AND context dictates the following....
ROMANS speaks to being justified before GOD
James speaks to a man's claim of faith being justified before MEN by our works
The contrast in JAMES is is compared to a mere belief in GOD and was written to the JEWISH STRANGERS scattered abroad....even today the JEWS BELIEVE IN GOD <--as the demons do and tremble (James), yet most have no SAVING FAITH......
JAMES does not teach a faith/works blend salvation...........regardless of any and all that attempt to make that leap....it is not there!
James 1:1-4
1James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,
3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.
4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
D, James is speaking to his brethren in Christ, even though they are dispersed abroad. Some theologians believe this phrase to mean the ENTIRETY of the Jewish nation, I myself like the former better.
He is telling his Jewish brethren in Christ that they should not only be HEARERS of the word, but DOERS of the word. This totally destroys your idea that he is speaking for man's purpose and not for God's purpose.
James 1:22
I like James 2:5 also
5Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?
Here James plainly tells his BRETHREN that they are rich in FAITH.
Then James goes into his works teaching.
Faith without works is dead.
Why? Because those who love Jesus will do what He commanded.
And what did Jesus command? More than can be listed here...
Worship the Lord your God and SERVE Him only Luke 4:8
Do the will of Him who sent me and accomplish His work John 4:34
Reap when the fields are ready for harvest John 4:36
Come and follow Me Mark 1:7
Preach Mark 1:18
Show mercy Mathew 5:7
Let your light shine before men Mathew 5:16
Go the extra mile Mathew 5:41
Give to everyone who asks you of something Luke 6:30
Love your enemies Mathew 5:44
Give to the needy Mathew 6:2,3,4
Do what I say Mathew 7:21
I have plenty more...the list can be found online.
source:
http://cvi2.org/paul-timothy/pages/jesus/docs/300_commands_of_jesus.html
Jesus spoke about heaven and hell. He came here to teach us how to get to heaven...not how to get rewards, so I'm hoping you don't go there.
He came to teach salvation --- getting to heaven.,
He came to teach the Kingdom of God ----