Islams holy day is Friday, Christians worship on the Lord's Day, Sunday, to show their separateness from Judaism and to denote the new creation and new covenant in Christ, his rising to life on that day. Heb.8:13 "By calling this covenant "new", he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear. Heb. 7:12 "For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law." Jesus is now our high priest. Jesus and the Apostles went to the Synagogue, where the Jew gathered, on Saturday, to preach the New Covenant Gospel to them, not to worship with them. The Christians broke bread together in fellowship on Sunday, the Lord's Day, to commentate Christ's rising from the dead. In the New Covenant, everything is centered on Christ our only savior. Rejoice in his resurrection!
Is the Holy Spirit the responsible party or are we? The latter! The Holy Spirit is the helper. Judgement by works necessitates human responsibility.
@@jollier80
What scripture do you have for that sister?
The truth is that The Spirit works in us, but we have to let Him and obey Him 2 Cor 3.18 Philipians 2.12-12, Galatians5 the fruit of the Spirit, not our own.
Both God ans us are working. To what degree each of us? The Bible doesn’t say, but we have to rest in the finishes work of Christ by faith 1 Cor 1.30, and by the same faith we are call to strive to conform ourselves to the image of Christ.
Let ask God with humility to give us the grace to continue to obey Him and serve Him in a way that pleases Him, for Gis glory, not for us to be glorified for our good works. Stay blessed
Faith without works is dead.
A man with a great mind, R.C. was one of the best.
Excellent lesson from the honorable Dr. Sproul. I have always struggled with the dichotomy of the doctrine of works between James and Paul. This brings clarity. I sure miss the teachings of Dr. Sproul
It is very much essential to understand the concept of justification by faith for all beievers.The explanation to it given by Dr . R.C Scroll clears the point. When one stands before God it is not necessary to prove ones faith to Him. Becauss God knows the heart of the man who stands before Him.But to prove the same in front of a man it is essential to prove it by works. Thanks to Ligonair ministry for this wonderful video and also to dear Dr. R.C Scroll though he is not with us.
"And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
And *the angel of the LORD* called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: *for now I know that thou fearest God,* seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me." (Gen 22:10-12).
Yes, it's vital and crucial.
The holy spirit leads us to all truths of the word....the devil influences man to misinterpret the word ...which causes divisions "sound doctrine" is what's important
Our faith will always produce works. You cannot have faith without living a Christian life. That's why works is necessary.
The English word "BELIEVE" (verb) in the Spiritual context and meaning is like a Collective Noun (ex. Family, Company, Choir, Herd, etc.) which comes with 3 Components for the Salvation of Mankind, "By GRACE of God through FAITH in Christ Jesus that manifests in good/righteous WORKS."
Therefore, in conclusion, the Spiritual Formula/Equation for Mankind Salvation is... [ GRACE (+) FAITH (x) WORK (=) SALVATION ]... (ref. John 3:15 / 3:36 / 11:25-26 /James 2:1-24 )...
While St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians and Romans (ref. Eph. 2:8-9 / Rom. 3:20) means that "Personal WORKS (Efforts) ALONE" and "WORKS of the LAW" can not SAVE us... But for our Personal "WORKS" (efforts) to be accepted as Righteous in the Eyes/Sight of God... "WORK" must come first with "GRACE" of/from/by God through "FAITH" in Christ Jesus...
That is the ORDER of SALVATION (Grace, Faith, and Work) for Father God/YHWH is a "God of ORDER" and not of Chaos or Confusion... (ref. 1 Corin. 14:33)...
Facts and Truth, Biblically and Logically speaking... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen.
Dr Sproul makes this easy to understand while providing the necessary depth a topic like this requires. He was a master teacher
Our faith will always produce works. So we need both. If our faith does not produce works, it means we never had faith, or it just means that we need to work on it.
We r so blessed to have this access to some of the most gifted teachers and preachers of God’s word. Unbelievable
Incredible. No doubt one of the greatest Bible teachers and expenses that ever live . Definitely one of the greatest in an hour era
There are NO CONTRADICTIONS between the teachings of PAUL and JAMES... Apostle Paul to the Gentiles teaches the Gentiles and Israelites that by God's GRACE they are SAVED through FAITH in Christ without the "WORK of the LAW" (Mosaic/Moses Law) to boast of... (ref. Rom. 3:27-28 / Gal. 2:1627/ Eph.3:8-9).
While Apostle James teaches the True Christians who worship God in Spirit and in Truth that they are SAVED by God's Grace through FAITH in Christ by applying GOOD (righteous) WORKS (Charity of Love) towards their Neighbors/foes alike as commanded by Christ Jesus...For FAITH without WORK is a "DEAD FAITH"... (ref. James 2:1-26).
Take Note: ... Apostle Paul's AUDIENCES were Gentiles (atheists) and Israelites... while Apostle James's AUDIENCES were already CHRISTIAN believers...
In conclusion, Apostle Paul's letters/Epistles to the Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians that to be SAVED, Gentiles and Jews must need NOT the "WORK of the LAW" to BOAST of... However, Apostle James teaches that True Christians need to apply the Good (Righteous) WORK (Charity of Love) into their Lives taught by Christ Jesus towards their Neighbors/foes alike just as they loved themselves, to justify their FAITH in Christ Jesus...
True Christians no longer need the "LAW of Moses/Mosaic" but they need the "LAW of Christ Jesus" to be SAVED... as simple as that... no contradiction between the two Apostles... if we analyze their teachings carefully with the guidance of the Holy Spirit...
Facts and Truth of the Matters, Biblically and Logically speaking... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen.
It's amazing, that however we examine the Pauline epistles and James' epistle - whether grammatically, contextually, philosophically - we come to the same conclusion and the same harmony between both Paul and James. Defining justification as being made righteous, we are only made righteous by Christ's work and Christ's work alone and His work demands our faith. Defining justification as a demonstration of truth, our faith must be a genuine faith, demonstrated in our living - if we so trust in Christ, we live our lives in accordance to His word demonstrating that we have been made righteous in Christ, are being made righteous in Christ and will be righteous in Christ.
I agree that when we are born again we want to live a holy life pleasing to God in love towards him and other , but there is still verse in the Bible showing that even with 0 work we can still be saved.
Romans 4:5
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
what would be your explanation for that?
@Elrood in this verse Paul is speaking that justification is not earned. Verse before Paul gives example of man who works and get rewarded or get payment for works but we are justified and saved by faith alone. Works that we do are not works that we do for salvation, actually they are God given works (Ephesians 2:10, philippians 2:13..)
@@Elrood the context of that verse is in relation to Abraham's faith in Genesis 15. Let's suppose God gave Abraham his promise, that he will make him a great nation through his children, but Abraham never tried to have children with Sarah, he actually fumbled by making a child with Hagar. Just keep reading Genesis , "“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”” Genesis 17:1-2
This is the same promise as in Genesis 15 where Paul quotes. You cannot deny a connection between the inward faith Abraham exhibited and his outward lifestyle which was living according to that promise. If Abraham did nothing was his faith alive or dead?
Thankful for RC’s life and the preservation of his words. I’m richer for having heard it.
Such a wonderful lecture. I always find strength listening to Dr. Sproul.
So good....man I miss R.C. looking forward to the Kingdom
Simply EXCELLENT! What a gift to the church from God R. C. was!
So far as i came to know this man explanation gives much more sense. All faith are not same, there are dead and alive faiths.
Love this! It was so well explained. RC Sproul is one of my all time favorites!
R C Sproul was a profound teacher! all his lectures inspire me and also challenge me to think deeper in matters of faith and reason. Ooh I love the way he aligned philosophy and Christianity to show us that even in these early and modern philosophers' ideas' that ever lived, there is something we can indeed learn from each idea coined out.
MAY HIS LEGACY IMPACT MORE LIVES AND ALSO AWAKEN MORE CHRISTIAN THINKERS.
