I didnt want to stray from the opening post, so i started this thread as a tangent to this one:
How Many Jesuses Are There?
RHEMtron: Again, who is the real Jesus? Which presentation is the right one? Paul's version of salvation through faith differed from James.
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Originally Posted by Paul
No it didn't, how many times do I have to address this point?:
Note carefully that James is not saying that we are saved by works, but that a professed faith ("though a man say he hath faith" - 2:14) that is not evidenced by works is dead and cannot save.
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A literal interpretation shows faith is shown through works, therefore we are justified by works. That is why i say there isnt an agreement with Paul, who emphasized salvation is through faith alone. James states it's faith in conjunction with works... emphasizing on works. You even said it in your other posts:
Belief in Jesus is essential to salvation according to Paul.
Sayings by Paul on faith:
-Romans 1:16-17: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God salvation to every one that believeth.... As it is written, The just shall live by faith.
-Romans 3:20: By the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight.
-Romans 3:28: A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
-Titus 3:5: 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.
Again, he is saying you must have faith alone.
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Originally Posted by Paul
even though Paul never met Jesus in the flesh his teachings were never in conflict with the other apostles
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The example above shows a conflict. Especially a doctrinal conflict. The following also shows conflict.
Justified by Works and Abraham:
James 2:21-22: Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isasac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and
as a result of the works, faith was perfected.
James 2:24: You see, that a
man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
Justified by Faith and Abraham:
Romans 4:2: For if Abraham were justified by works, he has something to boast about [glory in other translations],
but not before God.
Romans 4:4-5: Not to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to
the one who does not work, but believe in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness...
A literal reading shows James saying Abraham is justified by works. Paul says Abraham is justified by faith.