Not By Works

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VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
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NABRE James 2:14-26
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? 17 So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 Indeed someone may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. 19 You believe that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe that and tremble. 20 Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar?22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works. 23 Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called “the friend of God.” 24 See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route? 26 For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

KJV
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

ESV
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good[a] is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

DRA

14 What shall it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but hath not works? Shall faith be able to save him?
15 And if a brother or sister be naked, and want daily food:
16 And one of you say to them: Go in peace, be ye warmed and filled; yet give them not those things that are necessary for the body, what shall it profit?
17 So faith also, if it have not works, is dead in itself.
18 But some man will say: Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without works; and I will shew thee, by works, my faith.
19 Thou believest that there is one God. Thou dost well: the devils also believe and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, offering up Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou, that faith did co-operate with his works; and by works faith was made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled, saying: Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him to justice, and he was called the friend of God.
24 Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only?
25 And in like manner also Rahab the harlot, was not she justified by works, receiving the messengers, and sending them out another way?
26 For even as the body without the spirit is dead; so also faith without works is dead.

CSB
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can such faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.”[a] Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe—and they shudder.
20 Senseless person! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless? 21 Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works in offering Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active together with his works, and by works, faith was made complete, 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,[b] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works in receiving the messengers and sending them out by a different route? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

This is very clear to me too.
To back and READ some of our comments from the past. Your are misinterperted the book of JAMES. He is Talking about TWO DIFFERENT SUBJECTS. SALVATION, and The Change in our HUMAN SPIRIT that Produces the FRUIT of Obedience OUT OF OUR LOVE.

Square you False idea about SALVATION with this VERSE:

2 Timothy 1:9 (HCSB)
9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
 

VCO

Senior Member
Oct 14, 2013
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To back and READ some of our comments from the past. Your are misinterperted the book of JAMES. He is Talking about TWO DIFFERENT SUBJECTS. SALVATION, and The Change in our HUMAN SPIRIT that Produces the FRUIT of Obedience OUT OF OUR LOVE.

Square you False idea about SALVATION with this VERSE:

2 Timothy 1:9 (HCSB)
9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
 

PS

Senior Member
Jan 11, 2013
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The title "Not by Works" with the emphasis on the word NOT is a good one.

Faith is a gift of God that is free and unconditional. The gift of God is salvation by grace through faith and is offered to all people everywhere. It cannot be earned by supposedly meritorious deeds, neither can it be earned by:
1. Confirmation
2. Baptism
3. Church membership
4. Church attendance
5. Holy Communion
6. Trying to keep the Ten Commandments
7. Living by the Sermon on the Mount
8. Giving to charity
9. Being a good neighbor
10. Living a moral, respectable life

People are not saved by works. And they are not saved by faith plus works. They are saved through faith alone. The minute you add works of any kind or in any amount as a means of gaining eternal life, salvation is no longer by grace (Rom_11:6). One reason that works are positively excluded is to prevent human boasting. If anyone could be saved by his works, then he would have reason to boast before God. This is impossible (Rom_3:27).

If anyone could be saved by his own good works, then the death of Christ was unnecessary (Gal_2:21). But we know that the reason He died was because there was no other way by which guilty sinners could be saved.

If anyone could be saved by his own good works, then he would be his own savior, and could worship himself. But this would be idolatry, and God forbids it (Exo_20:3).

Even if someone could be saved through faith in Christ plus his own good works, you would have the impossible situation of two saviors—Jesus and the sinner. Christ would then have to share the glory of saviorhood with another, and this He will not do (Isa_42:8).
Finally, if anyone could contribute to his salvation by works, then God would owe it to him. This, too, is impossible. God cannot be indebted to anyone (Rom_11:35).

In contrast to works, faith excludes boasting (Rom_3:27), because it is non meritorious. A man has no reason to be proud that he has trusted the Lord. Faith in Him is the most sane, rational, sensible thing a person can do. To trust one's Creator and Redeemer is only logical and reasonable. If we cannot trust Him, whom can we trust?

