Prayers: Concluding thoughts (if you're lucky) for now.
In general; prayer is often answered when it isn't a "no or later" situation through other means and individuals than we in our puny minds can comprehend. It seems from my experience there are those who are obsessed in wanting to meet the needs of others (i.e. a gift of service) and others (probably more like myself) who like to offer some thought provoking scriptural concept or parable like statement to make people think. What I mean is; in my inherant selfishness; I am not obsessed like those aforementioned gifted believers with a gift of service or helps to always meet people's needs up front and right away.
This isn't getting me out of the pit I'm digging for myself...but I'm making a point (I think). Sometimes at least I hope; there is some merit to being abstract in some regard at least in not always having to be the one to fix the problem. That leaves me with my own issues of having to push myself to be as giving as a lot of others but obviously that is my problem not that of the audience (I will presume innocent until proven otherwise in that regard).
Okay; enough of the "Pauline" sarcasm. In having wisdom and being wise as serpents; innocent as doves we wrestle out our existence. ( Matthew 10:16). With prayer of course we are to take appropriate action when we can so we don't be as the person in James 2:16 and not be an answered prayer OURSELVES to someone in their misery. We can't give away all our money in the same token unless it is our own volition and to fulfill the Great Commission unless it is for dire need or our family interests (even that with caution). All of this is to say that indeed we need as the Body of Christ not to be overly lazy or overly burdened to the extent that the individual in Phillippians 2:27 was who Paul mentioned.
Prayer usually involves a marathon effort but sometimes is answered as a sprint. Sometimes God works miracles without obvious prayer
Scripturally, excluding a person from the church is preceded by admonition and counsel; it is only employed in cases of bona fide heresy, obdurate divisiveness, or blatant, unrepentant sin; and it is a last resort. After excommunication, the relationship between the former member and the church naturally changes, and the "shunning command"-not to eat with such a person-may come into play. However, the church still has the responsibility to pray for the one being disciplined and to extend forgiveness when repentance is evident. Shunning, as defined as a refusal to speak to someone or a total severing of all ties, goes beyond what the Bible advocates.
PARTIALITY.
This is another evil we see amongst believers.
The chapter of James 2 covers this. ( James 2:1-26)
Let's take on just a few verses.
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
So, speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. ( Revelation 21:8)
These verses at the end of the Bible and representing the end of the wicked is the end result of those who won't heed to warnings such as 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; see also Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:5 and many other scriptures on the subject. We do well to heed to what was said in the last verse of 1 Corinthians 6 of this reference (v. 11) where it states that some were this but they have been sanctified and justified.
There are several issues here that I feel need to be addressed. First is the difference between a sinful lapse; a sinful habit and a sinful lifestyle. All three of these behaviors could be attributed to nonbelievers; albeit in today's society there would be few that would care about a slip up except perhaps some atheists who hold to what they consider a moral standard superior to much of society. Clearly as a Christian we shouldn't play games with God with any type of sin. The third category; however is something that must be abandoned; otherwise there is no fruit of our salvation. Also we undestand that breaking the law in one area makes us guilty of breaking it all ( James 2:10). Often one sin leads to another; whether it is abuse or abandonment of a family due to the greed of a gambling addiction (something which is being advertised currently in local media); or murder stemming from the bad fruit of adultery or fornication that usually is also tied to greed or jealousy; etc.
The word "fearful" in Revelation 21:8 is in many translations "cowardly". It results when men fear man over God which we are to have a healthy fear of and ignores ( Proverbs 29:25). Wanting the praise of men is at least equally if not worse because it compromises our bold witness against sin ( John 12:43).
"And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:" James 2:3 KJV
The people in the back should be sitting in the front. The very front so they can get the help and support they need and become stronger and overcome. The people in the back might be struggling with very weighty issues and those with the weightest of issues need to sit closest to the front. So that the stronger ones can pray for them and show their love, support and compassion with hopes of making those that were sitting in the back that are now in the very front, overcomers.
Respectfully submitted in the name of our precious Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ.
Hi BillyRay. Proverbs 6:17 will answer your first question; with verses 16-19 describing the 'seven things that are an abomination to God'. I can't think of a specific verse to answer your second question, though James 2:10 comes to mind: "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."
As with anything that comes into our minds, whether to lie, lust or whatever, when we it begins to take hold, to affect our minds & consciences, we must deal with it speedily, in the power of the Spirit lest it becomes sin & we offend our Heavenly Father. Yet, there is forgiveness if we earnestly repent of it & seek to cast it aside ( 1 John 1:9).
Part 8. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James Use Abraham to Illustrate.)
So Paul's example has to do with the early part of Abraham's life. When James presents his argument, we find that he deals with the end of Abraham's life and the offering of Isaac upon the altar. This was the last appearance of God to this man, and James says, in essence, "Now here is the example of what faith has done in this man's life - it has brought him to make the supreme sacrifice."
Look again at James 2:21: "Was not Abraham, our father, justified by works, when he had offered Isaac, his son, upon the altar?" Now in what way does the offering of Isaac reveal the fact that Abraham was justified by works? To see this clearly, we need to notice some very familiar facts. These interesting incidents took place toward the end of the life of Abraham when God called upon him to make the great sacrifice - which was the supreme crisis in his life.
God's Test - Genesis 22.
"And it came to pass after these things, that God did test Abraham" ( Genesis 22:1). The King James Version uses the word "tempt," but the New Scofield Reference Bible changes it to "test." I know that it's the same Greek word that you will find for "tempt," but you will also recall that James says,
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. ( James 1:13)
Now when a man is tempted with evil, it is never God tempting him; it is Satan. God does not tempt men with evil; He tempts them with the good. He tests men in that sense. God's tests always lead to discipline and development of Christian character and life, while the tests and temptations of Satan always lead to the destruction of the life of the individual. Here we see that Abraham is being tested of God for his own good.
Part 7. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Works)
When it comes to the word works, surely Paul and James must mean the same thing, do they not? No, they absolutely do not. When Paul speaks of works, he speaks of the works of the Law. I wonder if you have ever noticed that? Will you listen to him,
Therefore, by the deeds [or works] of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. ( Romans 3:20)
So, it is clear that when Paul is talking about works, he is talking about the works of the Law. Then turn to Galatians 2:16 where we read, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." Here again Paul is talking about the works of the Law.
But James talks about the works of faith. Could he be any more explicit than when he says,
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith [not the works of the Law, but that which faith produces] without works is dead? ( James 2:20)
Therefore, if man's faith does not produce works, that man's faith is dead. Here we find that the two men have two extremely different sources of works in mind. James, that of faith; Paul, that of the Law.
Paul and James Use Abraham to Illustrate.
At this point, let's bring the teaching of these two men to bear upon the life of God's great servant, Abraham, in the question of justification, for we find both Paul and James using Abraham as an example. This is of keen interest as we see that Paul lets us look at Abraham when God made His first appearance to him, and James goes to the end of his life when God made His seventh and last appearance to Abraham. Paul goes back to the birth of Isaac and the time when God called Abraham - at which time this man had no works and had very feeble faith, but nonetheless a faith sufficient to move out with God. And when he moved out with God, he was justified by faith.-
Part 6. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Faith.)
