Are christians justified by faith only?

[Rejoice evermore.]

Nay. They are not. People who imagine that they are somehow justified by faith only have been admonished by the law which saith:

"Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."
— (Proverbs 30:6).

It is written again:

"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you."
— (Deuteronomy 4:2).

The Word of God testifies that:

"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God..."
— (1 Peter 4:11).

We can therefore not say that christians are justified by faith only. Because the oracles of God say no such foolish thing. Having said this, Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God has written to us who are christians that we are:

"...Justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
— (Romans 5:1-2).

Furthermore, holy scriptures make it manifest many times that the royal priesthood is:

"...Not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law..."
— (Galatians 2:16).

Even Abraham, who is the father of all them that believe, was justified by faith. He believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. As it is written that God:

"...Brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness."
— (Genesis 15:5-6).

It is written again:

"...If Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."
— (Romans 4:2-3).

Abraham was not justified by the works of the law:

"...For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
— (Galatians 2:16).

But, Abraham was not justified by faith only. Because:

"...As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
— (James 2:26).

Abraham was justified by works and not by faith only. As it is written:

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"
— (James 2:21-22).

And what happened when Abraham's faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

"...The scripture was FULFILLED which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God."
— (James 2:23).

This is where the scripture in Genesis 15:6 concerning Abraham was fulfilled. As it is written:

"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 sea shore; 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."
— (Genesis 22:15-18).

It is therefore true that:

"...By works a man is justified, and NOT by faith only."
— (James 2:24).

For what is it called when a man obeyes not the voice of the LORD? Rebellion. And rebellion:

"...Is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry..."
— (1 Samuel 15:23).

And where shall sorcerers and idolaters end up? They:

"...Shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
— (Revelation 21:8).

People who say that they are justified by faith only are therefore not abiding in the doctrine of Christ and also are not christians. As it is written:

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."
— (2 John 1:9).

These are they of whom it is written:

"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
— (Titus 1:16).

May this message be a blessing to those who have ears to hear. Because deep calleth unto deep at the noise of his waterspouts.

 

[Br. Bear]

 

[Rejoice evermore.]

Amen!

"Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore."
— (Psalm 113:2).

 

[Admon Mikha'el]

Nay. They are not. People who imagine that they are somehow justified by faith only have been admonished by the law which saith:

"Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."
— (Proverbs 30:6).

It is written again:

"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you."
— (Deuteronomy 4:2).

The Word of God testifies that:

"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God..."
— (1 Peter 4:11).

We can therefore not say that christians are justified by faith only. Because the oracles of God say no such foolish thing. Having said this, Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God has written to us who are christians that we are:

"...Justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
— (Romans 5:1-2).

Furthermore, holy scriptures make it manifest many times that the royal priesthood is:

"...Not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law..."
— (Galatians 2:16).

Even Abraham, who is the father of all them that believe, was justified by faith. He believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. As it is written that God:

"...Brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness."
— (Genesis 15:5-6).

It is written again:

"...If Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."
— (Romans 4:2-3).

Abraham was not justified by the works of the law:

"...For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
— (Galatians 2:16).

But, Abraham was not justified by faith only. Because:

"...As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
— (James 2:26).

Abraham was justified by works and not by faith only. As it is written:

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"
— (James 2:21-22).

And what happened when Abraham's faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

"...The scripture was FULFILLED which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God."
— (James 2:23).

This is where the scripture in Genesis 15:6 concerning Abraham was fulfilled. As it is written:

"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 sea shore; 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."
— (Genesis 22:15-18).

It is therefore true that:

"...By works a man is justified, and NOT by faith only."
— (James 2:24).

For what is it called when a man obeyes not the voice of the LORD? Rebellion. And rebellion:

"...Is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry..."
— (1 Samuel 15:23).

And where shall sorcerers and idolaters end up? They:

"...Shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
— (Revelation 21:8).

People who say that they are justified by faith only are therefore not abiding in the doctrine of Christ and also are not christians. As it is written:

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."
— (2 John 1:9).

These are they of whom it is written:

"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
— (Titus 1:16).

May this message be a blessing to those who have ears to hear. Because deep calleth unto deep at the noise of his waterspouts.

Notice? The works you speak of are works that only faith can produce? Do you really think Abraham would have put Isaac on that altar if he did not trust that God would provide. If so, you have never been a parent.

 

[B-A-C]

Jas 2:24; You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

 

[Admon Mikha'el]

Jas 2:24; You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

So putting your faith to work! Faith without those works is void

 

[lentz]

The only works faith produces is the fruit of the Spirit. The feeding the poor and helping and being kind and compassion is a product of that.
Jesus said the works of the Father is to believe on him he sent. If you have true faith,the works will be automatic.

