Is Faith Without Works Dead?

[Right Divider]

Is Faith Without Works Dead?​

https://graceambassadors.com/salvation/is-faith-without-works-dead

Justin Johnson

The Bible defines faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is undeniable that faith without substance is no faith at all, but merely a false hope.

However, those who do not rightly divide the Scripture often are plagued with a misunderstanding of the separate faiths that have been offered throughout dispensations. It is a misconception to think that the substance of faith remains the same for every person and group in the Bible.

The Just Shall Live by Faith

Scripture records that the just in every age shall live by faith, and yet the substance or content of that faith changes as it is revealed.

“For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” – Romans 1:17

It is an unchangeable principle of God that the righteous, in any age, must live by faith, and operate according to the obedience of that faith (Acts 6:7, Romans 1:5).

“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

However, we must recognize the dispensational changes in the substance of that faith as it is revealed from God. Noah had faith in a flood and salvation by an ark. Moses had faith in God who would deliver them from Egypt, and salvation from enemy bondage.

The Hope of Israel

It is clearly stated in the opening verse of James, that he writes to the ‘twelve tribes’ and ‘my brethren’, who were Israelites, scattered by the persecution of unbelieving Israel.

Writing to the twelve tribes, James writes concerning the faith and hope of Israel during the Pentecostal period. It is during this time that the gospel of the kingdom was preached by Peter who proclaimed the ‘last days’ before Christ’s return (Acts 2:16-17, 3:19-21).

Instead of having a hope based upon the preaching of the cross, Israel’s hope was in the salvation offered by the coming Holy One and promised kingdom (Luke 1:68-75). It was this information that Peter presented for acceptance by faith.

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” – Acts 2:36

Along with believing Jesus to be the Holy One, Peter called upon Israel to repent and perform the works necessary to exhibit their repentance according to what Jesus had taught.

“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:20

A Faith That Produces Works

In order to enter the kingdom, Jesus taught that Israel must be righteous. In fact, they must be perfect ‘even as your Father in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48).

If a believer was to have faith in the coming kingdom with Jesus as its Messiah, then they would of necessity be obliged to perform the works of the law as obedience to that faith.

The substance of the faith was entering the coming kingdom with Jesus as Messiah. The obedience to that faith would naturally be performing works required to enter the kingdom, and be admitted into Jesus’ kingdom.

“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” – John 14:21

When faith was obeyed by these Jewish believers, they would exhibit the works required by their faith. The substance of their faith was obedience to the law, even the new covenant, as Jesus, the Holy One, both taught and exemplified (Matthew 5:20, 8:4, 23:2-3).

A Dead Faith

If the substance of your faith was the coming kingdom, which required a righteous performance of works for admission, then you could evaluate a person’s faith by their obedience to perform works.

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” – James 2:20

The faith of these Jewish believers at Pentecost demanded the obedience of works. Otherwise, the substance of their faith was not alive – it was dead!

Only someone who did not have faith of a coming kingdom, or did not want to enter the coming kingdom would deny necessary works.

James reasons that a man reaches justification, which is the proof of salvation, through the necessary works.

“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” – James 2:24

Another Hope, Another Faith

The just will live by faith. Until the revelation of the mystery, the substance of faith always included God’s involvement with the nation Israel, its promised kingdom, and its associated covenants.

It was not until Paul that salvation was offered by grace through faith alone apart from any special nation, kingdom requirements, or covenant stipulations (Romans 4:5, Eph 2:8-9, Romans 11:6, Eph 2:12).

Paul offered a hope not based upon a promised earthly kingdom of peace and righteous rule, but a hope of salvation found within the preaching of the cross (Eph 2:7, Romans 5:2-4).

The saving faith we are taught includes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ who was delivered for our offences and raised again for our free justification (Romans 4:25).

We are given free justification by grace apart from any meritorious work of our own (Romans 3:24).

Contained in this further revelation which was not revealed to Peter, James, or John prior to Paul was that our faith is not in a covenantal law, which required performance, but in the death of Jesus Christ for our sins.

“But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;” – Romans 3:21

The Obedience of Faith

The substance of our faith is the atoning work of Christ on the cross in our place (Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:21-26).

Unique to this dispensation of emphatic grace, the obedience to this faith requires no works at all!

“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” – Romans 4:5

Instead of evaluating our faith based upon performance, our faith is evaluated based on Christ’s performance in our place, which was sufficient for every man! Praise God!