Our Faith in Christ Jesus thru the Grace of God is justified thru the "WORK OF FAITH" and not thru the "WORK OF LAW."... for "FAITH without WORK is a DEAD FAITH"... (James 2:14-26). Amen.
You nailed it
@@HonestAbe122 Which "WORK of FAITH" do Christians follow/obey?... Christ Jesus's COMMANDMENTS... Christ said, "If you LOVE (verb) Me (Christ), KEEP (verb) My Commandments."... "Whoever DOES (verb = do) the WILL of My Father, is my mother, brother, and sister... and will enter the Kingdom of Heaven"... "Pick up (verb = carry) your cross, and follow (verb = obey) Me (Christ)."
Therefore, with all being said, Christians must/should still need (be required) to "DO GOOD WORK of Faith" (Charity of Love) to justify their FAITH in Christ...
FAITH ALONE when somebody is not yet a Christian (Baptize/Born Again Spirit)... but after being a Christian already, FAITH is no longer ALONE... FAITH now comes along with
Good Works/Acts/Deeds/Charity of Love called "WORK OF FAITH." ... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen and Amen.
@@HonestAbe122 Analogy... a Single Man is ALONE... but when the Man gets married... he is no longer ALONE but 2 Bodies (husband and wife) with united Spiritual Souls as ONE... the same analogy...
FAITH ALONE is when the person is not yet a Christian... but after becoming a Christian, FAITH is no longer ALONE, but "FAITH and WORK" as ONE... Amen.
Are you saying that faith is a work?
@@elikramer6740 Christian FAITH must manifest and justify through our DAILY Deeds/Acts/Works... What good is our FAITH if we do not practice what we believe in?
In Revelation 20, on the Judgment Day of God, aside from God judging all His creations (visible and invisible) Christ Jesus, and the Saints will also be on the Judgment Seat to Judge, but only God will be the FINAL (last) JUDGE and the only one who has the AUTHORITY and POWER to CONDEMN anyone in the Eternal punishment of Hell...
In the Gospel of John, the Gardener (God) will cut off/remove all Branches (Christians) attached to the True VINE (Christ Jesus) who does not BEAR FRUITS (no Good Works/Charity of Love toward their neighbors and foes alike) and throw them in the Fire (Eternal Hell)... God will judge us all based on our "WORK of/by/for FAITH."... Faith without (Good) Works/Acts/Deeds is a "Dead Faith" or "Untrue/Fake/Superficial Faith." (Ref. James 2).
Facts and Truth without compromise. Biblically and Logically... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen and Amen.
Very insightful. One can learn so much just by listening to these servants of our dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of our Father who is in Heaven. Years after God called him home, the words of his faithful servant, RC Sproul, still echoes in the hearts of people and by the quickening of the Holy Spirit, leads people to the Lord and repentance of their sin through His blood He shed for us on the cross. To God all the majesty and glory for the life of RC Sproul here on earth.
He's such a great teacher.
Thank you Lord for this wonderful mind ...R.C. is a gift from God ...I am very satisfied always when i came accross his explanation...❤❤❤
Thank you so much. I just finished the book of James and I was really stuck on faith vs works, although I knew there was an answer.
I can attest to your explanation of faith preceding justification and this faith is given not of ourselves but from God. When I was reborn I had no idea of any of this and had not read the Bible. But I noticed a change in my spirit when I was reborn again, like I was awakened from a spiritual death. I never take credit for it happening and now that I am reading the Bible it’s amazing that everything that has happened and is happening to me, is explained in the Bible.
⁹
Varieties of Religious Experience by William James is quite interesting. Also, the end stories in Dale Carnegie's Stop Worrying Start Living. Worth a read sometime
There is no complexity both St. Paul and St. James theology.. The bible has the same word but different in things and different context..
Right! !? It is amazing! I look back in my life and I can see the orchestration of God and how he brought me to salvation. It is mind boggling!
If James is the half brother of Jesus then why should James be trusted. Remember that Mary and her other children wanted to stop Jesus and stop his mission. James should be read with this in mind.
Thank God for answering this question through this Saint, I had just listened to James and was confused on this topic, but I already knew that we are saved by Faith and not by works, but fruit will always follow true faith
Fruit will always compete faith. Your faith is incomplete without good works. Your justification is only partial without confirming our lives to Jesus.
“NO man can come to Me, except the Father which has sent Me Draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day”(John 6:44).
Another ONE of about 17 or 18 "pat passages" Reformed speakers take completely out of their historical context. John Six is more than 70 verses long. Jesus talks about the "Last Day" in a number of them. MANY of you don't even THINK that there is a "Last Day" coming - but there SURELY IS! It will look a lot like Mt. 25.31-46. Where will your "only believe" assurances get you then? The "lost" are stunned when King Jesus calls them out. I have already had my "day of correction" from Him. It was terrifying, and I changed my superficial attitude immediately afterwards. You don't know WHO you are playing theological games with! Try reviewing the life of King Saul for a warning. Time is QUICKLY running out from the "times of the gentiles." It's down to weeks and months now. The "years" have already long run out.
WOW WOW WOW. INCREDIBLE BREAK DOWN OF FAITH and WORKS AND FAITH Without WORKS IS DEAD. AMAZING.
Great to see the wisdom and clarity of RC!
No not one is worthy. Grace be to you.
Beautiful. I need to watch this video several times to understand completely
Could you please give me explanation because I did not caught the final conclusion :(
God sees the heart, our true intentions.
Having been declared innocent is not a fact that is shown or proven by one's deeds. It is something that has either happened or hasn't.
If you have faith it follows that your work will be according to the will of god. It doesnt mean that because you have faith you are free to violate the teaching of Christ. Good works also reflect your faith in the teaching of Christ.
The truth presented here deserved more views!
Fantastic explanation that resolves the questions about True Faith, two sides of the one coin of Truth.
Hallelujah !!
this is an amazing explanation for this kind of "conflict" between Pauls and James stands on faith alone thank you very much thisis really helpful
Clearly said from John 3:36 that we all required/needed to "BELIEVE" (Faith) and "OBEY" (Obedient to follow) Christ Jesus, the Son of God (YHWH)... and not by FAITH ALONE... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus ... Amen.
Enjoy 🐷🔥🐷🔥🐷🔥
BLESS His Holy Name!! I miss RC. May he rest well. 🙏🙂
RC is living way better then we are.. He's with God.
I can't wait till the Lord comes on the clouds, I'm so excited.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16
It would appear to me that there are two concepts of works being discussed here. The futile works of the law in context of the new Covenant vs the works of Faith that is a bearing of the fruit of faith that demonstrates the new life of the Believer.
Yes sir 👏 🙌 🙏 Perfect analysis
2 Corinthians 5:17 Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of god.
Security is by faith, assurance is by works
I think that is a good way of putting it
No we have assurance because Jesus Blood cleanses us of all Sin
@@Christian-v1t2g I’m no OSAS
There is no assurance
Fear the LORD and LOVE Jesus
@EricSmyth4Christ so you deny Jesus when he says he will lose none of his Sheep you trust in your dead works instead of Jesus's Blood
@@Christian-v1t2g loving Jesus and repenting of idolatry is not a dead work
He's so prepped and ready with the verses memorized and the facts about Luther's history ready to go. That was really impressive.
28 BIBLICAL VERSES in the New Testament that support FAITH in Christ Jesus thru God's Grace needs/requires Good Works/Deeds/Acts of Charity of Love to thy neighbors/foes alike for our SALVATION:
1. Titus 1:16... "DISOBEDIENCE, disqualified for every good Works/Deeds/Acts."
2. Titus 2:7... "In all things, show yourself to be a pattern of Good Works/Deeds/Acts."
3. Titus 2:14... "And purify for Himself, His own special people, zealous for Good Works/Deeds/Acts."
4. Titus 3:1... "To obey to be ready for Good Works/Deeds/Acts."
5. Titus 3:8... " that those who have believed (Faith) in God should carefully maintain Good Works/Deeds/Acts."
6. Titus 3:14... " And let our People (Christians) learn to maintain Good Works/Deeds/Acts, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfaithful."