(Believers Bible)
 

PS

Senior Member
Jan 11, 2013
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1 John 3:
17If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

18Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. 19And by this we will know that we belong to the truth, and will assure our hearts in His presence

Love is work. Pushing a wheel chair is work both by religious definition and Physics also.
Giving to the needy is work. Work is love and without it we are nothing.
Our 'works,' whether they be selfish as in verse 17 or in loving kindness as in verse 18 are the visible signs of who is in control of our life.
 
Dec 12, 2013
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John 10:37If I am not doing the works of My Father, then do not believe Me. 38But if I am doing them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works themselves, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father.”

John 5:36
But I have testimony more substantial than that of John. For the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish--the very works I am doing--testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.

The message points to the works (messenger). If Jesus had only asked people to believe in Him without Himself going on the cross then we wouldn't be talking about salvation either.
We are not JESUS..........and the bible is clear....

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God

He that planteth and he that watereth are NOTHING...it is GOD that gives the increase
 
Dec 12, 2013
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NABRE James 2:14-26
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? 17 So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 Indeed someone may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. 19 You believe that God is one. You do well. Even the demons believe that and tremble. 20 Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar?22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by the works. 23 Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called “the friend of God.” 24 See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route? 26 For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

KJV
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

ESV
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good[a] is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

DRA

14 What shall it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but hath not works? Shall faith be able to save him?
15 And if a brother or sister be naked, and want daily food:
16 And one of you say to them: Go in peace, be ye warmed and filled; yet give them not those things that are necessary for the body, what shall it profit?
17 So faith also, if it have not works, is dead in itself.
18 But some man will say: Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without works; and I will shew thee, by works, my faith.
19 Thou believest that there is one God. Thou dost well: the devils also believe and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, offering up Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou, that faith did co-operate with his works; and by works faith was made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled, saying: Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him to justice, and he was called the friend of God.
24 Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only?
25 And in like manner also Rahab the harlot, was not she justified by works, receiving the messengers, and sending them out another way?
26 For even as the body without the spirit is dead; so also faith without works is dead.

CSB
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Can such faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, stay warm, and be well fed,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.
18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.”[a] Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one. Good! Even the demons believe—and they shudder.
20 Senseless person! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless? 21 Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works in offering Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active together with his works, and by works, faith was made complete, 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,[b] and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works in receiving the messengers and sending them out by a different route? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

This is very clear to me too.
Obviously not if you are saying that faith and works justifies a man before God.......because it ignores contextual honesty on your part if that is what you are peddling.....

Romans-->PAUL----> a man is JUSTIFIED before GOD by faith and faith ALONE
JAMES -->THE above faith that JUSTIFIES men before GOD can be SEEN by MEN in our WORKS

SHOW ME your faith JAMES states...and the context is a BOOK written to JEWS that had the same PROBLEM that JEWS have to this very day......A MERE belief in GOD as opposed to SAVING FAITH into CHRIST

It amazes me...HOW MANY disregard the context of JAMES to peddle a false gospel of faith plus works for salvation.....GALATIANS <----FAITH plus WORKS = false gospel of a different KIND with no power to save, double cursed and all that believe it are fools and bewitched.....

The following is equally clear

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
 

Noose

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2016
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We are not JESUS..........and the bible is clear....

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God

He that planteth and he that watereth are NOTHING...it is GOD that gives the increase
What 'bout those that can't hear?
 
Dec 12, 2013
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What 'bout those that can't hear?
The word hear carries the idea of "hearing" with the implication of UNDERSTANDING.....ONE can READ the word and HEAR "understand" what it is saying.........one can hear the word PREACHED and "understand" what it is saying......

Surely you have a better understanding than that........the bolded
 

Noose

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2016
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Noose

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2016
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The word hear carries the idea of "hearing" with the implication of UNDERSTANDING.....ONE can READ the word and HEAR "understand" what it is saying.........one can hear the word PREACHED and "understand" what it is saying......

