Isn't Ben Jewish?
Perhaps, but B's understanding of James appears as skewed as E's.
But this is from my understanding of what James is talking about.
Which is the keeping of the Law by the twelve tribes scattered abroad this side of the Cross.
Keeping it because of, not for righteousness.
Remember; I don't view them as having had to wait to receive their salvation until after the Lord's return; I view them as having obtained it before that.
James' words to them are in view of that.
They now kept the Law not for righteousness but because doing so was who they were as the Israel of God.
They were His peculiar people on this earth. Their Law keeping identifying them as such.
Deuteronomy 4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. 4:6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. 4:7 For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for? 4:8 And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?
Isaiah 51:4 Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people.
Romans 2:17 Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, 2:18 And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; 2:19 And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, 2:20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.