7. Ephesians 1:11... "In Him (Christ) we obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him, who WORKS all things according to the Council of HIS Will."
8. Ephesians 2:10... "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for Good Works/Deeds/Acts, that God prepared beforehand that we should walk with them (Works)."
9. 1 John 2:17... "The way of (good) Works/Deeds/Acts is the way of Life, He who DOETH (Works/Deeds) the will of God, abides forever."
10. Romans 2:28... " And we know that for those who love God, all things WORK together for good, for those who are called to his/her purpose."
11. Matthew 7:21-23... "Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who DOETH (Works/Deeds) the WILL of my Father (God) in Heaven."
12. 2 Thessalonians 2:15..." So then Brethren, Stand firm and Hold (Works/Deeds) to the tradition taught by us (Apostles/Disciples), either by spoken word (oral tradition) or by our letters."
13. 2 Thessalonians 3:10... "For even when we are with you, we commanded you this, that if anyone will not WORK (good Deeds), neither you should Eat (reap your labor of Salvation)."
14. 2 Thessalonians 3:16... "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brethren who are Walking in Idleness (Lazy/No Works/Deeds) and not in accordance with the Tradition that you received from us (Apostles/Disciples).".
15. Ecclesiastes 9:10... "Whatever your hands find to DO (Works/Deeds), DOETH with your might, for there is no Work/Deed or Device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave that you are going."
16. Ecclesiastes 12:14... "For God will bring every Works/Deeds into Judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil."
17. 1 Corinthians 9:24... "Do you know in the race, all Runners (Believers/Christians) must RUN (do good Works/Deeds), but only one received the prize, so RUN in such a way to get a prize."
18. 2 Corinthians 5:10... "For we must all appear before the Judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done (Work) in the body, according to what he has done (Work), whether good or bad."
19. James 1:22... "But be DOERS (Workers) of the Words, and not hearers only, deceiving yourself."
20. James 3:13... "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his WORKS/DEEDS/ACTS are done in the Meekness of Wisdom."
21. James 2:14-26... "What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has FAITH but does not have WORKS/DEEDS/ACTS, can Faith save him? But do you want to know O' foolish man that Faith without WORKS/DEEDS is Dead?... Was not Abraham our Father not JUSTIFIED by Works/Deeds when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see then that a man is JUSTIFIED by Works/Deeds and not by Faith only? Likewise, was not RAHAB, the Harlot was she JUSTIFIED by her Works/Deeds when she received the messengers and send them out in another way? For as the Body without the Spirit is Dead, so Faith without Works/Deeds is Dead also."
22. John 5:29... "those who did the Good DEEDS (Works/Acts) to a Resurrection of Life, and those committed the Bad/Evil Deeds (Works/Acts) to a Resurrection of Judgment."
23. John 15:1... "I AM the real VINE (Christ), My Father is the Gardener (Vinedresser), HE breaks/cut-off any Branches (Believers/Christians) attached in the VINE that does not BEAR FRUITS (No Good Works/Deeds/Acts)."
24. 2 Timothy 3:17... "That the Man of God may be Perfect (Complete), thoroughly furnished/equipped (may be fully capable), unto ALL (every) GOOD WORK/DEED."
25. 2 Timothy 4:7... "I have fought a good fight, I have finished (Good Works/Deeds) my course/race, and I have kept the Faith."
26. Revelation 19:7-8... "His Wife (Bride/Church) has made herself ready, and to her was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean, and bright, for the Fine Linen is the Righteous of ACTS (Work/Deeds) of the Saints."
27. Revelation 20:12... Then I saw the dead, great and small standing before God's throne, the books were opened, then another book was opened, which is the Boof of Life/Living, and dead were judged according to their WORKS/DEEDS/ACTS, by the things which were written in the Books."
28. Revelation 22:12... "Behold, I am coming quickly, and MY (Christ) Rewards is with ME (Christ) to give to every one according to his/her WORKS/DEEDS/ACTS."
In Conclusion... FAITH in Christ thru God's Grace must and should LEAD/BEAR Good Fruits/Works/Deeds/Acts of Charity of Love to thy neighbors/foes alike for our Salvation.
Through faith in Christ, and in what He did for us, we receive the Holy Spirit that was lost in Adam and now dwells within all those who believe, making us alive to God but dead to the world. And, since Christ died for the sins of the world, there is no longer any sin that can cause the Holy Spirit to depart. Justified by faith alone. The only unpardonable sin is the sin if unbelief. If one does not believe they will not be made alive (born again) by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Works are evidence for men but not for God.
How do you explain James 2:14?
Just curious
@@vladdragos501 Greetings. The simple answer is that James had his own understanding of the Gospel. His was one that believed that to be a follower of the Lord Jesus one must dedicate themselves to repentance from sin and obedience to the Law of Moses. If you read his letter with that in mind you can see that, from his perspective, we should be doers of the law. This is most evident in Act. 15:19-21 and Act 21:18-21. Even his letter starts by addressing the "twelve tribes". He wasn't referring to twelve tribes of Christian believers. It was to the Jews in the diaspora. What do you think?
2 Timothy 3:16-17, if it wasnt profitable for us then it wouldn't have been in the Bible
@@vladdragos501 Are you assuming that Paul was referring to the New Testament? If anyone wishes to try and live a life of righteousness by observing the Mosaic Law, Jesus was very clear; 'be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect'. Jesus freed us from the requirements of the law. All of the law. If someone thinks they are keeping the law, they probably don't know the law. Jesus said, "If you love me you will keep my commands.". He never said you will try to keep them or give it your best effort. Paul is telling Timothy that those who are leaders in the church are to be held to a different standard. Makes sense to me. James says the same at the beginning of chapter three. In my opinion. God bless.
"All means all, I doubt that James wants us to keep the Law, he talks about any works. I might not understand what you are trying to say but Faith is like love, without works its useless for everyone, we are Saved by Faith alone but that Faith must be the one described by James and even Paul in Romans 6, it must be alive. Works or Living Faith (James 2, Romans 6) + works=hell
Living Faith (James 2, Romans 6) + nothing=Heaven
Also never measure your Faith by deeds, works come naturally (I had Living Faith before I knew about James 2 and Romans 6 because the Spirit was working, I didnt force myself to work for Salvation, the Spirit made me work while I kept my focus on Christ Alone for Salvation, it was natural not forced faith)." - My opinion
Honestly Im glad we disagree and still talk normally ❤
Personally I believed God, but held back from accepting his offer of Heaven, et al because I didn’t want to do what he wanted to do. I wanted to be my own person, do what I wanted to do. But after much soul searching I decided God was smarter than I was and I would be better off doing what he wanted me to do, so I accepted his offer. I was 7 years years old at the time.
I read James 2 recently and was confused when the text seemed to directly contradict justification by faith alone. This is the explanation I was looking for. Thank you.
A very good explanation 👏 of an often controversial passage of scripture! 😊 Thank you!
James wanted to stop Jesus' ministry. They thought Jesus was mentally ill. You should read his book with this in mind.
Mark 3:21-22 When his family[b] heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.”
He's still contradicting it, he's saying your works will prove your saved.
it is like faith is the thing that makes you to be saved, it is not your works proving you are worth of heaven. No works can save you cuz everybody fall short of God's grace, as paul said it. You should emphasize here being saved is not a reward, rather a gift of faith. Once you have faith, you are saved, and if you are really saved, you will act according to the holy spirit guidance. Then you will try to improve, trying to win the temptation by the help of the spirit. That proves youre saved. But it doesnt mean you will be some kind of glorified person that you can resist sin entirely. You may sin but you feel guilty and repent for it because of the holy spirit inside you. The spirit will guide you how to glorify God in your works. What matters is that you have genuine faith and then the spirit will really help you to good works, In resembling Christ, fulfilling the Father's will.
