Abraham's justification must be understood in its two contexts. Paul states in Romans 4:2-3, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." That faith-alone moment in Genesis 15:6 shows Abraham's justification before God-apart from works.
For the Body of Christ today, Paul is clear: justification is a gift of grace through faith in Christ's finished work ( Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9). Works cannot be added, for salvation is secured by faith alone in this present dispensation. Is this true or not?
James, however, writes "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ( James 1:1). He does not say he is writing to the Body of Christ, the Church revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:3-6). There is no mention anywhere in James that these twelve tribes are part of the Church, the Body of Christ, it's just not there.
Instead, James presents justification as faith plus works, to whom? According to scripture it's not the body of Christ.
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" ( James 2:21-24).
In Israel's prophetic program, justification included works as part of salvation. Faith that did not produce obedience was dead and could not save under covenant law (cf. Acts 2:38; Matt. 24:13).
Thus, Abraham illustrates both truths. Paul shows his faith justified him before God-pointing to our salvation today in Christ by grace alone.
James shows his works justified him before men, and in Israel's program, that was required for salvation. To conflate these is to erase the God-given distinction between the prophetic kingdom program and the mystery Body of Christ.
The Greek word for justification is (dikaisis), meaning the act of declaring righteous, a legal acquittal before God. Rooted in , "to justify, declare just."
Abraham's justification must be understood in its two contexts. Paul states in Romans 4:2-3, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." That faith-alone moment in Genesis 15:6 shows Abraham's justification before God-apart from works.
For the Body of Christ today, Paul is clear: justification is a gift of grace through faith in Christ's finished work ( Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9). Works cannot be added, for salvation is secured by faith alone in this present dispensation. Is this true or not?
James, however, writes "to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ( James 1:1). He does not say he is writing to the Body of Christ, the Church revealed to Paul ( Eph. 3:3-6). There is no mention anywhere in James that these twelve tribes are part of the Church, the Body of Christ, it's just not there.
Instead, James presents justification as faith plus works, to whom? According to scripture it's not the body of Christ.
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only" ( James 2:21-24).
In Israel's prophetic program, justification included works as part of salvation. Faith that did not produce obedience was dead and could not save under covenant law (cf. Acts 2:38; Matt. 24:13).
Thus, Abraham illustrates both truths. Paul shows his faith justified him before God-pointing to our salvation today in Christ by grace alone.
James shows his works justified him before men, and in Israel's program, that was required for salvation. To conflate these is to erase the God-given distinction between the prophetic kingdom program and the mystery Body of Christ.
The Greek word for justification is (dikaisis), meaning the act of declaring righteous, a legal acquittal before God. Rooted in , "to justify, declare just."
G&P
This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.
Note: Comment threads older than 2 months are automatically locked.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?