Which works justify?
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Works- Although one could compile a lengthy list of various types of works, I think these two are what are at the heart of this wayyyy toooo long debate:
The terms “good works” and “works of righteousness” are closely related in the Bible, but they have distinct nuances in their meaning and application.
1. Good Works
• Definition: Good works refer to actions that are morally right, beneficial to others, and pleasing to God. These include acts of kindness, charity, obedience to God’s commands, and living a life that reflects Christ.
• Biblical Emphasis: Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the cause of it. They are evidence of a transformed life in Christ.
• Key Verses:
• Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
• Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
• James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
2. Works of Righteousness
• Definition: Works of righteousness refer to actions that align with God’s standards of righteousness, often linked to following religious laws, moral purity, and attempting to earn favor with God.
• Biblical Emphasis: While works of righteousness may reflect obedience to God, the Bible makes it clear that human righteousness alone is insufficient for salvation.
• Key Verses:
• Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
• Isaiah 64:6 – “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”
• Philippians 3:9 – Paul rejects his own righteousness from the Law and instead desires “the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”
Summary
The terms “good works” and “works of righteousness” are closely related in the Bible, but they have distinct nuances in their meaning and application.
1. Good Works
• Definition: Good works refer to actions that are morally right, beneficial to others, and pleasing to God. These include acts of kindness, charity, obedience to God’s commands, and living a life that reflects Christ.
• Biblical Emphasis: Good works are the fruit of salvation, not the cause of it. They are evidence of a transformed life in Christ.
• Key Verses:
• Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
• Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
• James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
2. Works of Righteousness
• Definition: Works of righteousness refer to actions that align with God’s standards of righteousness, often linked to following religious laws, moral purity, and attempting to earn favor with God.
• Biblical Emphasis: While works of righteousness may reflect obedience to God, the Bible makes it clear that human righteousness alone is insufficient for salvation.
• Key Verses:
• Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”
• Isaiah 64:6 – “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”
• Philippians 3:9 – Paul rejects his own righteousness from the Law and instead desires “the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”
Summary
- Good works are the natural result of a believer’s faith in Christ, motivated by love and gratitude.
- Works of righteousness, when done apart from faith in Christ, are not enough for salvation because human righteousness is flawed.
Yeah.. but not because I have to..but because im freed to be able to. I could not keep the sabbath and face the consequences with God..but it wouldn't be undoing my salvation.
New Testament service to God..not Old Testament service.
New Testament pattern to serve God in His churches. Not following the OT Laws and service in the synagogue .
Galatians and Hebrews addresses this.
New Testament service to God..not Old Testament service.
New Testament pattern to serve God in His churches. Not following the OT Laws and service in the synagogue .
Galatians and Hebrews addresses this.
Amen! Paul and James are not talking about two different kinds of works and the harmony of Romans 4:2-3 and James 2:24 is seen in the differing ways that Paul and James use the term "justified." Paul, when he uses the term, refers to the legal (judicial) act of God by which He accounts the sinner as righteous. James, however is using the term to describe those who would show the genuineness of their faith by the works that they do.
Works-salvationists don't understand the difference between salvation through faith (rightly understood) in Jesus Christ alone (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9) and faith only - per James 2:24 which is an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" - barren of works. (James 2:14)
In James 2:24, James is not using the word "justified" 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)
Works-salvationists don't understand the difference between salvation through faith (rightly understood) in Jesus Christ alone (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9) and faith only - per James 2:24 which is an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" - barren of works. (James 2:14)
In James 2:24, James is not using the word "justified" 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)
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It seems to me, according to James, faith and works go "hand in glove.” One is useless without the other. (Jms. 2:14-17, 24-26). I believe a good biblical example of that is Naaman when he went and dipped 7x in the Jordan River to be healed of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:14). God’s amazing grace was in the healing. It was a gift. Naaman was not so good that God owed him a way to be cleansed. The offer was made by God, but Naaman had to express his faith in having a faith that worked/obeyed.
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What kind of faith is that? Empty profession of faith/dead faith. (James 2:14-20) Context is key. What good is it if a man says/claims he has faith but he has no works (to evidence his faith). That is not genuine faith but a bare profession of faith.
See post #224.
In James 2:22, faith made perfect or complete by works means to complete like love in 1 John 4:18, in regard to maturity. It does not mean that Abraham's faith remained incomplete to save him in Genesis 15:6 (when his faith was accounted to him for righteousness) until many years later, after he offered up Isaac on the altar in Genesis 22. It also does not mean that Abraham was finally saved based on the merits of his works after he offered up Isaac on the altar many years later in Genesis 22 either.
