TNTC James by Douglas J. Moo

Author:Douglas J. Moo [Moo, Douglas J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Books & Bibles, Bible Study & Reference, Commentaries, Religion & Spirituality, Bible Study, New Testament, New Testament Study, Meditations
ISBN: 9781783593378
Amazon: B00V8DU80K
Publisher: IVP
Published: 2015-02-19T22:00:00+00:00

Theology

The apparent conflict between Paul and James in this paragraph attracts considerable attention – as well it should, considering the issues at stake. But it would be terribly unfortunate if we spent so much time on this matter that we missed what James is telling us in this passage. ‘Justification by faith alone’ has been a doctrine central to the churches descended from the Reformation. This doctrine is true and important. But turning the doctrine into an excuse for failing to live in obedience to Christ and his word has been a constant temptation. James appears to be warning about just this kind of error; and we need to hear his warning. We are not justified through or on the basis of our works; but neither are we justified without them. True faith will always manifest itself in works of obedience. Without works, faith is not really faith – certainly not saving faith.

Somewhat ironically, no-one has captured the basic message of James 2:14–26 more forcefully than Luther (from his preface to Romans):

O it is a living, busy active mighty thing, this faith. It is impossible for it not to be doing good things incessantly. It does not ask whether good works are to be done, but before the question is asked, it has already done this, and is constantly doing them. Whoever does not do such works, however, is an unbeliever. He gropes and looks around for faith and good works, but knows neither what faith is nor what good works are. Yet he talks and talks, with many words, about faith and good works.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.