Grace and Works

There Is No Argument Here

   Some people stumble at the book of James because they were falsely taught that James was teaching salvation by works, unlike Paul who taught salvation, by grace, through faith.   

   The issue in James Chapter 2 verses 14-26 is the heart of a man, how can someone have a God filled heart and turn away from a brother in need, I.E. true sign of conversion is that a man being full of God is always available to help his brother or sister in need, not because it puts him or her in better favor in Gods economy. Out of an abundance of love towards God good works will follow. Someone could work forever with the thought it would make God love them more or the reverse saying the opposite but the proof of salvation and a God centered life is enjoying and delighting in God and “loving thy neighbor as thy self.” The rest will fall in line. 

   Paul taught the vehicle in which we are saved and James is providing the evidence of a true believer. James and Paul are both in unison with the Holy Spirit, falling in line with what Christ said in Mathew Chapter 7 verse 15-23, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Ye shall know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.  Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  Many will say to me in that day, Lord Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?  And in thy name have cast out devils?  And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” So there is no argument here. Let us always be a tree that brings forth good fruit in season and out and always working out our salvation with fear and trembling giving glory to God.  towards God, good works follow. Someone could work forever with the thought it would make God love them better or the reverse saying the opposite but the proof of salvation and a God centered life is enjoying and delighting in God and "Loving thy neighbor as thy self" the rest will fall in line.

By: Anonymous 


Thank you and my God cause you to have a deep hunger for the things of righteousness.
C.Sortini