Faith and Justification
I have heard some believers say, “I am conscious of no fault,” but that does
not in itself make certain, or sure that God's acquittal respects this
particular charge. This poses an interesting corollary relative to the positions
of faith and justification. The usage of
the Epistle of James does not contradict this which states that we are
justified only by such faith that makes us faithful and produces good works.
1 Corinthians 4:4 states "For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord." James 2:21,23, and 24 asserts "was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
Further and careful examination reveals that James is denouncing a dead faith, while Paul is speaking of the necessity of a living faith. James is describing the nature of faith, while Paul is describing the instrument of justification. They are like two men beset by a couple of robbers. Back to back each strikes out against the robber opposite him--each having a different enemy in his eye. James is denouncing mere adherence to an external doctrine, which focuses on mental assent and trust in the intellectual possession of it. With him, the Word of God means an inward principle of life. In contrast, Paul speaks regarding the operation of the word done with faith. However, trust in Christ, without action in proof of Christ, amounts to nothing.
Let's say that grace alone does not provide ample satisfaction to address sins committed willfully after baptism. What then? Only God can forgive, and the Church is simply empowered to declare that, upon fulfillment of the appointed conditions of repentance and faith. He does actually forgive. You must make sure that whatever condition you find yourself in that your heart repentance will come to Christ's satisfaction, of justification through faith alone and of the condition after death, of both righteous and wicked, as determined in this life.
1 Corinthians 4:4 states "For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord." James 2:21,23, and 24 asserts "was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
Further and careful examination reveals that James is denouncing a dead faith, while Paul is speaking of the necessity of a living faith. James is describing the nature of faith, while Paul is describing the instrument of justification. They are like two men beset by a couple of robbers. Back to back each strikes out against the robber opposite him--each having a different enemy in his eye. James is denouncing mere adherence to an external doctrine, which focuses on mental assent and trust in the intellectual possession of it. With him, the Word of God means an inward principle of life. In contrast, Paul speaks regarding the operation of the word done with faith. However, trust in Christ, without action in proof of Christ, amounts to nothing.
Let's say that grace alone does not provide ample satisfaction to address sins committed willfully after baptism. What then? Only God can forgive, and the Church is simply empowered to declare that, upon fulfillment of the appointed conditions of repentance and faith. He does actually forgive. You must make sure that whatever condition you find yourself in that your heart repentance will come to Christ's satisfaction, of justification through faith alone and of the condition after death, of both righteous and wicked, as determined in this life.
I thank you for your continued
viewing and reading. If this Blog and its contents has been a blessing to
you, then I ask, with God's leading, that you consider supporting Artesian
Well Church.
Artesian Well Church
3960 Gilman Street
Long Beach, California 90815
(562) 881-6009
In his Service,
Pastor Norman
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