One of the greatest dangers for preachers of the gospel is that we like to see people converted, and we are willing to accept a brazen and flippant yes from some individual who says, "Yes, I'll trust Jesus." However, it might be just an impertinent, impudent, and insolent nod of the head; it is so easy today to be as phony as a three-dollar bill. James says, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" ( James 2:17). Therefore, even though he uses the word faith, James means faithfulness - a faith that makes you faithful before men.
A minister once asked a man who professed conversion, "Have you united with the church?"
"No, I haven't," the man replied. "The dying thief never united with the church, and he went to heaven."
The minister asked, "Have you ever sat at the Lord's table?"
"No, the dying thief never did, and he was accepted," was the man's answer.
The minister asked, "Have you been baptized?"
"No," he said, "the dying thief was never baptized, and he went to heaven."
"Have you given to missions?"
"No, the dying thief did not give to missions, and he was not judged for it," was the reply.
Then this disgusted minister said to the man, "Well, my friend, the difference between you two seems to be that he was a dying thief and you are a living thief."
Part 5. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Justification.)
Therefore, we see that when Paul uses the term justification he is talking about a man's relationship with God; when James uses the same term, he is talking about a man's relationship with the world. One is perpendicular, and the other is horizontal.
Paul and James View Faith.
The same procedure runs true in their use of the term faith. Again, they mean something different. When Paul talks of faith he is talking about that which is toward God. Paul says that saving faith - a faith that is genuine and real - will transform a person's life. Paul said of himself,
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. ( Philippians 3:7)
A real revolution took place in his life when he came to Christ. Looking again at Galatians 3:6, we read that "as Abraham believed Godit was accounted to him for righteousness." And then in Romans:
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. ( Romans 4:5)
Paul is speaking here of that which we bring to God. The only thing that a sinner can bring to God is faith in Jesus Christ. When James writes about this, he is not talking about faith toward God but about the works of faith. So Paul is talking about the root of faith, and James is talking about the fruit of faith, but they are both defending the citadel of faith.
Here in James 2:14.
James is not talking about the works of the Law. The faith that James is talking about here is professing faith, that which is phony and counterfeit. Paul refers to the same idea when he says in 1 Corinthians 15:2, "unless ye have believed in vain." Paul also wrote, "Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith" ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). James simply says that the faith which saves you will produce works-"works of faith.
J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul vs. James in the Use of Words)
Examining the context.
Therefore, the confusion rests in a misunderstanding of their use of the three words: justify, faith, and works. If we understand what each means in his use of these three words, we shall find out that Paul and James are not in conflict.
Paul and James View Justification.
In the interest of clarity, let us find out what Paul and James really meant when they used these three terms.
The first term to come before us is justified or justification. When Paul uses this term it always means justified in God's sight. He speaks of how the sinner down here is made right with God. He is never justified by works before God, but he is justified by faith in Jesus Christ. That is the only thing that God accepts. In fact, Paul makes it very clear:
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath something of which to glory, but not before God. ( Romans 4:2)
So we see that when Paul uses the word justification he is thinking of the sinner's position in connection with and before God.
Now when James uses the term justification he is not thinking of it as being before God at all. Rather, he is thinking of justification before men - how a Christian is justified before men - and he makes that clear:
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. ( James 2:18)
In other words, James says, "I am talking here about justification for people who don't believe it until they see it. I am talking about justification before men." Then he makes that perfectly clear again, for a little later he writes,
Ye see [not God sees, but ye see], then, that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ( James 2:24)
See Part 5. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Justification.)
Vs 14-18. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh, as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD; for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son; That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Was Abraham justified by works? Yes.
Scripture says that he was justified by works. ( James 2:21-24)
Do we have here a contradiction to the apostle Paul? Did not Paul say that Abraham was justified by faith - not by works? Paul makes a very specific statement in Romans:
"For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath something of which to glory, but not before God. ( Romans 4:2)
Then over in Galatians 3:6 we read, "Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
Is Paul and James writings in conflict on this point? NO!
Here is an article by J Vernon Mcgee explaining this Paradox.
Paul vs. James in the Use of Words.
May I hasten to state that Paul and James do not conflict at all. They are in entire agreement. As someone has said, "Paul and James do not stand face to face, fighting against each other, but they stand back to back fighting opposite foes." The whole problem lies in the fact that they use the same words, but with a different meaning altogether. They are discussing the same subject from different viewpoints. This you will find upon examining the context.
See Part 4.
J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul vs. James in the Use of Words)
We aa Christians should examine ourselves, "Not by what we do or by what we don't do or what we know, But by Who we have! Christ!
I'd we have Christ Spirit the inside of our vessels will be cleansed.
Then we can wash one another feet.
( Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:4-8.
Great discussion Brethren! Salvation only through faith by grace in the gospel of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Then our works shows our salvation. Ephesians 2:10 as well as many other verses.
GOD to shine HIS face on all who trust and believe in HIM.
I often hear anti-works messages quoting Ephesians 2:8-9, but they leave out the very next verse 10 which says:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 KJV
We were created to do good works, but some like to shame others and claim that doing good works is bad because they assume it somehow takes away from grace, or assume effort is bad, assume there's instructions against it. Then oddly, they don't shame bad works though. They just say being bad is fine because its covered by grace, even if done intentionally, even if to harm others to the maximum degree, with no limits apparently, even blaspheming the holy spirit?, contrary to the scriptures. Someone has to ignore so many scriptures in the Bible to arrive at this conclusion and to massively cherry pick, like plucking out Eph 2, 8-9, but ignoring 10, ignoring James 2:17.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 KJV
Jesus said this. But this is like kryptonite to the anti-works group. They'd rather it say let your darkness shine that they may see your bad works, then they'd be ok with it?
Obviously satan is behind the distorting of the truth. He always twists everything to deceive people to believe the opposite is true. Imagine being a Christian and truly believing that its bad to follow Christ. Yet, I've seen comments even on this forum where people sometimes say this. We must be on our guard so we can discern truth from lies. 1 Peter 5:8
I feel led to post this info to counter anyone who may be indoctrinated by the false teachings. The best remedy is to read the Bible, not cherry pick. I don't know how anyone can read the entire Bible and come to the conclusion that pleasing God is bad, and disobeying Him is good. No one should expect to be saved if they are not even following Christ- not a Christian.
You have just said in prior post that you have never met one believer that has not sinned in some way as a believer. Here's the great problem of those which justifies themselves as keepers of the Sabbath day according to the letter of the Law, for as said James in his universal epistle- James 2:10- , "whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all". What more does the Word of GOD say? Romans 2:12 ->... as many as have sinned in the Law shall be Judged by the Law, therefore, he who sins in the Law becomes guilty of all, then by the Law he will be condemned for sure. Galatians 3:11 - ...no man is justified by the Law in the sight of GOD it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 5:4 - Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; ye are fallen from grace.(are wretchad)
Galatians 3:8-10
8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that GOD would justify the Gentiles through faith(not by the Law), preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them.