That's why we say works follow faith, but not being a criteria to go to heaven. If we say works are really the criteria, then no one is going to heaven. Because your works should be according to the law. If you even keep the 9 laws and break the 1, it is as if you broke all the laws, then that makes you a bad person unworthy of heaven. Believing works as a criteria is expecting you deserve to be saved because you acted as the perfect person you can imagine, i mean, it also makes Christ crucifixion meaningless. Like if your works are going to save you, you are going to say, my works are the ones that define me, Christ's work is not gonna determine my position of being saved. I guess that makes it clear that it is the faith, not the works, makes you saved.
James and Paul do not believe the same thing. That’s why they contradict each other. They belonged to two different schools of thought.
The Speaker of the presentation said (12:25 min. onward) "Now If I tell you here in this room today that I have SAVING FAITH, do you know for sure just because I said it that I have it? Can anybody in here read my heart?... "Of course not. The only way you can evaluate the TRUTH of my claim is to see if I manifest it in my life.." "By their FRUITS you shall know them," we are told... and even then we can fool people with rotten fruit that is phony fruit.".. "How long does God have to wait before He (God) knows whether my profession of Faith is genuine?"... Can HE (God) read my heart?... YES... (and so on...)
Therefore, the speaker's conclusion was, (13:42 min. onward) St. Paul makes his point that we are justified by Faith apart from the works of the Law by pointing to Chapter 15, where Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness"... (while)... "St. James makes his case that Abraham is justified by WORKS by pointing to chapter 22, seven chapters difference actually, between chapter 15 and chapter 22, which is the chapter that tells about the sacrifice of Isaac on the altar."
QUESTION:
If God TRULY sees in Abraham's heart that he has TRUE (LIVING) FAITH (not dead faith) and was already JUSTIFIED by Faith apart from the WORKS... (logically speaking)... How come God needed/required to TEST Abraham's Faith by asking him to offer his only son Isaac as a sacrificial burnt offering if God knew Abraham's Faith is true (not dead Faith) and has already been justified in Chapter 15 as RIGHTEOUS???
In Genesis chapter 22, when God had stopped the hands of Abraham from killing his son, Isaac... God said, (paraphrased) "NOW I KNOW THAT YOU HONOUR (fear) AND OBEY GOD."... that means, God only knows that time Abrahams's TRUE FAITH whether Dead or Alive Faith is thru Abraham's Good WORKS (Bear Fruits)... not by FAITH ALONE...
In conclusion, WORKS (good works/charity of love based on the Law of Christ) justified our FAITH in God's Eyes... Living FAITH must manifest thru our Good Works... Amen.
John 15:5-7 (paraphrased) "I AM the VINE (Christ), you (believer with faith) are the BRANCHES, and my Father (God) is the GARDENER, any BRANCHES (w/ Faith) attached to the VINE that does not Bear Fruits (Good Works/Acts/Deeds) after the Gardener had pruned them, shall be cut off from the VINE (Christ) by the Gardener (God) and threw them into the fire (hell)."... not Saved.
Logically speaking, what for was the ACT (Good Works/Deeds) of the Apostles if they only need FAITH Alone?... St. Paul said (paraphrased) "I CHASTISED myself from earthly matters, I FOUGHT a good fight (spiritual), I have KEPT the faith, I RUN to the fullest and I FINISHED the race"... Chastised, Fought, Kept, Run, and Finished are all VERBS (Good Acts/Works/Deeds)... Do our Good Works justify our Faith in the Eyes of God, just like Abraham's Faith with Work?... Definitely sure, YES...
FAITH and WORK should go hand in hand for our Salvation... and not without the other... For what profit does a Man's Faith if he does not have Fruits (Good Works/Acts/Deeds)?.... Amen.
The common denominator between faith and deeds is the will of God. If you say you have faith but did not do the will of God, then it is useless. How can you do the will of God if you dont have faith? You see? Your faith is proven by doing what God wants you to do and without that faith you can't do what he asked you to do.
@@eightmiles3401 FREEWILL is the common denominator of FAITH (noun) and DEEDS/acts/works (verb)... God will not give the Gift of FREEWILL if man has NO capacity/power to CHOOSE... Satan has FAITH and DEEDS but chooses his own WILL to Evilness without the approval of God, however, God allowed it to happen...
If EVERYTHING is in God's WILL, the Gift of Freewill has no effect at all...
Take Note: the Bible said, "Detached Branches from the VINE (Christ) can NOT produce or bear FRUITS... However, Attached Branches (Christians) to the VINE (Christ) that do not BEAR FRUITS (without Deeds/Works/Acts of Love) after the Gardener (God) had pruned them, those Branches (Christians) will be cut off/removed by the Gardener (God) and throw them to the Fire (Eternal Condemnation)... (ref. John 15).
No one can remove us from the Hands of Christ Jesus (VINE), but through our own doing (by free will) and from God who sees IDLENESS from us to do Good Works/ Deeds/Acts of Charity of Love to thy neighbors/foes alike... Amen.
In conclusion, the NOTION of many Protestant Churches who had their FAITH in Christ by God's Grace through Baptism will AUTOMATICALLY PRODUCE/BEAR FRUITS without them doing NOTHING... such as Peace, Love, Hope, Patience, Endurance, Wisdom, etc... and we do not need to do any Deeds/Works/Acts of Charity of Love... because Christ has done ALL these things for us... we only need to BELIEVE, sit back, and enjoy SALVATION, that is all, period... NOPE, that is the misinterpretation from the passages of the Bible which Satan wants us to believe.
The Promised of SALVATION is a PROCESS... the PROMISE is in the Future Perfect Tense, "SHALL/WILL BE SAVED"...
It is not AUTOMATIC that we can produce SOMETHING (GOOD FRUITS) without doing ANYTHING after receiving our Faith in Christ by God's Grace... We have to DO SOMETHING to produce SOMETHING... we need to SEEK (verb) first the Kingdom and Righteousness of God, and ALL shall be added unto us"... ASK (verb) and you shall receive, SEEK (verb) and you shall find, KNOCK (verb) and the door shall be opened unto you...
Otherwise, why will Christ Jesus command (us) those with Faith in Christ by God's Grace to "CARRY (verb/work/act/deed) OUR CROSS (Yoke/Task) and FOLLOW (verb/word/act/deed) HIM (Christ)."... if we just only need to BELIEVE (nothing else), unless you are dying in bed or like the Thief on the cross... logically speaking.
Facts and Truth of the Matter, Biblically and Logically speaking... Glory, Praise, and Thanks be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen and Amen.
@@eightmiles3401 God (YHWH) knows EVERYTHING for He is ALMIGHTY GOD, however, God allowed it to happen because of God's GIFT of FREEWILL to both Mankind and Heavenly creatures (Cherubim, Sarafim, Archangel, watchers, etc.)... no matter what the consequences and outcomes are...
Again, if Everything is in God's Will as the common denominator which you claimed... Christ Jesus would NEVER ask from His Father, " Let this cup pass from ME, not my WILL but yours be done," since everything is the WILL of God... When Lucifer became Satan, was that the WILL of God?... NOPE... but God allowed it to happen due to their own FREEWILL...
Facts and Truth of the Matters, Biblically and Logically speaking... Praise be to God in Christ... Amen
Jesus and his apostles taught faith and works. Paul gave over emphasis on Grace. But works is also necessary for salvation. That's what the parable of the talents teach us.
Amen.
