Faith That Justifies Is Faith That Works

Romans 4 & James 2

Grace Community Church

3/4/2007

Romans 4:16-25

16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring —not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham… 23The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness —for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Is grace too free?

Some say yes and use James as their proof text.

Does it matter?

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is God breathed…

Galatians 1:8

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!

If Paul and James disagree, then one of them is preaching another gospel…

What is James teaching?

James 2:20-22 20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.

Faith always produces works…

Does Paul agree with James?

     Romans 3:31 Romans 6:1 Galatians 5:6 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Titus 3:8

If they agree what’s all the fuss about?

Meaning of “Justified”

Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament)

Justified -

δικαιόω (dikaioō)

1.

put right with, justify, vindicate, declare righteous, i.e., cause one to be in adj. right relation (Ro 3:24);

2.

3.

4.

5.

show to be right, demonstrate to something is morally just (Ro 3:4); acquit, remove guilt, set free, i.e., clear of adj. transgression (Ac 13:38); set free, release from the control of (Ro 6:7); obey righteous commands (Lk 7:29)

Does James Oppose Paul?

Romans 4:2-5

2If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about —but not before God.

3What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

James 2:23-24

23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.

24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

Paul’s Concern: How to be right with God?

Faith  Salvation Or Works  Salvation

James’ Concern: What is real faith?

Faith  Salvation + Sanctification Or Faith  Salvation alone

“It is faith alone that justifies, but faith that justifies can never be alone.” John Calvin

Galatians 5:5-6

5But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.

The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love

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