 

[B-A-C]

The only works faith produces is the fruit of the Spirit.

Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Heb 11:9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;
Heb 11:10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Heb 11:11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.
Heb 11:12 Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.

Heb 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;

Heb 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.
Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
Heb 11:22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.
Heb 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
Heb 11:25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
Heb 11:26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.
Heb 11:27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.
Heb 11:28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.
Heb 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.
Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.
Heb 11:31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.
Heb 11:32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
Heb 11:33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,
Heb 11:34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Heb 11:35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection;
Heb 11:36 and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.
Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated
Heb 11:38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
Heb 11:39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,

Jas 2:21; Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?

Jas 2:24; You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
Jas 2:25; In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

 

[ChristianConsFurryGuy]

Isn't that a wonderful thing?

The Devil made it so sinning was easy, that's why so many people are quick to go that route.

But God, in his wisdom and genius, made it also easy to seek forgiveness! All we have to do is accept Jesus' death on the cross and that's it!

Sounds too good to be true? Of course it is! Why do you think we have so many complicated religions and spiritual beliefs in the world? All of them are about US working our way to salvation through works.

We don't need to go to church (though Jesus encourages this for the sake of fellowship), we don't have to do any Hail Mary's on a rosary, no spiritual meditation or mantras, or even giving to charity. We just have to believe.

Do you recall the story in Luke of the man who was being crucified next to Jesus? The man asked Jesus while he was dying "Remember me when you enter your kingdom."

And what was Jesus' reply? "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43)

That man wasn't told to give to the poor or do any 12 step program, or even go to church! He simply believed in Jesus and was forgiven then and there.

So yes, faith alone in Jesus is enough! The question now is: What will you do with Jesus?

 

[lentz]

Isn't that a wonderful thing?

The Devil made it so sinning was easy, that's why so many people are quick to go that route.

But God, in his wisdom and genius, made it also easy to seek forgiveness! All we have to do is accept Jesus' death on the cross and that's it!

Sounds too good to be true? Of course it is! Why do you think we have so many complicated religions and spiritual beliefs in the world? All of them are about US working our way to salvation through works.

We don't need to go to church (though Jesus encourages this for the sake of fellowship), we don't have to do any Hail Mary's on a rosary, no spiritual meditation or mantras, or even giving to charity. We just have to believe.

Do you recall the story in Luke of the man who was being crucified next to Jesus? The man asked Jesus while he was dying "Remember me when you enter your kingdom."

And what was Jesus' reply? "Today you will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43)

That man wasn't told to give to the poor or do any 12 step program, or even go to church! He simply believed in Jesus and was forgiven then and there.

So yes, faith alone in Jesus is enough! The question now is: What will you do with Jesus?

And what will that faith lead you to do.

 

[lentz]

Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.
Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.
Heb 11:9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise;
Heb 11:10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Heb 11:11 By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.
Heb 11:12 Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants AS THE STARS OF HEAVEN IN NUMBER, AND INNUMERABLE AS THE SAND WHICH IS BY THE SEASHORE.

Heb 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;

Heb 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come.
Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
Heb 11:22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the exodus of the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.
Heb 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's edict.
Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
Heb 11:25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
Heb 11:26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.
Heb 11:27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.
Heb 11:28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.
Heb 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were passing through dry land; and the Egyptians, when they attempted it, were drowned.
Heb 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.
Heb 11:31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.
Heb 11:32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
Heb 11:33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,
Heb 11:34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Heb 11:35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection;
Heb 11:36 and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.
Heb 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated
Heb 11:38 (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
Heb 11:39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised,

Jas 2:21; Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?

Jas 2:24; You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
Jas 2:25; In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?

Yes youre right. It takes faith to please God.

 

[lentz]

Jas 2:24; You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

What kind of works do you feel James was talking about?

 

[lentz]

Nay. They are not. People who imagine that they are somehow justified by faith only have been admonished by the law which saith:

"Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."
— (Proverbs 30:6).

It is written again:

"Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you."
— (Deuteronomy 4:2).

The Word of God testifies that:

"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God..."
— (1 Peter 4:11).

We can therefore not say that christians are justified by faith only. Because the oracles of God say no such foolish thing. Having said this, Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God has written to us who are christians that we are:

"...Justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
— (Romans 5:1-2).

Furthermore, holy scriptures make it manifest many times that the royal priesthood is:

"...Not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law..."
— (Galatians 2:16).

Even Abraham, who is the father of all them that believe, was justified by faith. He believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. As it is written that God:

"...Brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness."
— (Genesis 15:5-6).

It is written again:

"...If Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."
— (Romans 4:2-3).

Abraham was not justified by the works of the law:

"...For by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified."
— (Galatians 2:16).