It is sad, the moment you share the supporting scriptures to confirm works are necessary for salvation, you are instantly attacked with words of "You are prideful" or "That's your own righteousness, not His". The biblical evidence is overwhelming, yet most choose to ignore or twist the scriptures to their own demise.
Proverbs 7:1-3 NKJV
[1] My son, keep my words, And treasure my commands within you. [2] Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. [3] Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Luke 10:25-28 NKJV
[25] And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [26] He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” [27] So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’ ” [28] And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”
John 5:28-29 NKJV
[28] Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice [29] and come forth-those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
Romans 2:12-13 NKJV
[12] For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law [13] (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified;
Hebrews 5:8-9 NKJV
[8] though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. [9] And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,
Revelation 22:14 NKJV
[14] Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.
@GratefulFromTexasI don’t think it’s an investment lesson. This is why reading the Bible alone is dangerous and has lead so many down a false path.
Works are a natural expression of your faith. Both scriptures are correct. Faith first and then when you believe you will naturally express your faith.
There is no contradiction with what Paul states in Roman's and what James states in his letter.
Paul states that there can be no salvation through works, mankind cannot work their way into heaven, it must be "faith" alone.
James states that "faith" must show itself by some outward display, show itself by an outward demonstration. The examples that James gives all start out with the person having faith and then displaying that faith through outward action. That's why James says faith without works means nothing.
The world is filled with words and no action; the same for the church, much speaking but no action. Don't say you're full of God's love if you're not displaying it to the down and out, to the least in your world.
This is not difficult to understand. If you claim to have faith in God then it will show. You shall know them by their fruits.
So true. People often trip over the fact that both James and Paul use the word, "works" , despite them clearly using it to mean different things. Rather, you see they are very much in agreement when you read Hebrews 11, which pretty much says the same thing as James, but in Paul's words this time. Paul speaks of faith as a package (I believe and so I do/act upon my belief), whilst James opens up the package to show us that *neither actions alone, nor belief alone is enough, but they need to be coupled.* There is no contradiction.
@Narrow Way To Life Happy Sabbath! May God's will be done through our lives every day.
@Narrow Way To Life *“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.”* (Romans 14:1-6 NKJV).
Whether one celebrates the Sabbath on Saturdays, Sundays or everyday is not important, as the Sabbath means more than a day off. Let us make sure that I'm whatever we do we do it for God!
@Narrow Way To Life when we use terms like "professed Christians" we should be careful of falling into being judgemental as there is no love in that. Though I'd prefer to not argue about these matters the core of your argument is quite problematic and as such, I feel I need to address it:
Particularly around these points:
"Also Jesus gave clear direction on clean and unclean food."
"Many professed Christians read Paul's letters as scripture. [...] No NT was written yet while Jesus was alive. [...] Jesus' word is the scripture."
Firstly, Jesus never taught that there are clean foods or unclean foods. Rather, when the Pharisses raised this same stance you are bringing He said, *"When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.”*_ (Matthew 15:10-11 NKJV),
and further explained to Peter saying, *"So Jesus said, **_“Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”_** "* (16-20)
Jesus was clearly not in support, nor focused on clean or unclean foods. That was a carnal interpretation of a much deeper more important spiritual law, as most of the old law is. Be it Sabbaths, foods, marrying outside the house of Israel and so on. The same could very easily be said of the Sabbath as the reading you actually quoted where Jesus said He is the Lord of the Sabbath is also one where he 'disobeyed' the Sabbath as Jews practiced it.
Now onto the more worrying point, your argument that Paul's writing can not be taken as scripture can also be used to disregard the whole new testament, and even the Bible. In the reading you quoted, 2 Peter 3:15-17, Peter says *"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, **_as they do also the other scriptures,_** unto their own destruction."* If you are to claim it is a warning against Paul, it is also very much a warning against the Bible in its entirety as he makes it clear it is not just Paul's writing but scripture in its entirety that people twist and wrest. What Peter is saying is precisely what Paul said in 1 Cor 2 and 2 Cor 3, that scripture is veiled.
I used to also believe there were contradictions in scripture, but as I grew in my relationship with God I came to realise there are none. Paul's teachings are aligned with Jesus'. In fact, Paul expands on what Jesus taught in such a beautiful way that it testifies of God's intercession as how else would he be able to do so having never met Him?
So did Paul really teach contrary to Jesus in 1 Cor 8? Well, what did he say, did he tell us to eat food from idols (and in the sense Jesus is speaking about in Rev 2)? No, he said that food neither commends us to God or separates us from Him, but rather our disposition in our heart (as Jesus said in Matthew 15 I might add). That is why he spends most of the chapter speaking about the very real dangers of doing it saying: *"However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.
But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble."* (1 Cor 8:7-13 NKJV).
I don't think the sin Jesus spoke of in Rev 2 is that they eat the food, inasmuch as that they ate it as food offered to idols.
I hope you are having a blessed sabbath nonetheless! Sorry for the long response, was concerned so tried to be meticulous. God bless!
At the 10 minute mark he guesses James is talking to people who just made a profession of faith, nothing like adding to scripture. In John 15 we see people who were "in Christ" who were not producing fruit. they had saving faith they were in Him but no fruit, the reason the people in James did not have works was not because their faith was bad. they had good faith but it was dead because they did not have works with it read the passage again the quality of their faith is never in question, it was whether they added works to it. weather it was completed. Paul also says we are justified by works Romans 2::13 when we stand before Jesus at the final judgement our faith is not even mentioned rather we get eternal life based on what we added to our faith. Jn5:28&29,Matt 5:31-46, Romans 2:6-10, so you see it is really Jesus, Paul and James vs Luther. Always go to the conclusion, that is the final judgement to see how we are eternally saved . Blessings
I would have loved to study under RC
Praise be to God! 🙏🏻☝️💜✝️
I believe the answer is simple:
1. Shaul haShaliach (Apostle) talks about justification by faith vertically, God justifies sinner, without works.
2. Yakov (James) talks about horizontal justification between men. Our sanctification must lead to have our faith justified before men, for them to believe.
Simple.
Excellent explanation. Soli Deo gloria ❤
Some great stuff here! Although I am not of the Reformed faith what he says concerning Paul and James is great commentary.
Faith And Works, Go Hand In Hand - For Faith Without Works Is Dead -
But, Salvation Comes By Faith Alone!
Very well put! Amen!
⚫ "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Hebrews 5:9)
"And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, *according to their works.*
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man *according to their works."* (Rev 20:12,13)
@@TheBibleSays ...
I John 3:23
“And this is his commandment, That we should *believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ*, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.”
@Narrow Way To Life ...
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
Salvation has always been by faith. The difference is the audience and the way God is dealing with his people in that time period. As for Paul he is writing to the Body Of Christ in this present age of grace which we are neither Jew nor Gentile but one spirtual body redeemed by Christ faith. It really is as easy as believing and receiving. That being said we all realize that what we believe is what drives our actions so there should be fruit but it may not be fruit that everyone else sees. Even Paul makes reference to not doing the things he knows are right and doing the things he knows is wrong. But his message is one of grace and thank God he is speaking to us in Paul’s epistles. On the other hand James is very clear from the very beginning that he is addressing the 12 tribes scattered abroad. This is clearly the tribulation and the Jews that will not take the mark and will have to endure to the end. They will be running for there lives and the Holy Spirit will not seal them to the day of redemption like we so freely enjoy the benefit of today. We will have already been caught up to me Jesus in the air. (Raptured) so when James says salvation plus works he is speaking of the new covenant that we are not a part of as the Body Of Christ , we were a mystery hid in God before the world began and are not the subject of Old Testament prophecy. Those prophecy’s concern Israel and the covenant God made with them. The prophecies line up with James but not with Paul’s epistles. So during the tribulation you will have to prove you faith by your works but today it isn’t required. To put it simply we live from the acceptance of Christ and they under the new covenant will have to live for the acceptance of Christ. They live in constant fear of loosing salvation and turning back to perdition and if they do they are dammed. Paul never says anything in reference to loosing anything but reward for service. We have the privilege to live in the greatest time that God ever designed and all he asks through Paul is that we are thankful and don’t abuse it. But if you are unthankful and do abuse grace you will not loose your salvation because you are sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption! Praise the Lord and Amen!
