Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ produces an inward change, which in turn is shown to others by outward actions. The question being asked here by James is if there is no evidence of this inward change by the outward actions is then the faith in Christ real and more importantly is then, salvation sure. James in his message is often misunderstood and seen as contradictory in light of the rest of the New Testament but that is truly not the case. James is trying to relate a very real and timely assessment of salvation as it relates to faith and the action of those proclaiming faith in Jesus Christ. In other words are they walking the walk of the faith the claim to be talking?
Looking first to James 1:18 we see who is actually responsible for our salvation. James answers the question, “Was it God or was it me?” The answer of course is that it is always God. One hundred percent of the time God is responsible for our salvation by the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ or as James states it “fulfillment of his own purpose.” Based on that then, through faith in God and trust in the purpose, it is that we receive salvation. Only God can give us new birth by knowing the true condition of the heart that makes the salvation real and true. Allowing us to become born again, regenerated, and the first fruits of His harvest.
John MacArthur states in his commentary “The most beautiful and graphic explanation of regeneration is in Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus, a devout and highly respected Pharisee and teacher.” (chapter 5, section 2, para. 6) MacArthur goes on to say that “The leader only made a statement about Jesus and did not say anything about himself or ask the Lord a question. But the Lord knew what was re...
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... (Martin, p.30) Martin goes on to say, “For him (James) works are not a substitute for faith, but are the evidence of faith.” (Martin, p.31)
Salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is the inward change, which in turns perpetuates an outward visible signs of the inward change in the form of works.
Faith equals salvation and works equal proof.
Works Cited
Lea, Thomas (1999) Holman New Testament Commentary: Hebrews and James.
[Kindle 3.0]. Retrieved from: Amazon.com.
MacArthur, John Jr. (1998) The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: James. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers.
Martin, R.A. (1982) Augsburg Commentary on the New Testament: James, 1-2 Peter, Jude. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.
Patterson, Dorothy Kelley, Rhonda Harrington Kelley. (2006) Woman’s Evangelical Commentary: New Testament. Nashville, TN: Broadman and Holman Publishers.
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