Quote:
Originally Posted by stmatthew
OK Harmonize the text I have given with the rest of scripture.
Jam 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
So was James wrong in saying that Abraham was justified When he offered up Isaac? Note that it does not say that Abrahams faith was justified. You would have to add something in there that is not there.
Jam 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Don't you see that when Abraham put actions to his faith, that his works made his faith complete?
Jam 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Again, when Abraham believed God, he had corresponding actions to that faith, and when faith was perfected (completed) he received the imputation for righteousness
Jam 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Do you see?? There is no way around these verses unless you misrepresent them, as BG does. A Man is justified by works of faith, and not merely faith alone. |
Your intepretation of
James 2 is in direct contradiction with
Romans 4. This is no way to properly harmonize Paul's writing with that of James. What you have neglected to take into consideration is in whom's eyes the justification occurs. James is writing with the perspective of seeing justification through the eyes of men. We as men can only see actions and not the intent of the heart. God doesn't need to see because He knows that when He justifies solely on the basis of a man's faith that works will occur.
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