Do you believe that you can have faith and not do the works to live a Christian lifestyle and still attain salvation?
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (Romans 4:5 KJV)
Christ be with you
Rom 4:5 is speaking of works of the Law specifically King David's forgiveness without animal sacrifice.
It is not talking of Good works because St Paul has just said Faith must uphold the Law.
Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.(rom 3:31)
You need to read the bible not just proof texts
God bless you
There are plenty of people who can Appear to be faithful and show fruits of the spirit. However you are only saved by grace. We cannot work our way there. However if you are saved fruits will and should be there.
Good, so it's faith alone as far as God is concerned, but works as far as people are concerned. Got it 👍
Christ be with you
No that is false.
St James speaks of Abraham being justified on the Altar with Isaac.(James 2:20-24)
If we look to see what happened we see this was his obedience before God (Gen 22:9-18)
God bless you
@@MrKev1664 What about the thieve on the cross.
@@saintmike7709
Christ be with you
so you would rather look for an exception than listen to God word.
to answer your question however the thief was not an exception.
He defended Jesus while going to his own death.
One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”
*But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?*
*And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said,* “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Come to Christ
We are saved by grace through faith, not of works❤
This is excellent expert teaching! So well explained.
Nowhere does the Bible teach final justification by faith/belief “alone.” That is a one-sided Reformation/Protestant distortion of the full and balanced teaching of Holy Scripture, which warns against “faith alone.” James 2:24 teaches explicitly against one-sided “faith alone” distortions: ὁρᾶτε ὅτι ἐξ ἔργων δικαιοῦται ἄνθρωπος καὶ οὐκ ἐκ πίστεως μόνον “you see that a man is justified from works, and not from faith alone.” Even the phrase “pístis alone” (which Saint Paul never uses) would not necessarily mean simple “faith alone” in English, and definitely not mere “belief alone.” The Cambridge Greek Lexicon (2021) defines pístis (πίστις) as trust, faith, belief, trustworthiness, honesty, loyalty, credibility, creditworthiness, etc. The ESV and numerous Protestant translations translate pístis (πίστις) as “faithfulness” in the virtue-list in Galations 5:22-23: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness (pístis), [23] gentleness, and self-control (egkráteia)” (ὁ δὲ καρπὸς τοῦ πνεύματός ἐστιν ἀγάπη χαρὰ εἰρήνη, μακροθυμία χρηστότης ἀγαθωσύνη, πίστις [23] πραΰτης ἐγκράτεια). 1 Corinthians 6:9 teaches: Ἢ οὐκ οἴδατε ὅτι ἄδικοι θεοῦ βασιλείαν οὐ κληρονομήσουσιν; μὴ πλανᾶσθε “Do not be deceived: Do you not see that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Then the saint gives a vice-list of the types of sins that can exclude one from salvation at the Final Judgment according to works. We need to return to Apostolic-Patristic doctrine on justification and final judgment, and we must jettison both medieval Latin distortions and Reformation/Protestant overreactions. “Struggle for the truth until [your] death, and the Lord God will fight for you” (ἕως θανάτου ἀγώνισαι περὶ τῆς ἀληθείας, καὶ κύριος ὁ θεὸς πολεμήσει ὑπὲρ σοῦ, Sirach 4:28)
Well said. Easy truths. Paul can be hard to read but it's pretty clear he believes your works will 100% contribute to future justification in the judgement. We are either loyal to Jesus/theGospel/God or were not.
How can Paul say, to justified Christians who had received the spirit, that if they practice certain sins, they will n o t inherit the Kingdom if works don't matter. And if we're talking about good works Paul encourages it in the Christian walk and considers it a necessity AND staple toward future salvation.
James is not speaking about eternal life or salvation. The whole book of James is about how to "save your soul/life." It is your temporal life here after you believe in Christ. James from first to last is reiterating the importance of endurance during trials, obedience to the Word, obedience to the royal law of liberty which is "love your neighbor as yourself." Obedience and endurance will "save the soul/life" of the believer. It will save them from the consequences of sin and God's judgement for breaking the royal law. This is alluded to in the parable in Matt. 18:23-35. The whole idea that we have to prove our faith to men is absurd. Our works themselves declare us righteous. There is no mention of faith and works justifying us before God or that we are to have a faith that proves itself "authentic" through works. Faith and Works are necessary to save the life of believers. Just as James says in James 5:19 My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. James is speaking truths found in Psalms, Proverbs, and Job. Job's life/works and endurance/obedience under trial saved his soul/life. And because he obeyed he received the temporal reward for his obedience while he was still alive. Just as in Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. It seems most Christians today don't care about the blessings/rewards of living an obedient life. Just to be clear, I'm not promoting a Health/Wealth Gospel. But simply stating the truths found in the Psalms. Proverbs, and Job. If you want a blessed life, it will be a life of obedience/good works.
Revelation 2:23
I will give to every one of you according to your WORKS.
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without WORKS is dead
Janes 2:24
Ye see then how that by WORKS a man is justified, and not by faith only
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good WORKS, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Rev. 20-12 breaks the tie for me. There are also many other places where Jesus talk about burning up the unproductive vines. We must give an account of our lives. Not just a confirmation of belief.
Faith is where you go when you don't know
instead of admitting you don't know.
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but BELEVETH on Him who JUSTIFIETH the UNGODLY, his faith is counted for righteousness. Faith alone apart from any works. Lots of people do good works, but they have never done the will of His Father in heaven. John 6;40 and John 6:29. Matthew 7:21-23. They trusted in what they did, not what Jesus did for us. They trusted in their own works, not the blood of Jesus that covers all our sin. Galatians 2:21 I do not void the grace of God, for if RIGHTEOUSNESS come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Romans 4:6.
And yet if your faith is alive it will show works.
@@jonny87kzworks must be the genuine reflection of faith, not the deliberate means of "achieving" faith.
@@randys2358 💯
@@jonny87kz Faith is apart from works or action. Faith is believing and receiving the free gift of God by a one time faith alone in Jesus finished work on the cross alone. Romans 6:23. For the penalty for sin is death, but the GIFT of God is ETERNAL LIFE, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 11:6. All grace, what Jesus did for us, apart from any works. To add one work to grace is to pervert the gospel of grace and makes the cross of no effect. Galatians 2:21.
Works for the believer will be rewarded in heaven. First Corinthians 3:11-15. Works can add nothing to the free gift of eternal life. John 3:18. Believers can no longer be condemned, but UNBELIEVERS are condemned already because they have not believed on the name of the Son of God.
First John 5:13. These things have I written unto you that BELIEVE on the name of the Son of God, that ye may KNOW YE HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. John 6:40. John 6:29. John 6:47. John 5:24. Gods promises to us.
One can 'not' receive His salvation with works - but 'clearly' evidence of a person's given gift should become part of who they are. Separate from the world - that you would not hide your light and instead allow all to see the Glory given you, of the Heavenly Father’s grace. Again, clearly, this is a holy balance balance between grace & evidence.
By the way - God does all in His timing and possibilities. Think about it - the thief on the cross who, before passing, asked Jesus ... Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. The grace freely given and with 'no' works was the changing/inner ignited alteration of his heart. Yet, the words the thief spoke to the Lord 'was' his work/expression of faith.
Even though all we may do through righteousness is as filthy rags, certainly compared to all things that are from above. We still need/are required, I would dare say, to do our part in bringing - "earth as it is in heaven!"