When Abraham performed the good work in Genesis 22; he fulfilled the expectations created by the pronouncement of his faith in Genesis 15:6. Abraham was accounted as righteous based on his faith (Genesis 15:6) not his works (Romans 4:2-3) long before he offered up Isaac on the altar in Genesis 22.
Once again, in James 2:24, James is not using the word "justified" 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)
The greek word for "justified" does have more than one meaning depending on the context.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/dikaioo.html
In Matthew 12:37, we read - "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." This is because our words (and our works) reveal the condition of our hearts. Words/works are evidence for, or against a man being in a state of righteousness.
God is said to have been justified by those who were baptized by John the Baptist (Luke 7:29). This act pronounced or declared God to be righteous. It did not make him righteous. The basis or ground for the pronouncement was the fact that God IS righteous. *Notice that the NIV reads, "acknowledged that God's way was right.." The ESV reads, "they declared God just.." That is the "sense" in which God was "justified." He was shown to be righteous.
Matthew 11:19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified/vindicated/shown to be right by her deeds.
See post #224.
In James 2:22, faith made perfect or complete by works means to complete like love in 1 John 4:18, in regard to maturity. It does not mean that Abraham's faith remained incomplete to save him in Genesis 15:6 (when his faith was accounted to him for righteousness) until many years later, after he offered up Isaac on the altar in Genesis 22. It also does not mean that Abraham was finally saved based on the merits of his works after he offered up Isaac on the altar many years later in Genesis 22 either.
When Abraham performed the good work in Genesis 22; he fulfilled the expectations created by the pronouncement of his faith in Genesis 15:6. Abraham was accounted as righteous based on his faith (Genesis 15:6) not his works (Romans 4:2-3) long before he offered up Isaac on the altar in Genesis 22.
Once again, in James 2:24, James is not using the word "justified" 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)
The greek word for "justified" does have more than one meaning depending on the context.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/dikaioo.html
In Matthew 12:37, we read - "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." This is because our words (and our works) reveal the condition of our hearts. Words/works are evidence for, or against a man being in a state of righteousness.
God is said to have been justified by those who were baptized by John the Baptist (Luke 7:29). This act pronounced or declared God to be righteous. It did not make him righteous. The basis or ground for the pronouncement was the fact that God IS righteous. *Notice that the NIV reads, "acknowledged that God's way was right.." The ESV reads, "they declared God just.." That is the "sense" in which God was "justified." He was shown to be righteous.
Matthew 11:19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified/vindicated/shown to be right by her deeds.
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Sin seperated Jesus from the Father
How is it any different for us?
We are not the final judge.
But judgement means that we are accepted or not accepted.
Jesus said not everyone will be accepted, not everyone will be saved.
Mat 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Ye that work iniquity, sin.
Those that sin will be told to depart.
Sin is the transgression of the law.
So those that do not obey God and choose to sin will be told to depart.
Works do no gain merit or points
They reveal your heart and faith
Mat 7:17-20
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Works do not make us good enough for the gift of eternal.
The gift is given by Jesus to those that love Him. By their fruits Jesus is able to see where people stand.
Judgement
Joh 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
By faith we are Justified (looked upon as sinless) because Jesus gives us His righteousness.
But not not all are Justified and saved?
Jas 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 20:12-13
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
This sums it up ... notice the overcoming
1Jn 5:3-5
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Loving God - keeping His commandments, - being born again - overcoming the world, - our faith, - believing in Jesus
They go hand in hand....
How is it any different for us?
We are not the final judge.
But judgement means that we are accepted or not accepted.
Jesus said not everyone will be accepted, not everyone will be saved.
Mat 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Ye that work iniquity, sin.
Those that sin will be told to depart.
Sin is the transgression of the law.
So those that do not obey God and choose to sin will be told to depart.
Works do no gain merit or points
They reveal your heart and faith
Mat 7:17-20
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Works do not make us good enough for the gift of eternal.
The gift is given by Jesus to those that love Him. By their fruits Jesus is able to see where people stand.
Judgement
Joh 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
By faith we are Justified (looked upon as sinless) because Jesus gives us His righteousness.
But not not all are Justified and saved?
Jas 2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
Rev 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Rev 20:12-13
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
This sums it up ... notice the overcoming
1Jn 5:3-5
3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Loving God - keeping His commandments, - being born again - overcoming the world, - our faith, - believing in Jesus
They go hand in hand....
Faith without works is dead..
But which works can you do to make yourself worthy of salvation?
None you can not earn it. You can not be good enough.
But you can LOVE God and obey Him because He first loved you.
Do you obey to be saved or obey because you are saved?