Surely you have a better understanding than that........the bolded
I'm asking you, what about those that can't hear and understand the word of God, as in those that have a hearing problem?
How are they saved if salvation is only by hearing by the word of God?
 
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I'm asking you, what about those that can't hear and understand the word of God, as in those that have a hearing problem?
How are they saved if salvation is only by hearing by the word of God?
I just answered.......the word implies understanding.....a DEAF person can READ the word and UNDERSTAND, even HELEN KELLER that was blind and deaf was able through braille to UNDERSTAND (HEAR) the word.......

NOW if you are asking about babies, young children without understanding, those born mentally incapable, etc......I believe they are SAFE under the blood.....EVEN David said he would G to and SEE his week old son that died at the result of his IN with Bathsheba and David spoke of his salvation in the present tense......
 

Noose

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2016
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I just answered.......the word implies understanding.....a DEAF person can READ the word and UNDERSTAND, even HELEN KELLER that was blind and deaf was able through braille to UNDERSTAND (HEAR) the word.......

NOW if you are asking about babies, young children without understanding, those born mentally incapable, etc......I believe they are SAFE under the blood.....EVEN David said he would G to and SEE his week old son that died at the result of his IN with Bathsheba and David spoke of his salvation in the present tense......
So they are not saved by faith but are still saved? ok.
 
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So they are not saved by faith but are still saved? ok.
I never said saved.........I said SAFE.............do you believe David went to HELL to see his one week old dead child? If you do.....you have more issues than that which is already obvious
 
R

Ruby123

Guest
So they are not saved by faith but are still saved? ok.
So I just tuned into this conversation and my question to you Noose is how is a baby or an incapable person supposed to get saved through works?
 

Noose

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2016
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I never said saved.........I said SAFE.............do you believe David went to HELL to see his one week old dead child? If you do.....you have more issues than that which is already obvious
No, you can not leave your eyes rotting in the earth and still see your week old son beyond earth, beyond this earth, there's only understanding.

Therefore salvation is not by faith alone. What makes other people safe and others not so safe if all have sinned and fallen short of the glory?
 

Noose

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Dec 12, 2013
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No, you can not leave your eyes rotting in the sand and still see your week old son, beyond this earth, there's only understanding.

Therefore salvation is not by faith alone. What makes other people safe and others not so safe if all have sinned and fallen short of the glory?
You know.......we're done....the bible is clear and I will no longer engage those that refuse to open their eyes while ignoring truth and peddling that which is false........I suppose JESUS could not see or Abraham or the rich man in hell or Lazarus which was being comforted.....DAVID said he would GO to and SEE his child....you have some warped ideals and seem to be lacking the ability to HEAR what the word has to say......no need to respond....we're done
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
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James 2:24As you can see, a man is justified by his deeds and not by faith alone.

I'm completely torn between you and James. Who should i listen to? :confused:
James is not using the word "justified" here to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God (Romans 4:2-3). Faith "alone" here equates to "empty profession of faith/dead faith" that remains "alone" - barren of works (James 2:14) *Not to be confused with faith that trusts in Christ "alone" (and not in works) for salvation. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

In Romans 4:2-6, Paul is using the word "justified" to mean accounted as righteous. Romans 4:2 - For if Abraham was justified (accounted as righteous) by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it (faith, not works) was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works.

So Paul, where he uses the term "justified" is referring to the legal (judicial) act of God by which He accounts the believer as righteous. James however is using the term to describe those who would show/evidence the genuineness of their faith by the works that they do. *YOU NEED TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE THE WORD OF TRUTH.*

The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon

Strong's Number: 1344
Original WordWord Origin
dikaioofrom (1342)
Transliterated WordTDNT Entry
Dikaioo2:211,168
Phonetic SpellingParts of Speech
dik-ah-yo'-oVerb
Definition
  1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
  2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
  3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/dikaioo.html