It was when we were weak, and given up by God as enemies, Christ died for us:

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” – Romans 5:6

Dead Faith in the Dispensation of Grace

Citing James 2:14-26, teachers seek to justify a performance-based evaluation of ‘true’ faith today in the dispensation of grace. Yet, unknowingly, they rob people of the benefits the righteousness of God which only comes freely by faith in Christ (Romans 3:22-24, 5:2).

In order for a faith to be dead in this dispensation, the substance of their faith must be inactive. That is, if our faith is in Jesus Christ’s work on the cross, then a dead faith would be like preaching a dead Jesus who could not perform that which he promised (Romans 4:19-21).

Contrariwise, any person who has faith in the cross of Christ has the full assurance of salvation because God is able to perform that which we could not – a proper atonement of our sins.

Our faith can only be annulled or dead if the work of Christ was annulled or insufficient. Impossible!

Do not be robbed of the glorious grace of God by a lack of rightly dividing the Scriptures. It is the precious truth of the efficacious atoning blood of Jesus that is the focus and climax of the gospel!

Whereas James taught a faith that required works in order to be ‘perfect’, we are given a perfect position by our faith in Christ alone! Amen and Amen. (2 Cor 5:21, Phil 3:12)

Published: September 21, 2009
Last Modified: June 6, 2023

 

[Derf]

Is Faith Without Works Dead?​

https://graceambassadors.com/salvation/is-faith-without-works-dead

Justin Johnson

The Bible defines faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is undeniable that faith without substance is no faith at all, but merely a false hope.

However, those who do not rightly divide the Scripture often are plagued with a misunderstanding of the separate faiths that have been offered throughout dispensations. It is a misconception to think that the substance of faith remains the same for every person and group in the Bible.

The Just Shall Live by Faith

Scripture records that the just in every age shall live by faith, and yet the substance or content of that faith changes as it is revealed.


It is an unchangeable principle of God that the righteous, in any age, must live by faith, and operate according to the obedience of that faith (Acts 6:7, Romans 1:5).


However, we must recognize the dispensational changes in the substance of that faith as it is revealed from God. Noah had faith in a flood and salvation by an ark. Moses had faith in God who would deliver them from Egypt, and salvation from enemy bondage.

The Hope of Israel

It is clearly stated in the opening verse of James, that he writes to the ‘twelve tribes’ and ‘my brethren’, who were Israelites, scattered by the persecution of unbelieving Israel.

Writing to the twelve tribes, James writes concerning the faith and hope of Israel during the Pentecostal period. It is during this time that the gospel of the kingdom was preached by Peter who proclaimed the ‘last days’ before Christ’s return (Acts 2:16-17, 3:19-21).

Instead of having a hope based upon the preaching of the cross, Israel’s hope was in the salvation offered by the coming Holy One and promised kingdom (Luke 1:68-75). It was this information that Peter presented for acceptance by faith.


Along with believing Jesus to be the Holy One, Peter called upon Israel to repent and perform the works necessary to exhibit their repentance according to what Jesus had taught.


A Faith That Produces Works

In order to enter the kingdom, Jesus taught that Israel must be righteous. In fact, they must be perfect ‘even as your Father in heaven is perfect’ (Matthew 5:48).

If a believer was to have faith in the coming kingdom with Jesus as its Messiah, then they would of necessity be obliged to perform the works of the law as obedience to that faith.

The substance of the faith was entering the coming kingdom with Jesus as Messiah. The obedience to that faith would naturally be performing works required to enter the kingdom, and be admitted into Jesus’ kingdom.


When faith was obeyed by these Jewish believers, they would exhibit the works required by their faith. The substance of their faith was obedience to the law, even the new covenant, as Jesus, the Holy One, both taught and exemplified (Matthew 5:20, 8:4, 23:2-3).

A Dead Faith

If the substance of your faith was the coming kingdom, which required a righteous performance of works for admission, then you could evaluate a person’s faith by their obedience to perform works.


The faith of these Jewish believers at Pentecost demanded the obedience of works. Otherwise, the substance of their faith was not alive – it was dead!

Only someone who did not have faith of a coming kingdom, or did not want to enter the coming kingdom would deny necessary works.

James reasons that a man reaches justification, which is the proof of salvation, through the necessary works.


Another Hope, Another Faith

The just will live by faith. Until the revelation of the mystery, the substance of faith always included God’s involvement with the nation Israel, its promised kingdom, and its associated covenants.

It was not until Paul that salvation was offered by grace through faith alone apart from any special nation, kingdom requirements, or covenant stipulations (Romans 4:5, Eph 2:8-9, Romans 11:6, Eph 2:12).