Obedience is vital... but the motive can make all the difference.
But which works can you do to make yourself worthy of salvation?
None you can not earn it. You can not be good enough.
But you can LOVE God and obey Him because He first loved you.
Do you obey to be saved or obey because you are saved?
Obedience is vital... but the motive can make all the difference.
There's a difference between those who are justified by works, in James, and those justified by grace through faith only.
The requirement provided by Jesus, God, the apostles speak on behalf of God is faith/ believing in the Savior.
He alone accomplished redemption .
He alone is the Propitiation for our sins.
He alone deserves the credit for the free gift offered to us of everlasting life because....
He alone suffered as the perfect Sacrifice so we can be saved from the suffering of hell.
Now we have mortal bodies with temporal needs that brothers and sisters are sometimes called on for help.
The ONLY faith that can be seen by us is the works.
Rahab spared the spies from death by her work of hiding them from the Jericho soldiers.
Someone needs a coat and I have some that can be given, of course they can have what they need.
If I am able to provide a jacket or coat, I just hope I have their size.
Do you guys think Mr giving a stupid coat is equivalent to the suffering of our Savior for sins?? ?
Perhaps someone needs to spend time on their face begging the Lord to help them understand that faith in the RIGHT Object of everlasting life Who is Jesus.
I know He saved me.
In the meantime, does anyone here need a coat to be warm?
That's important to those outside right now, but it won't get me to Heaven.
It is a demonstration of justification to people.
Your faith won't do them any good unless there's some action involved.
The requirement provided by Jesus, God, the apostles speak on behalf of God is faith/ believing in the Savior.
He alone accomplished redemption .
He alone is the Propitiation for our sins.
He alone deserves the credit for the free gift offered to us of everlasting life because....
He alone suffered as the perfect Sacrifice so we can be saved from the suffering of hell.
Now we have mortal bodies with temporal needs that brothers and sisters are sometimes called on for help.
The ONLY faith that can be seen by us is the works.
Rahab spared the spies from death by her work of hiding them from the Jericho soldiers.
Someone needs a coat and I have some that can be given, of course they can have what they need.
If I am able to provide a jacket or coat, I just hope I have their size.
Do you guys think Mr giving a stupid coat is equivalent to the suffering of our Savior for sins?? ?
Perhaps someone needs to spend time on their face begging the Lord to help them understand that faith in the RIGHT Object of everlasting life Who is Jesus.
I know He saved me.
In the meantime, does anyone here need a coat to be warm?
That's important to those outside right now, but it won't get me to Heaven.
It is a demonstration of justification to people.
Your faith won't do them any good unless there's some action involved.
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Works of our own righteousness does not justify (Titus 3:5). Good works do not justify (2 Tim. 1:9). Works of the flesh do not justify (Gal. 5:19-21). Works of the law do not justify (Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:9). Yet there are a certain kind of works that do justify (Jms. 2:21-25). Since good works, works of our own righteousness, works of the flesh, or of the law do not justify, then there must be a kind that do. That’s the point that James is making. Since James said Abraham and Rahab were justified by works, then the only way one can be considered justified in the sense of just-if-ied never sinned, would have to be of grace, as grace through faith (an obedient faith, not a dead faith- Eph. 2:8; Jms. 2:17, 20), is how we are justified by grace (Rom. 3:24; Titus 3:7). Thus, when Abraham and Rahab had a faith that worked/obeyed in accordance with God’s will (Jms. 2:21-25), they were ultimately saved and justified by their working/obedient faith through grace via the blood of Christ (Heb. 9:15; Rom. 3:24-25), as without His blood there is no remission of sins (Heb. 9:22).
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What I’m saying is it wasn’t works of their own devising that justified them, as no works of our own ingenuity can justify. So, those works that justified them had to be centered on the will of God by faith. Their faith worked (obeyed) in submitting to the grace of God that provided them the way to be justified.
Jesus’ sacrifice did bring us salvation, and it is by grace that He did (2 Tim. 1:9; Eph. 2:9). It is by faith we respond to the gospel call (2 Thess. 2:14; Acts 2:39), and it is through Jesus, whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God (Rom. 5:2)
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The problem with the black and white approach is that it is not real. There are times when Christians obey God and times when they do not. Does that mean they are going to hell one minute and saved the next? Abraham was a flawed man, yet he also believed God- to a point. He remained in Haran for 10 years, not obeying God's command to him. He lied about Sarah to save his own skin. He had a child apart from God's promise, leading to the conflict between Ismael and Israel that endures to this day. So he was righteous one moment and hell-bound the next? I don't think so.
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