Romans 7:6 - But now we are delivered from the Law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Hebrews 4:
12 For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom WE MUST RENDER AN ACCOUNT.
God states that those who say there is no God are fools ( Psalm 14:1-2). I suppose I should capitalize the word atheism as it indeed is a belief system or "religion" albeit man made. Even the demons believe and shudder as James 2:19 states.
From a purely logical and scientific level; of course any such logic is seriously flawed. First of all not believing in God (as opposed to being "agnostic" removes any hope of life after death that is verifiable). God in His infinite wisdom has allowed such items as the shroud of Turin that seems to defy logic and appears to be the image of Christ Himself. The integrity of the scriptures prophesying Jesus' birth death and resurrection and future ramifications are hard to argue against; and the lack of any body found are pretty clear indications of the Resurrection. The deaths of all the martryrs (12 Disciples) which except for John were martyred would be for naught if the Resurrection weren't real.
We also can't explain things such as decay from the second law of thermodynamics if indeed evolution is true and things evolved to MORE complex structure and order from lesser; and we can't prove so many of these "missing links" which when not turning out to be proven fraud (such as with "Piltdown man") often are proven to be separate genus or even kingdoms of animal species. When we see the ancient giant structures of great complexity which are being discovered all the time the concept of man being primitive also is challenged; and the story of fallen angels and their offspring of "men of renown" seems the likely answer for such large building blocks and scientifically complex structures pointing to the stars. ( Gen. 6:4).
Our own moral structure proves to any objective outside observer at least to be sorely deficient; we are incapable of externally keeping the law and our hearts don't have the desire to serve selflessly or to worship our Creator. Surely the complexity in nature proves a Creator.
Luke 6:36 "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
James 2:13 "For He shall have judgement without mercy, that have shoed no mercy, and mercy rejoiceth against judgment."
Here we see how mercy triumphs over judgment, so we should be careful to show mercy, being patient with others who are sinners as we are."
Romans 9:22-23 "What if God, willing to show His wrath, and to make His power known. endured with much long-suffering the vessels fit for destruction: And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of His mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory!"
We all can say like Paul, 1 Tim. 1:15-16 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners: of whom I am the chief. Howbeit for this cause (to save sinners) I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering (His unlimited patience), for a pattern (example) to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting." 2Pet. 3:9
When we wonder why God allows evil things to continue to happen in this world and in our lives, we can, like Peter, affirm that "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but His long-suffering (long on patience) to us-ward, not willing that any (elect) shall perish, but that all (elect) will come to repentance.
The Lord's tarrying in unlimited patience is for the benefit of all who will be our brethren in eternal life to come to salvation, even though He knows that no matter how much time is allowed mankind, many will never come to Him for salvation.
When we see evil abounding all around us, we still can rejoice, knowing that there are still more elected ones to be saved to add to our joy in our fellowship with our Savior. Every person counts who is to come to salvation, until then, the church is incomplete until the last elected one comes to salvation. see pt. 3
The statement of weeping in Ramah is echoed here from the passage in the Old Testament in Jeremiah. This signifies another one of Satan's attempts to wipe out the godly seed; reflecting the age old battle started in Genesis 3:15.
When we see the story of Christ from His birth to His death Satan was given license to come within inches of his goal; in the former situation killing every male child through Herod's persecution except for that of Joseph and Mary which was thwarted by supernatural intervention ( Matt. 2:13-23) after the Magi were warned previously to return to their homeland by a different route whence they came. No doubt at His death Satan thought he was granted total success in killing the Son of God at the cross but Judas Iscariot at least realized that he had been part of killing a just man; sadly it was worldly sorrow rather than godly sorrow leading to repentance in this case. Satan and the demons; unlike man KNOW who Christ is; as James states the demons believe and tremble ( James 2:19). The forces of evil should have known that a member of the Godhead is indeed invincible; even over death; certainly Satan's defeat echoing the prophecy in Genesis about his head being destroyed was at least partially fulfilled; I would argue in Revelation comes another fulfillment; with the deadly wound healed of Antichrist Satan's agent; then the destruction of Antichrist and later Satan Himself in Revelation 19 through 22.
Time after time in the history of the Word we see nearly complete attempts to wipe out man; Satan corrupted men (I would argue through the Nephilim and their offspring) so that only Noah and his small family were saved out of it; the attempt to destroy God's lineage was also repeated with the attempted massacre of all the Jews in Esther's time; the Holocaust; and throughout history until today. During the Tribulation again he will fall short (see Zechariah 13:8 for example).
I had an interesting discussion with a friend of mine who is a young Pastor last week. In it; he was lamenting an individual who claimed that Christ died for him (or her). This was because the evidence of it through this person's behavior would indicate otherwise. It is indeed true and necessary that we all have a personal understanding and experience in regard to salvific faith and repentance granted in regard to being one of God's elect if indeed we are saved. Clearly "accepting" Christ as Lord isn't really doing anything beyond what demons do and shudder ( James 2:19). Confession with the mouth and belief in the heart must coexist ( Romans 10:9-10); it is more than just a verbal declaration of facts. Nonetheless there should be some understanding of the atonement; as well as evidence that the heart has been changed with the spirit convicting of sin; righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8). As the Lord states "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" ( Matt. 12:34 and other related verses in New and Old Testament). What John 3:16 is indicating is a state of belief; not merely a one time thing (as translated correctly). Enduring to the end shows that it isn't our own strength which brings about this result; since we all struggle with sin as long as we live ( 1 John 1:8). Nonetheless we have the capacity to live a life of Holiness; since greater is He within us than he who is in the world ( 1 John 4:4).
There are variations of strengths and weaknesses that we all have; some are steeped in doctrines but rather cold in affection towards God; others seem to be caught up in experiences at the expense of wisdom from the Word; and often they seem to have little grasp of repentance or deem it not worthy in very much discussion. There is ample substance in the Word for the Spirit to enlighten us; and any personal vision or dream must be subject to the Word; if in variance then it must be discarded.
In reading I am reminded of the contrast between Paul's words and words some Christians say.
Word of God through Paul: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." 1 Corinthians 9:24 KJV
Man's doctrine: "Don't run, because you already have the prize. It's bad to put effort into following God, because my pastor says that's legalism and obeying God's law is bad and pleasing God is bad."
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
Man's doctrine: "nah, ignore that verse, cause I'm told all good works are 'bad'. Bad works are ok though since you're already forgiven."
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Man's doctrine: "just ignore this verse, but lets cherry pick something else and focus on that instead."
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Man's doctrine: "Nope, you're already saved right now, not later. So you don't have to endure anything or do anything whatsoever. Just do whatever feels good then rationalize it by saying that's the spirit doing it, not your sinful flesh."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Man's doctrine: "Nah, ignore that verse too. You already have the promise and prize. You don't need to do anything."
"But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:" Romans 2:10 KJV
Man's doctrine: "No, just ignore. Good is bad, but bad is fine, because salvation."
Jude 1:4 "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."
