Originally Posted by
Darth Gill
It is my observation that James does contradict Paul. Paul says justification by faith alone. James says it is not by faith alone. There is clearly a contradiction presented in James.
I believe I have addressed this, and I completely disagree with you. When I take a breath of air, is that a good work? When God reveals to me the truth, is that a good work? I do not maintain fellowship with you or anyone else because they have displayed toward me "good works." I maintain fellowship with others because God has revealed to my brethren the truth. We have unity in the Gospel - doctrinal standards. This is manifested through a profession. Anyone that comes to me professing Christ, I will in no wise reject as a brother.
I've said this before, and I'll say it again. I do not want to be justified before you by my works. I know that if I was, upon thorough examination, I would not be justified. Also, what standard do you use for justification? To me it sounds like a subjective standard? What if I fail to repent of every sin I find myself involved in? Would that mean I'm not justified before you? What if you found out by living near me that I haven't visited orphans and widows in their time of need? Would that mean I'm not a Christian?
Many people who believe in justification by works before men I know would reject me as a Christian. Others might not. It's entirely a subjective judgment. James however is not subjective, and the book enumerates exactly what works are necessary (ie. visiting orphans and widows).
So, belief in the truth, is that a work? Not at all. Grace is not a work.
Remember Ananias and Saul? Saul had persecuted the Christians, but Ananias came to him and called him "brother", yet there was not a single work performed by Saul that would give Ananias evidence of his election. Ananias had a direct revelation from God.
Acts 9:17, (KJV), And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Even if your argument is to be used Kyle - that confession of the truth is a work that we use to judge, this does not validate your support of James as James is calling for much more than just confession. James is actually advocating justification before God (or in your opinion justification before men) by caring for widows and orphans!
I know a lot of people who do a lot of works like caring for widows and orphans! Remember the catholic nun, "mother teresa?" Boy, she was very active in providing material needs for orphans and widows. That sure was nice of her!
What about Philip when he was travelling down the road? When he met the eunoch who was just simply asking QUESTIONS! Yet, Phillip saw him as a brother and went down to the river to baptize him as a believer.
Acts 8:34-38, (KJV), And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? (35) Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. (36) And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? (37) And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (38) And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
James on the other hand says that a simple confession of faith is not good enough for him! NO SIR! He wants to see MORE works (that is if you see simple believing as a work)! He wants to see those orphans and widows fed before he'll call you a brother!
...James and John are saying the same thing just different terminology.
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