Paul offered a hope not based upon a promised earthly kingdom of peace and righteous rule, but a hope of salvation found within the preaching of the cross (Eph 2:7, Romans 5:2-4).

The saving faith we are taught includes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ who was delivered for our offences and raised again for our free justification (Romans 4:25).

We are given free justification by grace apart from any meritorious work of our own (Romans 3:24).

Contained in this further revelation which was not revealed to Peter, James, or John prior to Paul was that our faith is not in a covenantal law, which required performance, but in the death of Jesus Christ for our sins.


The Obedience of Faith

The substance of our faith is the atoning work of Christ on the cross in our place (Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:21-26).

Unique to this dispensation of emphatic grace, the obedience to this faith requires no works at all!


Instead of evaluating our faith based upon performance, our faith is evaluated based on Christ’s performance in our place, which was sufficient for every man! Praise God!

It was when we were weak, and given up by God as enemies, Christ died for us:


Dead Faith in the Dispensation of Grace

Citing James 2:14-26, teachers seek to justify a performance-based evaluation of ‘true’ faith today in the dispensation of grace. Yet, unknowingly, they rob people of the benefits the righteousness of God which only comes freely by faith in Christ (Romans 3:22-24, 5:2).

In order for a faith to be dead in this dispensation, the substance of their faith must be inactive. That is, if our faith is in Jesus Christ’s work on the cross, then a dead faith would be like preaching a dead Jesus who could not perform that which he promised (Romans 4:19-21).

Contrariwise, any person who has faith in the cross of Christ has the full assurance of salvation because God is able to perform that which we could not – a proper atonement of our sins.

Our faith can only be annulled or dead if the work of Christ was annulled or insufficient. Impossible!

Do not be robbed of the glorious grace of God by a lack of rightly dividing the Scriptures. It is the precious truth of the efficacious atoning blood of Jesus that is the focus and climax of the gospel!

Whereas James taught a faith that required works in order to be ‘perfect’, we are given a perfect position by our faith in Christ alone! Amen and Amen. (2 Cor 5:21, Phil 3:12)

Published: September 21, 2009
Last Modified: June 6, 2023

Yes.
It means that if faith doesn't change how you act, it's dead.

 

[glorydaz]

There is only one way to be saved, and that’s to believe in the one true God, our Lord Saviour.

He was there in the beginning, and Noah believed. God called him a righteous man, and Noah walked with God.​

​

Gen. 6:9.​

These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. You say Noah had faith in a flood And salvation by an ark. Are you serious? ​

​

You say, “However, we must recognize the dispensational changes in the substance of that faith as it is revealed from God. Noah had faith in a flood and salvation by an ark. Moses had faith in God who would deliver them from Egypt, and salvation from enemy bondage.”​

​

And Moses? Are you claiming that Moses wasn’t saved? You impune the motives of Moses?. Dispensations don’t change the means of salvation. It’s always been through the obedience of faith, whether for Noah or Peter or Paul. Samuel, Noah, Daniel, Job….the list is long, and gentiles are not more special because we accepted this free gift. The old saints merely waited for the cross.​

​

Jeremiah 15:1. Then said the Lord unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.​

​

 

[Right Divider]

Jas 2:24 (AKJV/PCE)​

(2:24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.​

 

[glorydaz]

Jas 2:24 (AKJV/PCE)​

(2:24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.​

James 2: 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

That verse is talking about his later obedience when offering up Isaac.
Notice first he was justified when he believed God about having a son, and that was imputed to him for righteousness.

Romans 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.​

James is speaking of making that faith perfect…..not for salvation, but for the process of sanctification. Part of the perfecting of the saints ie the kingdom gospel.

James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?​

And here the working out of that faith (sanctification). More likely, faith without any evidence is no faith at all.

 

[glorydaz]

Yes.
It means that if faith doesn't change how you act, it's dead.

Yep, and isn’t that what the gospels are teaching us? Living out our faith.
The kingdom of God is within you. If it isn’t in there, it can’t be seen.

Luke 17:21. Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom ofGod is within you.​

 

[Bladerunner]

Yep, and isn’t that what the gospels are teaching us? Living out our faith.
The kingdom of God is within you. If it isn’t in there, it can’t be seen.

Luke 17:21. Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom ofGod is within you.​

Once your justified, your works begin during the sanctification process.

 

[Right Divider]

Once your justified, your works begin during the sanctification process.