Moses was a law giver, Jesus was a law giver as well. The old laws of Moses nobody coukd keep the sabbath day. Just like today, the moment you get out of bed you broke the Sabbath day. It is not a pick and choose gospel, you keep the Sabbath day you are responsible for the whole book of Leviticus. Jesus became our rest as we rest in his words as the Sabbath day was a day of rest. When you are resting you are not sinning. We sin no more in Christ as he is our rest as God tge Father of Jesus is resting in the words of his Son Jesus. Those days are long gone as Jesus is now Lord of the Sabbath as he is the head of the Sabbath day for rest sake.
Hebrews 4:[8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Rev 14:13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
James 2:10] For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Hi Momsage. I have been following this thread by Biblepreacher12 & won't add much to it. All I would ask is, 'what part or ministry does the Holy Spirit exercise in the life of the born again child of God?' Why I ask this, is because in your comments, you've written much about the Ten Commandments & their currency, but nothing about the Holy Spirit's Ministry - so wasn't sure if you take this into account & if so, how do you do so.
What I'm leading to here, is the very limited list of commands given by God to Israel, which certainly doesn't cover the range of sins that man commits (e.g. pride, anger, lust, hypocrisy, deceit, etc). Israel failed in just obeying these few commandments (especially the first two), & we're reminded in James 2:10-12 that "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all..."; such was the outcome of disobedience to it.
Therefore, given that the Decalogue was limited in content & purpose & also the bringing forth of the Everlasting Covenant given through Jesus' Blood, (WITH the Holy Spirit's Ministry in the child of God), I remain wondering as to why the Decalogue must have such great importance to a child of God, when the Spirit adds not only the FULL range of God's Commands, but also gives the believer the power to live them out unto God - something that Israel could not do.
The Decalogue was never designed for this purpose; and Paul reminds us in Romans 8:3,4, that the Law failed in its ability to bring about righteousness, but to be right with God, we walk not after the flesh but by the Spirit. And this new walk by the Spirit is according to the Law of the Spirit ( Romans 8:2) - and His Law(s) have set us free from the Law of sin which brought death (all the Laws under the Old Covenant). How would you reconcile these Scriptures of the Spirit's Work in a believer's life with your position of following the Old Covenant of Laws? Blessings.
Christ is the end of the law of righteousness Romans 10:4. You were a righteous Jew if you celebrated the Sabbath day as it was a shadow of things to come. However, nobody can keep the Sabbath day, Jesus came and gave us new laws as the Sabbath day was the law of Moses the law of sin and death. Jesus came with new laws of spirit and life as the law of spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death Romans 8:1-3. The law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did. The Sabbath day could not keep people out of sin. Jesus came and became my Sabbath as everyday is my Sabbath. When you offend one point of the law (Moses law) you are a law braker. The moment you got out of bed last Saturday, you violated the sabbath day.
James 2:[10] For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
If you want to live the Sabbath day and all those holidays and feast days be my guest to live like a Leviticus Jew by my guest. If you offend or break any of those points you are guilty of the whole law.
Hebrews 7:19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
The Apostle Paul said this in Corinthians.
2nd Cor 3:[7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
[8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
[9] For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
[10] For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
[11] For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
[12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
May the LORD give us wisdom in reading, studying and applying HIS word.
2 Timothy 2:15
James 2:
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Romans 4:
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Ephesians 2:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
May we be intercessors in CHRIST name, Isaiah 59:16, for those who have been blinded by the god of this world, 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4.
We are called to stand in the gap for others, Ezekiel 22:30, and plant the seed of the word that others may water and that GOD will give the increase.
Acts 15:
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Hello Bmccaugh58. The answers to your questions are actually found throughout the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation), because the Bible essentially shows us how far mankind has fallen away from his Creator (because of sin), the repercussions we face from living in such a sinful state, & what God has done to offer correction & help, or else, judgement. So, one merely has to read through the Bible (even in your daily devotions/readings) & will see how people, yes all of us, have done wrong towards God & man & what subsequently entails from that. Some will learn & be corrected & then restored - others will persist in their evil ways & face God's Judgement.
So, here are some passages to start you off, but in your reading of the Bible, God's Spirit will alert you to what you seek or even where some action needs to be taken in your own life.
These are just a very few Scriptures, reminding us that there will always be consequences for our actions, not just in our dealings with each other, but more importantly, as we stand before God. But this God of Love always gives sinful wayward man an escape route, from a life of sin to a life of holiness & love - and His Name is Jesus.
It has been said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed; and the New Testament the Old Testament revealed. I'm not sure who came up with that I'm sure a quick search can make that evident.
No one can follow the law perfectly; and if we transgress in one thing it is as though we broke all ( James 2:10 loosely translated). No one can be saved by the law; that is where the grace of God comes in. However; we can't dismiss the significance of the 10 commandments as it is clear that murder and adultery are still sins as seen in numerous N.T. scriptures. Of course most believers don't hold to Saturday sabbath today except for Seventh Day Adventists and Messianic Jewish congregants. There are also ceremonial laws which Peter himself was told to bypass with his vision in the Book of Acts in regard to the meeting with Cornelius; a Gentile.
When it comes to comparing both Testaments cross references and prophecies clearly link the two parts of scripture; not to mention life lessons. 2 Timothy 3:16 makes it clear that all scripture is God breathed and useful for various purposes. There are intersections with Gentiles on occasion (such as Nebuchadnezzar; Naaman the Syrian and perhaps most importantly Melchizidek. God's chosen people came from pagan nations first; then were established eventually in a homeland as Jews; with varying interludes of diaspora during times of disobedience. As I stated before there were covenants made with Abraham that are related to promises for the nation that are eternal. What did change was the Old Testament methodology of sacrifices once the Temple was destroyed in AD 70. Actually once the curtain split at the crucifixion we now are able to worship God anywhere as we have access to the "Holy of Holies" being His temple ( 1 Cor. 3:16). The New covenant promises essentially to give us a new heart which will never drift from Him again ( Jer. 31:31-34).
Greetings and love from our God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
"Let you heart be not troubled" we can all stumble in our walk, this is what fellowship is actually for, so that we can Keep each other in the faith. I may not quite have ears to hear yet but I do see a lot. I have always been a quiet, meek yet observant and inquisitive individual. But I am humble enough to admit that I am nothing but dust without God. I have had a very troubled past which God has saved me from and I think sometimes that people often forget about the spiritual war we are in. We are taught "it's not of works" which can be very deceiving itself because people tend to fall back in to the temptations we are told to avoid. I agree and accept the finished works of Christ but that doesn't mean I can sit back, put my feet up and drink my coffee. Quite the contrary I am now in debt to Christ and want to work daily "strive to enter" "pick up my cross daily" to show my Faith and constantly "examine thyself. ( James 2:18) "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." It's the one true Jesus I seek not the many impostors that have entered the world. I have tried to share my testimony on here too but I am struggling to shorten it to fit the characters required as I have had many different experiences that have all contributed to who I am today and how I came to Jesus for salvation. It really does show the extent that Jesus will go to just to find his lost sheep.
May the grace God guide you always and peace be with you in Jesus name.
Going to the enemies camp! Go get them...Go and do what the LORD has called You to do.
1 Samuel 30:8
And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.
James 2:5
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Matthew 11:5
The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Be the voice, Be Christlike, and keeping on Striving. God Bless You all.