James 1:1 settles the entire issue. James was written to Hebrews, the 12 tribes of Israel. Specifically. This was written knowing Romans 10:12 “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.” So why would James make a distinction? Because he was writing to his unsaved jewish brethren who would be going through the Tribulation where it will be a WORKS based salvation. Not a faith only based salvation like we enjoy during this present Church Age. When you read Gods Word in context (and James establishes that context from the first verse) it all makes total and complete sense. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the word of truth.”
James 2:22,24, 'you seen that ....' - we humans can see if a person is justified by faith by the works of that person... We can see Rahab's faith by her works...
RC❤️
"And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
And *the angel of the LORD* called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I.
And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for *now I know* that thou fearest God, seeing *thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me."* (Gen 22:10-12).
@@TheBibleSays Titus 3:3-5, For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit...
So then, works don’t save anyone; they are only evidence of one’s faith - which saves.
11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before [c]God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second [d]death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Faith without works is dead. That is talking to the saved. He is talking to the brethren.
QUESTION... if Abraham was justified by FAITH alone by God after seeing Abraham's Faith manifest alive on him as R.C. Sproul claimed... then, why did God require to TEST Abraham's (alive) Faith if he was already justified before he sacrificed his only son Isaac?... Does not make any sense what R.C. Sproul claimed... Only AFTER that angel had stopped the hands of Abraham from harming his son, that Abraham's FAITH justified PERFECTLY in the Eyes of God from that moment in time...
If God knew from the start whether our FAITH manifest is Alive or Dead... what for would Christ Jesus say, "Those who ENDURE (Persevere) to the END will be Saved?" (ref. Matt. 24:13)... Even St. Paul's Faith and Work endures until he was beheaded...
In Conclusion... St. Paul taught JUSTIFICATION by Faith Alone... while Apostle James taught "PERFECT JUSTIFICATION" by Faith (Belief) and Work/Obey (Obedient to follow/to bear fruits/to carry our cross/to love charity)... Therefore, we can be justified by FAITH but only through/by WORK/OBEY/FOLLOW that we are made PERFECT and be SAVED... Praise be to God in Christ Jesus... Amen.
james 2 24 you are justified by WORKS and NOT by FAITH ALONE
did you even watch the clip?
Ehhh Dr RC sproul you were divinely blessed such a clear and powerful explanation, all I say is God be praised.
Nobody is trying to refute anybody. The way I understand it is that faith doesn't simply mean to believe but to actually be faithful. Like in John 14:15 Jesus says: if ye love me, keep my commandments. God saw that Abraham was faithful when he was about to sacrifice Isaac. I have been reading the Didache and the Church fathers and it seems that is how they understood it. According to the Didache you have to be in communion with a Bishop of apostolic succession and taking the eucharist to be part of the church.
None are faithful…There is nothing that you have that you have not received.
That’s how understood it as well. Faith includes trust in Christ and that we abide in him so we can bear good fruit (John 15). So no it’s not works, but abiding and trusting in Christ leads us to bear good works/fruit.
THANK YOU BROTHER FOR THIS GOOD TEACHING !!!!!!!!!!!!--------Ernest E. Johnson
The book of James is written by a Jew to Jewish believers, at a time that the Christian church was mainly Jewish. The book of James is written in a very simple style.......and is written like Old Testament wisdom literature.
Thanks for Rightly Deviding.
Hmm. So the Bible is written by men rather than the Holy Spirit?
@@alexair7936 Alex.........It is Islam that claims the Quran was dictated to Mohammed and he just wrote it down.
Orthodox Christianity teaches the Holy Spirit inspired ordinary men ( old and new testament) to write Scripture.
So.......Alex, do you not understand this?
Does it really matter when there is no more distinction between Jews (chosen) and Gentiles (adopted) when it comes to the teaching(s) of CHRIST ... that to inherit or have a share in (not earn or attain) the grace of everlasting/eternal life is through "faith AND good works" (both are inseparable *"works of love"* ) in Lk 10:25-37 ?
@@levymanlapig8970 The parable of the Good Samaritan.......The Jews thought only fellow Jews were their neighbor.
I'm Catholic and I have come to appreciate R.C.'s gracious manor that he exhibited while still alive. As far as this presentation (except for the several differences I picked up on e.g. my understanding of Baptismal Regeneration and the differences I see between the 'works of law' i.e. the OT Mosaic rituals including circumcision, and what I call the NT law of grace and love) R.C. and I hold the same understanding of faith + works (i.e.fruit expressed in works of love). I think, in some ways, we may believe in the same thing in essence but we used different terminology and paradigms to express our views. It's analogous to speaking two different languages requiring translation. Even so, R.C. and I would readily admit our obvious differences in some things concerning this topic.
Was the thief on the cross justified by faith apart from works? Yes. Romans 4:5. Faith alone apart from works. James was writing to BRETHREN. All ready saved believers. He was telling them to go on to good works for profit/rewards in heaven. First Corinthians 3:11-15. IF we have no good works we will have no rewards in heaven. Good works could never save a sinner. Salvation is by faith apart from works. Good works for the believer will be rewarded in heaven. Jesus said even a cup of cold water given in my name will be rewarded in heaven. Salvation by works never works. Romans 11:6. God is not the author of confusion. John 3:16. Jesus said it, we believe it, and that settles it. First John 2:2. First John 5:13.
I hate to be the one to break this to you a year later but the theif on the cross went to paradise...the good side of sheol...just like Jesus did according to Peter...where he preached to the turkeys on the bad side of sheol from the time of the flood. Paradise is not heaven. Check your Greek. And what do you know of the theif and his life. Romans weren't crucified. He was probably a jew who got in a bad spot and stole. How many people do you know who lived generally good live and then made one big mistake.
Read what jesus taught. Not what paul mused.
@@the.mr.nobody Jesus said, John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, will not come into judgement, but is passed from death unto life. John 6:40. And this is the will of Him who sent me, that ALL that Seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life, and I will raise him up on the last day. John 3:18 Believers are no longer condemned, but unbelievers are condemned already because they have not believed on the name of the Son of God
John 12:32 I, if I, be lifted up will draw all men to me. John 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me HATH EVERLASTING LIFE. John 10:28-29 And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 3:16. For God so loved the world, that HE gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM, should not perish, but HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.
John 6:29. Jesus, answered, and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on the one He has sent. John 1:12 But as many as received Him to them gave He POWER to become the children of God, even to them that BELIEVE on HIs name. John 3:18.
The gospel Paul preached. First Corinthians 15:1-4. That Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, that he was buried and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures.
Romans 1:16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the POWER of God unto salvation to everyone that BELIEVETH, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Galatians 1:6-9 Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that we have preached unto you, LET HIM BE ACCURSED. As we said before, so say I again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received from us. LET HIM BE ACCURSED. Hebrews 13:5. For He hath said, I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU. John 6:37. I will never cast you out.
@@jimkraft9445 amen. Sir, by chance do you use any other sort of socials to share the good news? Hope you are doing well and stay blessed and safe 🙏🏻
@@RisenWithJesus Yes. I try to preach the good news of the gospel to everyone that will listen. That is the great commission. To go into all the world and preach the good news of the gospel. First Corinthians 15:1-4. That Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, that HE was buried and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures.
First Corinthians 1:21 For after that, by the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching to save them that BELIEVE.
John 3:16-18. First John 5:13. John 10:28-29. Hebrews 13:5. See you in heaven.
The works in James 2 and Galatians 2, Ephesians 2, Romans 3 are not the same. Here lies our misunderstanding of justification by faith. It is because in the Letters of Paul, justification is not by works of the law (ceremonial Jewish laws such as circumcision), while in James, works is what we do in obedience of the law (the commandments as in ‘love your neighbor’). Meaning, Paul and James are speaking of different kinds of work, they do not contradict each other.
Paul wrote about works of the law because the Jews boast that they are special, they are circumcised, unlike the Gentiles.
