Faith Alone

James 2:18-24

18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.
24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

Reflection:

Context... Context... Context!!! If someone were to simply take James 2:24 out of the context of the entire passage of James Chapter 2, then they would be easily decieved as to think that Martin Luther was wrong with this whole 'We are saved by Faith alone' thing. If taken out of context, the verse would also present a problem for Biblical accuracy because it would seem to contradict Ephesians 2:8-9 that specifically states 'Salvation comes by God's grace through our FAITH in Jesus Christ'. But when correctly examining the context of scripture, we realize that James doesn't contradict any other scripture or true Doctrine in his writings.

The entire context of James Chapter 2 is the difference between a simple belief about God and a true and saving faith in Jesus Christ. James explains that even the demons believe there is One God, but that doesn't mean they have true faith. He goes on to explain that 'Faith without works is dead' (James 2:26). What James is simply saying is that 'True Faith will be accompanied by good works'. This truth is affirmed by many other scriptures including Ephesians 2:10 and John 14:15.

Works are not required for salvation. The thief on the cross being crucified next to Jesus expressed faith in Jesus Christ; therefore Jesus granted him eternal life. This thief did absolutely no good works whatsoever, he wasn't baptized, he didn't recieve the Lord's supper; all this repentant sinner had to offer Jesus was faith, faith alone.

Hopefully, my reflection has confirmed the Historic Doctrine of Sola Fide established by Martin Luther (Salvation by Faith alone in Jesus Christ). Don't let the Catholics and Mormons trip you up. Stand firm in the true faith of Jesus Christ. When others challenge your beliefs, back them up by the truth of scripture.

+ Jakab +