The apostle James pretty much sums it up below. TRUE LIFE SAVING FAITH is not barren it produces fruit. Not because we want Jesus to love us more, but because we love HIM. Faith without works is dead! Dead faith! Remember the parable of the talents? Some "Christians" are going to have a rude awakening when the Messiah returns.
James 2:15-20 (KJV) 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"
In general; prayer is often answered when it isn't a "no or later" situation through other means and individuals than we in our puny minds can comprehend. It seems from my experience there are those who are obsessed in wanting to meet the needs of others (i.e. a gift of service) and others (probably more like myself) who like to offer some thought provoking scriptural concept or parable like statement to make people think. What I mean is; in my inherant selfishness; I am not obsessed like those aforementioned gifted believers with a gift of service or helps to always meet people's needs up front and right away.
This isn't getting me out of the pit I'm digging for myself...but I'm making a point (I think). Sometimes at least I hope; there is some merit to being abstract in some regard at least in not always having to be the one to fix the problem. That leaves me with my own issues of having to push myself to be as giving as a lot of others but obviously that is my problem not that of the audience (I will presume innocent until proven otherwise in that regard).
Okay; enough of the "Pauline" sarcasm. In having wisdom and being wise as serpents; innocent as doves we wrestle out our existence. ( Matthew 10:16). With prayer of course we are to take appropriate action when we can so we don't be as the person in James 2:16 and not be an answered prayer OURSELVES to someone in their misery. We can't give away all our money in the same token unless it is our own volition and to fulfill the Great Commission unless it is for dire need or our family interests (even that with caution). All of this is to say that indeed we need as the Body of Christ not to be overly lazy or overly burdened to the extent that the individual in Phillippians 2:27 was who Paul mentioned.
Prayer usually involves a marathon effort but sometimes is answered as a sprint. Sometimes God works miracles without obvious prayer
Part 4 and final.
Clarity on shunning.
Scripturally, excluding a person from the church is preceded by admonition and counsel; it is only employed in cases of bona fide heresy, obdurate divisiveness, or blatant, unrepentant sin; and it is a last resort. After excommunication, the relationship between the former member and the church naturally changes, and the "shunning command"-not to eat with such a person-may come into play. However, the church still has the responsibility to pray for the one being disciplined and to extend forgiveness when repentance is evident. Shunning, as defined as a refusal to speak to someone or a total severing of all ties, goes beyond what the Bible advocates.
PARTIALITY.
This is another evil we see amongst believers.
The chapter of James 2 covers this. ( James 2:1-26)
Let's take on just a few verses.
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
So, speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
James 2:8-13.
That is all for now.
God bless.
These verses at the end of the Bible and representing the end of the wicked is the end result of those who won't heed to warnings such as 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; see also Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:5 and many other scriptures on the subject. We do well to heed to what was said in the last verse of 1 Corinthians 6 of this reference (v. 11) where it states that some were this but they have been sanctified and justified.
There are several issues here that I feel need to be addressed. First is the difference between a sinful lapse; a sinful habit and a sinful lifestyle. All three of these behaviors could be attributed to nonbelievers; albeit in today's society there would be few that would care about a slip up except perhaps some atheists who hold to what they consider a moral standard superior to much of society. Clearly as a Christian we shouldn't play games with God with any type of sin. The third category; however is something that must be abandoned; otherwise there is no fruit of our salvation. Also we undestand that breaking the law in one area makes us guilty of breaking it all ( James 2:10). Often one sin leads to another; whether it is abuse or abandonment of a family due to the greed of a gambling addiction (something which is being advertised currently in local media); or murder stemming from the bad fruit of adultery or fornication that usually is also tied to greed or jealousy; etc.
The word "fearful" in Revelation 21:8 is in many translations "cowardly". It results when men fear man over God which we are to have a healthy fear of and ignores ( Proverbs 29:25). Wanting the praise of men is at least equally if not worse because it compromises our bold witness against sin ( John 12:43).
"And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:" James 2:3 KJV
The people in the back should be sitting in the front. The very front so they can get the help and support they need and become stronger and overcome. The people in the back might be struggling with very weighty issues and those with the weightest of issues need to sit closest to the front. So that the stronger ones can pray for them and show their love, support and compassion with hopes of making those that were sitting in the back that are now in the very front, overcomers.
Respectfully submitted in the name of our precious Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ.
As with anything that comes into our minds, whether to lie, lust or whatever, when we it begins to take hold, to affect our minds & consciences, we must deal with it speedily, in the power of the Spirit lest it becomes sin & we offend our Heavenly Father. Yet, there is forgiveness if we earnestly repent of it & seek to cast it aside ( 1 John 1:9).
Faith with works for justification? No!
I don't quite understand where you are coming from.
However, as James and Paul is saying "Saviing Faith produces good works.
James said he will sho you his Faith by his works. James 2:18. Paul is saying the same thing throughout his epistles.
You mentioned fruit and quoted John 15:5. "Without me you can do nothing"
I believe I delivered that in this thread as well.
Again I am not quite understanding your rebuttal. I haven't read your material so I don't know your take on Justification and Sanctification.
Perhaps you could share your understanding.
God bless.
Part 8. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James Use Abraham to Illustrate.)
So Paul's example has to do with the early part of Abraham's life. When James presents his argument, we find that he deals with the end of Abraham's life and the offering of Isaac upon the altar. This was the last appearance of God to this man, and James says, in essence, "Now here is the example of what faith has done in this man's life - it has brought him to make the supreme sacrifice."
Look again at James 2:21: "Was not Abraham, our father, justified by works, when he had offered Isaac, his son, upon the altar?" Now in what way does the offering of Isaac reveal the fact that Abraham was justified by works? To see this clearly, we need to notice some very familiar facts. These interesting incidents took place toward the end of the life of Abraham when God called upon him to make the great sacrifice - which was the supreme crisis in his life.
God's Test - Genesis 22.
"And it came to pass after these things, that God did test Abraham" ( Genesis 22:1). The King James Version uses the word "tempt," but the New Scofield Reference Bible changes it to "test." I know that it's the same Greek word that you will find for "tempt," but you will also recall that James says,
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. ( James 1:13)
Now when a man is tempted with evil, it is never God tempting him; it is Satan. God does not tempt men with evil; He tempts them with the good. He tests men in that sense. God's tests always lead to discipline and development of Christian character and life, while the tests and temptations of Satan always lead to the destruction of the life of the individual. Here we see that Abraham is being tested of God for his own good.
See Part 9. God's Test - Genesis 22 continued.
Part 7. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Works)
When it comes to the word works, surely Paul and James must mean the same thing, do they not? No, they absolutely do not. When Paul speaks of works, he speaks of the works of the Law. I wonder if you have ever noticed that? Will you listen to him,
Therefore, by the deeds [or works] of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for by the law is the knowledge of sin. ( Romans 3:20)
So, it is clear that when Paul is talking about works, he is talking about the works of the Law. Then turn to Galatians 2:16 where we read, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." Here again Paul is talking about the works of the Law.