So my friends, follow James by loving your neighbor, doing good works, and you will be saved.
Follow Paul and don’t boast that you were circumcised and you wash your hands before eating and you refrain from eating pork and shellfish.
Love you RC, Ill see you some day.
Am always blessed by your teachings
Faith and Works are inseparable, that is Living Faith.
The works are produced by love, which comes from the Holy Spirit. This only happens after salvation, which requires faith.
So, if I'm understanding Sproul correctly here, there are two kinds of faith spoken of in scripture: a 'living faith' that leads to life, and a 'dead faith' that leads to condemnation. James makes the distinction that without works, faith is dead, while Paul asserts that a living faith is an obedient faith (essentially saying that an obedient faith will reflect acts of work as a natural outflow from a regenerated heart). It should then be noted then that 'obedience' is an act of 'works', so both James and Paul are saying the same basic thing.
If this is the case, then when we read the passages that seem to assert the 'faith alone' perspective, we are to actually read that the 'faith' in those verses is intrinsically demonstrating 'acts of works/obedience being a 'living faith'.
In neither case, nor in this video, is the 'work/obedience' defined clearly apart from James giving an example of reacting to a poor brother or sister in Christ. What specifically are we to be in obedience to and how extensive is it? We know that the Law of Moses (the 5 early books of the OT) does not apply to us and neither is it even capable of saving anyone. Jesus at the cross supersedes the Law, but does that mean that the 10 Commandments, a part of the Law, are not edicts we are to follow? Surely they have a place in any Christian's life, if indeed they are not universal.
The scriptures give clarity to this question. In Luke 10:27, Jesus says, "Love the Lord God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. Do this and you will inherit eternal life". We get more in Mathew 19:17-19, "But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments", and when asked which ones, He replies, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself". We then read in John 3, "Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. You must be born again".
Are these the kind of things that James speaks of as 'works' and that Paul supposedly alludes to in his 'faith alone' (living faith) preaching? I believe it is. Salvation by a living faith, is still a free gift because without Christ, works of any kind would matter not, and being that no one can work for that gift to earn it or 'replace' it with good works, the gift of faith is purely an act of God. But, if believing in one's heart upon Jesus isn't an act of works, can the same be said of confessing with thy mouth that belief or being baptized in water? Both are connected in scripture to being saved.
Ultimately, do acts of obedience, according to scripture, have anything to do with our being saved. There are indeed verses that strongly imply that a faith devoid of works/obedience - a dead faith - will end badly for such questionable believers. The parable of the master leaving and entrusting his servants to perform to his word, only to return and find that one did next to nothing - that servant did not end well. There is also 1 Timothy 4:1, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits...". One can't depart without first being, and obviously these ones chose not to follow in obedience.
But, it could not be more clearly said than what Jesus said in Rev.3:
"You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels".
You can't have your name blotted out if its not first written there, and that by not 'overcoming' (works of some kind) one can lose his place in salvation. This verse also implies a working relationship involving at least time with prayer and supplication to overcome. It is not a case of it being like a toilet seat salvation - up, then down, then up again, and so on, all predicated on whether or not one sinned yesterday but not today, only to sin again the following day. God knows the heart and whether one's struggle with sin is genuine or not - Rev. 2:5, "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place - unless you repent" (is this what happened to the 5 virgins that didn't make it?).
Yes, you must believe in Christ. Yes, you must confess Christ. Yes, you must be born again of the Spirit. But, don't think for one minute that obedience to the commandments of God are unimportant...according to scripture, your salvation may very well depend on it. With hearing/reading comes knowledge, and with knowledge comes faith - a living faith - and with such faith comes redemption.
Hoping to see you all soon
How many works?
None for eternal justification
Ask your local Catholic priest. /s
Is was thinking on this same thing. Thank the LORD for men like Dr. Sproul.
Not if your faith is DEAD, that's for those who have a living faith of which they use to do the will of the Father. If your just sitting there like a bump on a log and not being moved by the Holy Spirit to come here or go there, to do this or do that, then your faith is DEAD. A dead faith does NOT justify us.
Our salvation is like a door on the outside it says "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
When we have entered trough the Door and look back, it says: For many are called, but few are chosen.”Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
So if one beliefs that we have a free will and not God but we are choosing, and have the ability to accept or reject Jesus by our will and action. Then you are still gazing at the outside of the door.
The problem I see here is the timing ,the moment of faith vs. Salvation...Salvation doesn't happen somewhere down the line when you demonstrate works and obedience...that would be a 100% works Gospel. It happens the moment ,the very instant you believe in Christ . You are given at that point 40 things including being placed in union with Christ...Act:16 :39 .So how can any thing the new believer does or does not do after they are saved ,,have any effect on his or her salvation...They are saved before heor she, takes one step into the Christian life...Christ did all the work ...we believe...that is it...Now if he or she fails in the Christian life ,and there initial faith dies, ( that is a faith they demonstrated at the point of faith and faith alone in the finished work of Christ on the cross .That person is saved but minus blessings...not to mention a possible sin unto death penalty . None of us deserve salvation remember that..regardless wether we are good or bad..
Somebody should have told poor old St. Paul that he was actually more powerful than God. He wondered his whole life if he would finish the race. If only this "you are the judge, God has no power over you" theology had been available to St. Paul.
You are missing the point. The discussion is wether faith is present or not. Anyone can claim he has faith . But real faith is followed by works. You can not say you have faith in Jesus yet deny everything He says and refuse to walk in Godliness. Real faith will lead you to relationship with God. Salvation is not empty words but a real encounter with God. Everyone who have that encounter with God will walk in Godliness.
@@joshracheltonhorai8482 faith is what the martyrs had. That certainly was't simple intellectual assent.
Faith is complete trust that if you give your earthy life to Him, He will give His eternal life to you.
It's TRUST, not man made assurance.
@@joshracheltonhorai8482 I think you would miss my point completely
@@joshracheltonhorai8482 I think you are missing my point by a mile. Exactly what faith are you talking about when you say "whether faith is present". It sound to me like the faith that is developed from the intake of Bible Doctrine as we grow spiritually. I am referring to the very act of faith Act:16:31 , at the moment of faith in Christ for eternal salvation...This is a one time act that puts us in Union With Christ, a position in which it is impossible to get out of. I anyone claims this faith ,they are saved forever.
the best explanation yet flawless
Calvinism is a heresy boom roasted
My understanding of "Justification by Faith Alone" means thru the Grace of God, "FAITH" alone (not work) must come FIRST before "GOOD WORKS" (Charity of Love/Deeds) begins/starts...
It can not be WORK alone first before FAITH or both Faith and Work thru Grace justifies us at "the same time"... Our Faith Alone in God must come "FIRST" to each individual, then through our Faith in God... Good Works (Charity of Love/Deeds) will manifest or reflect on us thru the grace of God in Christ Jesus... Yes, it is true... the Bible said, "FAITH without WORK is a dead faith"... but it did not say,... "WORK without FAITH is a dead work."... Christ said, No works/deeds of man can be justified in the sight of God unless Faith thru Grace of God must come first to man... and that Faith is thru HIs Son, Christ Jesus... after that, our Charity of Love/Deeds begins/starts throughout our life in Christ and that is where our DEEDS will be judged by God on His Judgement Day (Rev. 20:12 / Roman 2:6/14:10-12)...
Therefore, FAITH "alone" must come FIRST before Good Works (Charity of Love/Deeds) begins/starts for those who truly repented and believe in God... Can not be the other way around... Amen.
Word of God does not ever contradict itself. James is about profitability to man. To be justified before man with faith plus works. If you say you have faith but don't show any good works, then man will not believe you have that claimed faith. If you have faith but no works, then you are of no use to man but still saved by grace through faith because it is not of yourself or works lest you boast. We are justified by faith before God. 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Paul addresses this:
Roman 4
4 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.