FAITH AND WORKS (James 2:14-26)
These verses are commonly misused to support the heresy that we are saved by faith plus works, called "synergism." In other words, we must trust the Lord Jesus as our Savior, but that is not enough. We must also add to His redemptive work our own deeds of charity and devotion. This my friend is heresy. We come to Christ by faith alone. The Scripture says "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). Jesus Himself stated in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
We should clearly understand that there are six acts of justification:
1. We are justified by grace (Romans 3:24)
2. We are justified by faith (Romans 5:1).
3. We are justified by blood (Romans 5:9).
4. We are justified by God (Romans 8:33).
5. We are justified by power (Romans 4:25).
6. We are justified by works (James 2:24).
Works are the outward proof of the reality of our faith. They give outward expression to what would otherwise be invisible. Grace is the principle upon which God justifies; faith is the means by which man receives it; blood is the price which the Savior had to pay; God is the active Agent in justification; power is the proof; and works are the result.
These verses are commonly misused to support the heresy that we are saved by faith plus works, called "synergism." In other words, we must trust the Lord Jesus as our Savior, but that is not enough. We must also add to His redemptive work our own deeds of charity and devotion. This my friend is heresy. We come to Christ by faith alone. The Scripture says "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31). Jesus Himself stated in John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
We should clearly understand that there are six acts of justification:
1. We are justified by grace (Romans 3:24)
2. We are justified by faith (Romans 5:1).
3. We are justified by blood (Romans 5:9).
4. We are justified by God (Romans 8:33).
5. We are justified by power (Romans 4:25).
6. We are justified by works (James 2:24).
Works are the outward proof of the reality of our faith. They give outward expression to what would otherwise be invisible. Grace is the principle upon which God justifies; faith is the means by which man receives it; blood is the price which the Savior had to pay; God is the active Agent in justification; power is the proof; and works are the result.
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