But James talks about the works of faith. Could he be any more explicit than when he says,
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith [not the works of the Law, but that which faith produces] without works is dead? ( James 2:20)
Therefore, if man's faith does not produce works, that man's faith is dead. Here we find that the two men have two extremely different sources of works in mind. James, that of faith; Paul, that of the Law.
Paul and James Use Abraham to Illustrate.
At this point, let's bring the teaching of these two men to bear upon the life of God's great servant, Abraham, in the question of justification, for we find both Paul and James using Abraham as an example. This is of keen interest as we see that Paul lets us look at Abraham when God made His first appearance to him, and James goes to the end of his life when God made His seventh and last appearance to Abraham. Paul goes back to the birth of Isaac and the time when God called Abraham - at which time this man had no works and had very feeble faith, but nonetheless a faith sufficient to move out with God. And when he moved out with God, he was justified by faith.-
Part 6. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Faith.)
One of the greatest dangers for preachers of the gospel is that we like to see people converted, and we are willing to accept a brazen and flippant yes from some individual who says, "Yes, I'll trust Jesus." However, it might be just an impertinent, impudent, and insolent nod of the head; it is so easy today to be as phony as a three-dollar bill. James says, "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone" ( James 2:17). Therefore, even though he uses the word faith, James means faithfulness - a faith that makes you faithful before men.
A minister once asked a man who professed conversion, "Have you united with the church?"
"No, I haven't," the man replied. "The dying thief never united with the church, and he went to heaven."
The minister asked, "Have you ever sat at the Lord's table?"
"No, the dying thief never did, and he was accepted," was the man's answer.
The minister asked, "Have you been baptized?"
"No," he said, "the dying thief was never baptized, and he went to heaven."
"Have you given to missions?"
"No, the dying thief did not give to missions, and he was not judged for it," was the reply.
Then this disgusted minister said to the man, "Well, my friend, the difference between you two seems to be that he was a dying thief and you are a living thief."
See Part 7 (Paul and James View Works)
Part 5. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Justification.)
Therefore, we see that when Paul uses the term justification he is talking about a man's relationship with God; when James uses the same term, he is talking about a man's relationship with the world. One is perpendicular, and the other is horizontal.
Paul and James View Faith.
The same procedure runs true in their use of the term faith. Again, they mean something different. When Paul talks of faith he is talking about that which is toward God. Paul says that saving faith - a faith that is genuine and real - will transform a person's life. Paul said of himself,
But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. ( Philippians 3:7)
A real revolution took place in his life when he came to Christ. Looking again at Galatians 3:6, we read that "as Abraham believed Godit was accounted to him for righteousness." And then in Romans:
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. ( Romans 4:5)
Paul is speaking here of that which we bring to God. The only thing that a sinner can bring to God is faith in Jesus Christ. When James writes about this, he is not talking about faith toward God but about the works of faith. So Paul is talking about the root of faith, and James is talking about the fruit of faith, but they are both defending the citadel of faith.
Here in James 2:14.
James is not talking about the works of the Law. The faith that James is talking about here is professing faith, that which is phony and counterfeit. Paul refers to the same idea when he says in 1 Corinthians 15:2, "unless ye have believed in vain." Paul also wrote, "Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith" ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). James simply says that the faith which saves you will produce works-"works of faith.
See Part 6. Paul and James View Faith.
Part 4.
J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul vs. James in the Use of Words)
Examining the context.
Therefore, the confusion rests in a misunderstanding of their use of the three words: justify, faith, and works. If we understand what each means in his use of these three words, we shall find out that Paul and James are not in conflict.
Paul and James View Justification.
In the interest of clarity, let us find out what Paul and James really meant when they used these three terms.
The first term to come before us is justified or justification. When Paul uses this term it always means justified in God's sight. He speaks of how the sinner down here is made right with God. He is never justified by works before God, but he is justified by faith in Jesus Christ. That is the only thing that God accepts. In fact, Paul makes it very clear:
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath something of which to glory, but not before God. ( Romans 4:2)
So we see that when Paul uses the word justification he is thinking of the sinner's position in connection with and before God.
Now when James uses the term justification he is not thinking of it as being before God at all. Rather, he is thinking of justification before men - how a Christian is justified before men - and he makes that clear:
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. ( James 2:18)
In other words, James says, "I am talking here about justification for people who don't believe it until they see it. I am talking about justification before men." Then he makes that perfectly clear again, for a little later he writes,
Ye see [not God sees, but ye see], then, that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ( James 2:24)
See Part 5. J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul and James View Justification.)
Part 3
ABRAHAM.
Genesis 22:1-18.
Vs 14-18. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh, as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD; for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son; That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the seashore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou hast obeyed my voice.
Was Abraham justified by works? Yes.
Scripture says that he was justified by works. ( James 2:21-24)
Do we have here a contradiction to the apostle Paul? Did not Paul say that Abraham was justified by faith - not by works? Paul makes a very specific statement in Romans:
"For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath something of which to glory, but not before God. ( Romans 4:2)
Then over in Galatians 3:6 we read, "Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
Is Paul and James writings in conflict on this point? NO!
Here is an article by J Vernon Mcgee explaining this Paradox.
Paul vs. James in the Use of Words.
May I hasten to state that Paul and James do not conflict at all. They are in entire agreement. As someone has said, "Paul and James do not stand face to face, fighting against each other, but they stand back to back fighting opposite foes." The whole problem lies in the fact that they use the same words, but with a different meaning altogether. They are discussing the same subject from different viewpoints. This you will find upon examining the context.
See Part 4.
J Vernon Mcgee. (Paul vs. James in the Use of Words)
That's what James 2:18 is saying.
We aa Christians should examine ourselves, "Not by what we do or by what we don't do or what we know, But by Who we have! Christ!
I'd we have Christ Spirit the inside of our vessels will be cleansed.
Then we can wash one another feet.
( Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:4-8.
God bless.
GOD to shine HIS face on all who trust and believe in HIM.
January 16, 2024
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 KJV
We were created to do good works, but some like to shame others and claim that doing good works is bad because they assume it somehow takes away from grace, or assume effort is bad, assume there's instructions against it. Then oddly, they don't shame bad works though. They just say being bad is fine because its covered by grace, even if done intentionally, even if to harm others to the maximum degree, with no limits apparently, even blaspheming the holy spirit?, contrary to the scriptures. Someone has to ignore so many scriptures in the Bible to arrive at this conclusion and to massively cherry pick, like plucking out Eph 2, 8-9, but ignoring 10, ignoring James 2:17.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 KJV
Jesus said this. But this is like kryptonite to the anti-works group. They'd rather it say let your darkness shine that they may see your bad works, then they'd be ok with it?
Obviously satan is behind the distorting of the truth. He always twists everything to deceive people to believe the opposite is true. Imagine being a Christian and truly believing that its bad to follow Christ. Yet, I've seen comments even on this forum where people sometimes say this. We must be on our guard so we can discern truth from lies. 1 Peter 5:8
I feel led to post this info to counter anyone who may be indoctrinated by the false teachings. The best remedy is to read the Bible, not cherry pick. I don't know how anyone can read the entire Bible and come to the conclusion that pleasing God is bad, and disobeying Him is good. No one should expect to be saved if they are not even following Christ- not a Christian.