Tell James

 

[Lon]

Am I a fruit inspector? While it is true, every man and woman saved, does good works according to the new nature, that is more about the Savior and His saved. The church (you and I) are interested in works for several reasons: 1) healthy body life 2) helping a brother or a sister walk 3) not a salvific concern particularly. A person may have to be ejected from the assembly, but this isn't about their relationship to Christ necessarily, but between them and the needs of the body. 1 Corinthians 5 was about just such:
1Co 5:1 On the whole it is reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even named among the nations, so as one to have his father's wife.
1Co 5:2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, so that he who has done this deed may be taken from your midst.
1Co 5:3 For as being absent in body but present in spirit, I indeed have judged already as though I were present concerning him who worked out this thing;
1Co 5:4 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, with my spirit; also, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1Co 5:5 to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1Co 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
1Co 5:7 Therefore purge out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For also Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

Compassionately in 2 Corinthians:
2Co 2:6 This punishment by the majority is enough for such a one;
2Co 2:7 so that, on the contrary, you should rather forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overwhelming sorrow.
2Co 2:8 So I beseech you to confirm your love toward him.
2Co 2:9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things.
2Co 2:10 But to whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if I forgave anything, for your sakes I forgave it to him in the person of Christ;
2Co 2:11 so that we should not be overreached by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his devices.

All about fruit and works against the body, not about his salvation except that such might indicate 1 Corinthians 5:5

For all your consideration and inspection.

 

[glorydaz]

Once your justified, your works begin during the sanctification process.

That’s what both Paul and James are saying. James is a wonderful book. Sadly it’s ignored by those who claim it isn’t addressed to them.

We’re to be doers of the word, and not hearers only. James 1:22

God has ordained that we should walk in good works. James is reminding us that faith and good works go hand in hand. In other words, our works justify or confirm the faith that is in us.

Eph. 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.​

​

Also, Paul makes it clear in Romans 4.:2 Abraham could boast in his works, but not before God. Men look on our works, and those works justify us before men. This is what James is saying. Paul agrees.​

 

[glorydaz]

Am I a fruit inspector? While it is true, every man and woman saved, does good works according to the new nature, that is more about the Savior and His saved. The church (you and I) are interested in works for several reasons: 1) healthy body life 2) helping a brother or a sister walk 3) not a salvific concern particularly. A person may have to be ejected from the assembly, but this isn't about their relationship to Christ necessarily, but between them and the needs of the body. 1 Corinthians 5 was about just such:
1Co 5:1 On the whole it is reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even named among the nations, so as one to have his father's wife.
1Co 5:2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, so that he who has done this deed may be taken from your midst.
1Co 5:3 For as being absent in body but present in spirit, I indeed have judged already as though I were present concerning him who worked out this thing;
1Co 5:4 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, with my spirit; also, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ;
1Co 5:5 to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1Co 5:6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
1Co 5:7 Therefore purge out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For also Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.

Compassionately in 2 Corinthians:
2Co 2:6 This punishment by the majority is enough for such a one;
2Co 2:7 so that, on the contrary, you should rather forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overwhelming sorrow.
2Co 2:8 So I beseech you to confirm your love toward him.
2Co 2:9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things.
2Co 2:10 But to whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if I forgave anything, for your sakes I forgave it to him in the person of Christ;
2Co 2:11 so that we should not be overreached by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his devices.

All about fruit and works against the body, not about his salvation except that such might indicate 1 Corinthians 5:5

For all your consideration and inspection.

Yes, and those works can either be honoring to God, or burned up as chaff.

Not an issue is salvation, but one of sanctification.

1 Cor. 3:14-15​

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.​

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by​

 

[Bladerunner]

Tell James

you want to talk about James, then you want to talk about the Mormons.....

 

[Bladerunner]

That’s what both Paul and James are saying. James is a wonderful book. Sadly it’s ignored by those who claim it isn’t addressed to them.

We’re to be doers of the word, and not hearers only. James 1:22

God has ordained that we should walk in good works. James is reminding us that faith and good works go hand in hand. In other words, our works justify or confirm the faith that is in us.

Eph. 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.​

​

Also, Paul makes it clear in Romans 4.:2 Abraham could boast in his works, but not before God. Men look on our works, and those works justify us before men. This is what James is saying. Paul agrees.​

James words are Gods Words as s Paul's

 

[Derf]

James words are Gods Words as s Paul's

True, but if context says they are God's words to a select group of people, and not to any others, then it's worth quibbling about, perhaps. And quibbling is good if it helps us determine who needs to learn from James' words.

I just can't see that James' words are not applicable to any Christian. Why would one want to argue for faith that has no impact on you?

