The Inevitability of Works in Living Faith
For almost hundreds of years scholars have tried to interpret and reconcile the controversial convictions presented by The Epistle of James. In particular, James 2:14-26 received the most attention as it has often been identified as a contradiction to the doctrine of Pauline Epistles that “justification is achieved by faith alone” . Martin Luther even scrutinized the canonicity of James and denounced it as “right strawy epistle”. Upon reading the verses, one can be easily deluded into thinking that James believe an individual can only be saved through faith and works, not by faith alone. However, based on the content, literary and historical analysis, the verses actually states that one only needs …show more content…
Moreover, the present tenses used in Jas 2:18 illustrates that one routinely claims he has faith but consistently fails to show evidence to prove it. Reicke states that an individual, who only asserts he has faith, has no real faith. James constantly insists that Christianity is not just a mere confession of words but they must heed to be doers of the Word (Jas 1:22). Without works, faith simply does not exist; in fact, one’s works is sole possible evidence that can invigorate his …show more content…
He even stated the nature of salvation is a gift bestowed by God in Jas 1:17-28. Laws wrote that James simply argues about the lack of connection of so-called faith with works. The compliance with Christian behavior must be seen in the consistency of the coalescence of their faith and works. The term works comes from the Greek word, ‘ergon’, which is theologically defined in the bible. In the sense that with regards to humankind, works can either be good or bad depending whether one decides to conform to God’s will. Specifically, Good works are enacted as a response to God’s mercy and grace. Accordingly, good works are commendable presentation and symbol of living faith. Townsend wrote that if no works exist then no faith exists either and such “faith” will not justify a man at
For almost hundreds of years scholars have tried to interpret and reconcile the controversial convictions presented by The Epistle of James. In particular, James 2:14-26 received the most attention as it has often been identified as a contradiction to the doctrine of Pauline Epistles that “justification is achieved by faith alone” . Martin Luther even scrutinized the canonicity of James and denounced it as “right strawy epistle”. Upon reading the verses, one can be easily deluded into thinking that James believe an individual can only be saved through faith and works, not by faith alone. However, based on the content, literary and historical analysis, the verses actually states that one only needs …show more content…
Moreover, the present tenses used in Jas 2:18 illustrates that one routinely claims he has faith but consistently fails to show evidence to prove it. Reicke states that an individual, who only asserts he has faith, has no real faith. James constantly insists that Christianity is not just a mere confession of words but they must heed to be doers of the Word (Jas 1:22). Without works, faith simply does not exist; in fact, one’s works is sole possible evidence that can invigorate his …show more content…
He even stated the nature of salvation is a gift bestowed by God in Jas 1:17-28. Laws wrote that James simply argues about the lack of connection of so-called faith with works. The compliance with Christian behavior must be seen in the consistency of the coalescence of their faith and works. The term works comes from the Greek word, ‘ergon’, which is theologically defined in the bible. In the sense that with regards to humankind, works can either be good or bad depending whether one decides to conform to God’s will. Specifically, Good works are enacted as a response to God’s mercy and grace. Accordingly, good works are commendable presentation and symbol of living faith. Townsend wrote that if no works exist then no faith exists either and such “faith” will not justify a man at