Greetings in Christ JESUS
You have just said in prior post that you have never met one believer that has not sinned in some way as a believer. Here's the great problem of those which justifies themselves as keepers of the Sabbath day according to the letter of the Law, for as said James in his universal epistle- James 2:10- , "whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all". What more does the Word of GOD say? Romans 2:12 ->... as many as have sinned in the Law shall be Judged by the Law, therefore, he who sins in the Law becomes guilty of all, then by the Law he will be condemned for sure. Galatians 3:11 - ...no man is justified by the Law in the sight of GOD it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 5:4 - Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the Law; ye are fallen from grace.(are wretchad)
Galatians 3:8-10
8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that GOD would justify the Gentiles through faith(not by the Law), preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the Law to do them.
Romans 7:6 - But now we are delivered from the Law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
Hebrews 4:
12 For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom WE MUST RENDER AN ACCOUNT.
God states that those who say there is no God are fools ( Psalm 14:1-2). I suppose I should capitalize the word atheism as it indeed is a belief system or "religion" albeit man made. Even the demons believe and shudder as James 2:19 states.
From a purely logical and scientific level; of course any such logic is seriously flawed. First of all not believing in God (as opposed to being "agnostic" removes any hope of life after death that is verifiable). God in His infinite wisdom has allowed such items as the shroud of Turin that seems to defy logic and appears to be the image of Christ Himself. The integrity of the scriptures prophesying Jesus' birth death and resurrection and future ramifications are hard to argue against; and the lack of any body found are pretty clear indications of the Resurrection. The deaths of all the martryrs (12 Disciples) which except for John were martyred would be for naught if the Resurrection weren't real.
We also can't explain things such as decay from the second law of thermodynamics if indeed evolution is true and things evolved to MORE complex structure and order from lesser; and we can't prove so many of these "missing links" which when not turning out to be proven fraud (such as with "Piltdown man") often are proven to be separate genus or even kingdoms of animal species. When we see the ancient giant structures of great complexity which are being discovered all the time the concept of man being primitive also is challenged; and the story of fallen angels and their offspring of "men of renown" seems the likely answer for such large building blocks and scientifically complex structures pointing to the stars. ( Gen. 6:4).
Our own moral structure proves to any objective outside observer at least to be sorely deficient; we are incapable of externally keeping the law and our hearts don't have the desire to serve selflessly or to worship our Creator. Surely the complexity in nature proves a Creator.
PT. 2
Luke 6:36 "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
James 2:13 "For He shall have judgement without mercy, that have shoed no mercy, and mercy rejoiceth against judgment."
Here we see how mercy triumphs over judgment, so we should be careful to show mercy, being patient with others who are sinners as we are."
Romans 9:22-23 "What if God, willing to show His wrath, and to make His power known. endured with much long-suffering the vessels fit for destruction: And that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of His mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory!"
We all can say like Paul, 1 Tim. 1:15-16 "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners: of whom I am the chief. Howbeit for this cause (to save sinners) I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering (His unlimited patience), for a pattern (example) to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting." 2Pet. 3:9
When we wonder why God allows evil things to continue to happen in this world and in our lives, we can, like Peter, affirm that "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but His long-suffering (long on patience) to us-ward, not willing that any (elect) shall perish, but that all (elect) will come to repentance.
The Lord's tarrying in unlimited patience is for the benefit of all who will be our brethren in eternal life to come to salvation, even though He knows that no matter how much time is allowed mankind, many will never come to Him for salvation.
When we see evil abounding all around us, we still can rejoice, knowing that there are still more elected ones to be saved to add to our joy in our fellowship with our Savior. Every person counts who is to come to salvation, until then, the church is incomplete until the last elected one comes to salvation. see pt. 3
The statement of weeping in Ramah is echoed here from the passage in the Old Testament in Jeremiah. This signifies another one of Satan's attempts to wipe out the godly seed; reflecting the age old battle started in Genesis 3:15.
When we see the story of Christ from His birth to His death Satan was given license to come within inches of his goal; in the former situation killing every male child through Herod's persecution except for that of Joseph and Mary which was thwarted by supernatural intervention ( Matt. 2:13-23) after the Magi were warned previously to return to their homeland by a different route whence they came. No doubt at His death Satan thought he was granted total success in killing the Son of God at the cross but Judas Iscariot at least realized that he had been part of killing a just man; sadly it was worldly sorrow rather than godly sorrow leading to repentance in this case. Satan and the demons; unlike man KNOW who Christ is; as James states the demons believe and tremble ( James 2:19). The forces of evil should have known that a member of the Godhead is indeed invincible; even over death; certainly Satan's defeat echoing the prophecy in Genesis about his head being destroyed was at least partially fulfilled; I would argue in Revelation comes another fulfillment; with the deadly wound healed of Antichrist Satan's agent; then the destruction of Antichrist and later Satan Himself in Revelation 19 through 22.
Time after time in the history of the Word we see nearly complete attempts to wipe out man; Satan corrupted men (I would argue through the Nephilim and their offspring) so that only Noah and his small family were saved out of it; the attempt to destroy God's lineage was also repeated with the attempted massacre of all the Jews in Esther's time; the Holocaust; and throughout history until today. During the Tribulation again he will fall short (see Zechariah 13:8 for example).
May we rejoice that His victory is assured.
I had an interesting discussion with a friend of mine who is a young Pastor last week. In it; he was lamenting an individual who claimed that Christ died for him (or her). This was because the evidence of it through this person's behavior would indicate otherwise. It is indeed true and necessary that we all have a personal understanding and experience in regard to salvific faith and repentance granted in regard to being one of God's elect if indeed we are saved. Clearly "accepting" Christ as Lord isn't really doing anything beyond what demons do and shudder ( James 2:19). Confession with the mouth and belief in the heart must coexist ( Romans 10:9-10); it is more than just a verbal declaration of facts. Nonetheless there should be some understanding of the atonement; as well as evidence that the heart has been changed with the spirit convicting of sin; righteousness and judgment to come ( John 16:8). As the Lord states "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" ( Matt. 12:34 and other related verses in New and Old Testament). What John 3:16 is indicating is a state of belief; not merely a one time thing (as translated correctly). Enduring to the end shows that it isn't our own strength which brings about this result; since we all struggle with sin as long as we live ( 1 John 1:8). Nonetheless we have the capacity to live a life of Holiness; since greater is He within us than he who is in the world ( 1 John 4:4).
There are variations of strengths and weaknesses that we all have; some are steeped in doctrines but rather cold in affection towards God; others seem to be caught up in experiences at the expense of wisdom from the Word; and often they seem to have little grasp of repentance or deem it not worthy in very much discussion. There is ample substance in the Word for the Spirit to enlighten us; and any personal vision or dream must be subject to the Word; if in variance then it must be discarded.
MORE TO COME
Word of God through Paul: "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." 1 Corinthians 9:24 KJV
Man's doctrine: "Don't run, because you already have the prize. It's bad to put effort into following God, because my pastor says that's legalism and obeying God's law is bad and pleasing God is bad."