 

[glorydaz]

True, but if context says they are God's words to a select group of people, and not to any others, then it's worth quibbling about, perhaps. And quibbling is good if it helps us determine who needs to learn from James' words.

The problem is with the claim that James was restricting his words to the twelve tribes scattered abroad.

I just can't see that James' words are not applicable to any Christian. Why would one want to argue for faith that has no impact on you?

I think James is excellent at describing the life we should be living, which is his intent, don’t you think? Sure sounds like the process of sanctification to me.

James 1:2-6

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.​

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.​

We even see the same messages throughout both. Same Holy Spirit speaking God’s words. They do not change. Truth is truth. Even when the audience changes, God does not.

Ephesians 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;​

Much of the Bible is showing us how we can be holy. It’s a true view of kingdom living. How we are to live the kingdom lifestyle while we still walk this earth. Loving God and our neighbors as ourselves. Walking humbly and putting others before ourselves. People should read James, just like they read those words addressed to Timothy by Paul.

 

[Derf]

The problem is with the claim that James was restricting his words to the twelve tribes scattered abroad.

Yes, but what did he mean by that? If in Christ there is no Jewish or Gentile, and if James was writing to those who were in Christ, then Gentiles and Jews were both potential audiences--no reason to treat them any different. And it would follow that the Gentiles (ex-Gentiles, if you will), could be called "the twelve tribes scattered abroad."

I think James is excellent at describing the life we should be living, which is his intent, don’t you think? Sure sounds like the process of sanctification to me.

Indeed. That's why I like to ask, "What part of James' message should the Christians be rejecting? And why?"

James 1:2-6

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.​

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.​

We even see the same messages throughout both. Same Holy Spirit speaking God’s words. They do not change. Truth is truth. Even when the audience changes, God does not.

Ephesians 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;​

Much of the Bible is showing us how we can be holy. It’s a true view of kingdom living. How we are to live the kingdom lifestyle while we still walk this earth. Loving God and our neighbors as ourselves. Walking humbly and putting others before ourselves. People should read James, just like they read those words addressed to Timothy by Paul.

Amen!

 

[Nick M]

That verse is talking about his later obedience when offering up Isaac.

James is speaking of making that faith perfect…..not for salvation, but for the process of sanctification. Part of the perfecting of the saints ie the kingdom gospel.

No, it is talking about the covenant of circumcision. He asked a rhetorical question, because the answer is he was justified by offering his son.

24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

 

[glorydaz]

Yes, but what did he mean by that?

He was writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. Yes, Jewish believers in Yeshua. Believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and James is teaching how to live Godly lives in the midst of an evil generation. Humility in the midst of persecution.

If in Christ there is no Jewish or Gentile, and if James was writing to those who were in Christ, then Gentiles and Jews were both potential audiences--no reason to treat them any different.

The Jews have always been a separate people, and didn’t really mingle with gentiles at that time. Besides, Paul was in charge of going to the gentiles, remember? I don’t see them being treated any different. James certainly had an affinity for his own people and wanted them all to live a victorious life…that kingdom life.

And it would follow that the Gentiles (ex-Gentiles, if you will), could be called "the twelve tribes scattered abroad."

No, I ’m sure that’s not the case. Gentiles were never in tribes. Well, none of note, anyway.

Indeed. That's why I like to ask, "What part of James' message should the Christians be rejecting? And why?"

Amen!

There is nothing objectionable about James. There is only that one misunderstanding concerning the example about Abraham, and that is explained within the text. One is for salvation and the other for sanctification.

 

[glorydaz]

No, it is talking about the covenant of circumcision. He asked a rhetorical question, because the answer is he was justified by offering his son.

24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Except it had nothing to do with circumcision or the covenant, but of the work of offering Isaac as a sacrifice.

James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?​

​

 

[Derf]

He was writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. Yes, Jewish believers in Yeshua. Believers in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and James is teaching how to live Godly lives in the midst of an evil generation. Humility in the midst of persecution.


The Jews have always been a separate people, and didn’t really mingle with gentiles at that time. Besides, Paul was in charge of going to the gentiles, remember? I don’t see them being treated any different. James certainly had an affinity for his own people and wanted them all to live a victorious life…that kingdom life.

No, I ’m sure that’s not the case. Gentiles were never in tribes. Well, none of note, anyway.

That doesn't mean they weren't eventually treated as if they were fellow heirs with Jesus, along with Jews.

There is nothing objectionable about James. There is only that one misunderstanding concerning the example about Abraham, and that is explained within the text. One is for salvation and the other for sanctification.

Right!