But, Abraham was not justified by faith only. Because:

"...As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."
— (James 2:26).

Abraham was justified by works and not by faith only. As it is written:

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?"
— (James 2:21-22).

And what happened when Abraham's faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

"...The scripture was FULFILLED which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God."
— (James 2:23).

This is where the scripture in Genesis 15:6 concerning Abraham was fulfilled. As it is written:

"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 sea shore; 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."
— (Genesis 22:15-18).

It is therefore true that:

"...By works a man is justified, and NOT by faith only."
— (James 2:24).

For what is it called when a man obeyes not the voice of the LORD? Rebellion. And rebellion:

"...Is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry..."
— (1 Samuel 15:23).

And where shall sorcerers and idolaters end up? They:

"...Shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
— (Revelation 21:8).

People who say that they are justified by faith only are therefore not abiding in the doctrine of Christ and also are not christians. As it is written:

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."
— (2 John 1:9).

These are they of whom it is written:

"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."
— (Titus 1:16).

May this message be a blessing to those who have ears to hear. Because deep calleth unto deep at the noise of his waterspouts.

Yes they are

 

[Admon Mikha'el]

What kind of works do you feel James was talking about?

Good question. It takes work to enter into His rest...Hebrews 4
It takes work to resist the devil...James 4:7
It takes work to stay on the strait path...Luke 13:24

All work based on Gods Word....Works of faith. Any other work is just work, nothing more

 

[lentz]

Good question. It takes work to enter into His rest...Hebrews 4
It takes work to resist the devil...James 4:7
It takes work to stay on the strait path...Luke 13:24

All work based on Gods Word....Works of faith. Any other work is just work, nothing more

I understand what you are saying. But these are not really works. Those are more of an act of will

 

[B-A-C]

What kind of works do you feel James was talking about?

We don't have to guess, we are specifically told.

Jas 2:14; What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
Jas 2:15; If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,
Jas 2:16; and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?
Jas 2:17; Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
Jas 2:18; But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Jas 2:19; You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
Jas 2:20; But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
Jas 2:21; Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?
Jas 2:22; You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;
Jas 2:23; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was called the friend of God.
Jas 2:24; You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
Jas 2:25; In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
Jas 2:26; For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

 

[lentz]

We don't have to guess, we are specifically told.

Jas 2:14; What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
Jas 2:15; If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,
Jas 2:16; and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?
Jas 2:17; Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.
Jas 2:18; But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Jas 2:19; You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.
Jas 2:20; But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
Jas 2:21; Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?
Jas 2:22; You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;
Jas 2:23; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was called the friend of God.
Jas 2:24; You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
Jas 2:25; In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
Jas 2:26; For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Very goog And very well.
But those verses did not name any specific work. Would it be mowing nieghbors yard? Taking food to the poor? What works exactly?
Again the works Paul and James both were speaking of,is taking on the fruit of the Spirit.
Kindness,long suffering,all the fruits. Then you will automatically have compassion and mow that yzrd if seems right.
Take a person disabled,paralyzed. All he can do is lay on that bed and believe. And have faith Jesus is who he says.
Because he can do no more than believe upon the Son of God, you have him bound for hell with no hope.

 

[B-A-C]

Why does it have to be all or none?

God doesn't give everyone the same amount of gifts. If He gives you a lot, He expects a lot. If He only gives you a little, He only expects a little.

Matt 25:14; "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them.
Matt 25:15; "To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.
Matt 25:16; "Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents.
Matt 25:17; "In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more.
Matt 25:18; "But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money.
Matt 25:19; "Now after a long time the master of those slaves *came and *settled accounts with them.
Matt 25:20; "The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, 'Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.'
Matt 25:21; "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'
Matt 25:22; "Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, 'Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.'
Matt 25:23; "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.'
Matt 25:24; "And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed.
Matt 25:25; 'And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.'
Matt 25:26; "But his master answered and said to him, 'You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed.
Matt 25:27; 'Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest.
Matt 25:28; 'Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.'
Matt 25:29; "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.
Matt 25:30; "Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 12:48; but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.

 

[lentz]

Gen. 15

God made a covenant with Abraham where Abrahams only part was to believe and have faith.

He laid out the animals as God instucted. And stayed there waiting. It looked like God was late in arriving. Abraham had to shoo birds away,and finally grew wery and fell asleep. Then God showed up right on (his) time.
You see God made the covenant alone. Abraham had no work involved. Lets say God told him he had to pray every night before bed or the contract is enulled? And Abraham forgets to pray one night?
But none of this depended on Abraham,but faith.
God walked between those animal carcasses alone. He did it ALL.
And 2000 years ago Jesus Christ went alone to the cross. And all we have to do is believe on him.

 

[B-A-C]

And all we have to do is believe on him.

Jas 2:19; You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.