James 2:14-26 "...faith, if it hath not works, is dead..."
Man's doctrine: "nah, ignore that verse, cause I'm told all good works are 'bad'. Bad works are ok though since you're already forgiven."
Hebrews 10:26 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,"
Man's doctrine: "just ignore this verse, but lets cherry pick something else and focus on that instead."
Matthew 24:13 "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
Man's doctrine: "Nope, you're already saved right now, not later. So you don't have to endure anything or do anything whatsoever. Just do whatever feels good then rationalize it by saying that's the spirit doing it, not your sinful flesh."
Hebrews 10:36 "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise."
Man's doctrine: "Nah, ignore that verse too. You already have the promise and prize. You don't need to do anything."
"But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:" Romans 2:10 KJV
Man's doctrine: "No, just ignore. Good is bad, but bad is fine, because salvation."
Jude 1:4 "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ."
Man's doctrine: "Nope"
Are both genuinely following Jesus?
Hebrews 4:[8] For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
[9] There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
[10] For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
[11] Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
Rev 14:13] And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
James 2:10] For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
What I'm leading to here, is the very limited list of commands given by God to Israel, which certainly doesn't cover the range of sins that man commits (e.g. pride, anger, lust, hypocrisy, deceit, etc). Israel failed in just obeying these few commandments (especially the first two), & we're reminded in James 2:10-12 that "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all..."; such was the outcome of disobedience to it.
Therefore, given that the Decalogue was limited in content & purpose & also the bringing forth of the Everlasting Covenant given through Jesus' Blood, (WITH the Holy Spirit's Ministry in the child of God), I remain wondering as to why the Decalogue must have such great importance to a child of God, when the Spirit adds not only the FULL range of God's Commands, but also gives the believer the power to live them out unto God - something that Israel could not do.
The Decalogue was never designed for this purpose; and Paul reminds us in Romans 8:3,4, that the Law failed in its ability to bring about righteousness, but to be right with God, we walk not after the flesh but by the Spirit. And this new walk by the Spirit is according to the Law of the Spirit ( Romans 8:2) - and His Law(s) have set us free from the Law of sin which brought death (all the Laws under the Old Covenant). How would you reconcile these Scriptures of the Spirit's Work in a believer's life with your position of following the Old Covenant of Laws? Blessings.
James 2:[10] For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
If you want to live the Sabbath day and all those holidays and feast days be my guest to live like a Leviticus Jew by my guest. If you offend or break any of those points you are guilty of the whole law.
Hebrews 7:19] For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.
The Apostle Paul said this in Corinthians.
2nd Cor 3:[7] But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:
[8] How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
[9] For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
[10] For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
[11] For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
[12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech:
2 Timothy 2:15
James 2:
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Romans 4:
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Ephesians 2:
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Titus 3:
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
May we be intercessors in CHRIST name, Isaiah 59:16, for those who have been blinded by the god of this world, 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4.
We are called to stand in the gap for others, Ezekiel 22:30, and plant the seed of the word that others may water and that GOD will give the increase.
Acts 15:
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Salvation is by faith in CHRIST alone.
GOD bless everyone!
So, here are some passages to start you off, but in your reading of the Bible, God's Spirit will alert you to what you seek or even where some action needs to be taken in your own life.
For "Consequences", see: Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:16-19; Deuteronomy 28:1,2,15; 1 Kings 11:9-11; Job 4:8,9; Isaiah 59:2; Jeremiah 17:9,10; Matthew 27:3-5; Romans 6:23; Romans 13:4; Galatians 6:7,8; 1 Timothy 5:8; James 2:10; Revelation 20:12-15.
For "Correction", see: Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 29:15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 6:4; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 12:5-11; Revelation 3:19.
These are just a very few Scriptures, reminding us that there will always be consequences for our actions, not just in our dealings with each other, but more importantly, as we stand before God. But this God of Love always gives sinful wayward man an escape route, from a life of sin to a life of holiness & love - and His Name is Jesus.
It has been said that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed; and the New Testament the Old Testament revealed. I'm not sure who came up with that I'm sure a quick search can make that evident.
No one can follow the law perfectly; and if we transgress in one thing it is as though we broke all ( James 2:10 loosely translated). No one can be saved by the law; that is where the grace of God comes in. However; we can't dismiss the significance of the 10 commandments as it is clear that murder and adultery are still sins as seen in numerous N.T. scriptures. Of course most believers don't hold to Saturday sabbath today except for Seventh Day Adventists and Messianic Jewish congregants. There are also ceremonial laws which Peter himself was told to bypass with his vision in the Book of Acts in regard to the meeting with Cornelius; a Gentile.
When it comes to comparing both Testaments cross references and prophecies clearly link the two parts of scripture; not to mention life lessons. 2 Timothy 3:16 makes it clear that all scripture is God breathed and useful for various purposes. There are intersections with Gentiles on occasion (such as Nebuchadnezzar; Naaman the Syrian and perhaps most importantly Melchizidek. God's chosen people came from pagan nations first; then were established eventually in a homeland as Jews; with varying interludes of diaspora during times of disobedience. As I stated before there were covenants made with Abraham that are related to promises for the nation that are eternal. What did change was the Old Testament methodology of sacrifices once the Temple was destroyed in AD 70. Actually once the curtain split at the crucifixion we now are able to worship God anywhere as we have access to the "Holy of Holies" being His temple ( 1 Cor. 3:16). The New covenant promises essentially to give us a new heart which will never drift from Him again ( Jer. 31:31-34).
Greetings and love from our God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ.
"Let you heart be not troubled" we can all stumble in our walk, this is what fellowship is actually for, so that we can Keep each other in the faith. I may not quite have ears to hear yet but I do see a lot. I have always been a quiet, meek yet observant and inquisitive individual. But I am humble enough to admit that I am nothing but dust without God. I have had a very troubled past which God has saved me from and I think sometimes that people often forget about the spiritual war we are in. We are taught "it's not of works" which can be very deceiving itself because people tend to fall back in to the temptations we are told to avoid. I agree and accept the finished works of Christ but that doesn't mean I can sit back, put my feet up and drink my coffee. Quite the contrary I am now in debt to Christ and want to work daily "strive to enter" "pick up my cross daily" to show my Faith and constantly "examine thyself. ( James 2:18) "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." It's the one true Jesus I seek not the many impostors that have entered the world. I have tried to share my testimony on here too but I am struggling to shorten it to fit the characters required as I have had many different experiences that have all contributed to who I am today and how I came to Jesus for salvation. It really does show the extent that Jesus will go to just to find his lost sheep.
May the grace God guide you always and peace be with you in Jesus name.
1 Samuel 30:8
And David enquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all.
James 2:5
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Matthew 11:5
The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.
Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Be the voice, Be Christlike, and keeping on Striving. God Bless You all.
The apostle James pretty much sums it up below. TRUE LIFE SAVING FAITH is not barren it produces fruit. Not because we want Jesus to love us more, but because we love HIM. Faith without works is dead! Dead faith! Remember the parable of the talents? Some "Christians" are going to have a rude awakening when the Messiah returns.
James 2:15-20 (KJV) 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"