Dead Faith and Living Faith - James
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Using examples from everyday life and the Scriptures themselves, James explains the nature of the faith that actually saves - a real faith that will show itself in real life.
Here is a link to David Guzik's commentary on James 2: enduringword.c...
As teachers and pastors we all make mistakes we must ask in prayer our Lord Jesus to help us understand and give us more knowledge of the reading of scriptures 🙏
We are not saved by dead faith , we are saved by living faith.
Paul was teaching sinners how to be save, James was teaching Christian how to behave now that they have been saved. They both complement each other
Titus 3:8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
You got it, Sir, even much simpler than the explication of David Guzic. Check out his confusing/confounding cliche: "We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is not alone"-it's also self-contradicting!
That is just another cleverly repackaged version of faith plus works equals salvation nonsense.
James is about our justification before men but not before God.
Men can't see our faith, but they certainly can see our works.
Simple enough, I can choose to have an alive faith or a dead faith, nothing to do with salvation at all.
James is really about having a practical faith that helps others and cannot contradict Galatians 2: 16, 2: 21, Ephesians 2: 8, 9, 10, Romans 4: 5, 6, and Romans 11: 6, which clearly seperate faith from works of any kind.
The context of James 2 is talking about a brother in need; can a dead faith on your part save him from starvation.
Saving repentance is realizing that you are a sinner deserving of God's just punishment in Hell and turn (repent) from whatever you trusted in before, if indeed you trusted in anything; to trusting in the person and finished work of Christ alone for salvation.
There are no works required up front or through the back door.
Well said!
AMEN! That's right.
@@colonalklink14absolutely
Titus 3:14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.
I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for such knowledge brother David. May the Holy Spirit continue to use you to impart such important knowledge in us. God bless you.
Thank you for this wonderful teaching! God bless you.
Amen. Thank you for this message.
It(faith),works IF,you work it. DAVID GUZIK, thank you 😊
Beautiful Teaching. Thank you Holy Spirit
There is really controversy on faith and works,but you have explained it clearly. Thank u david guzik. God bless you.
Confusing actually! How would u account David Guzik's cliche: Sb@5:35> "We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is not alone"?
Amen!
Wonderful message. Thanks for preaching the truth. God bless.
Blessings!
We are saved by ONE righteous act, which Christ did. "Therefore, as one trespass (Adam's sin )led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness (Christ's death) leads to justification and life for all men."
This makes so much sense, you explain it so well. Thank you Pastor David! God bless you.
You are very welcome, stay blessed.
Wonderful lesson. So clear. Bless you David. You are a friend in my library!
Thank you brother, God be with you.
8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8,9
I am an ELCA Lutheran from South Carolina. Today (August 16), this was to have been the basis for our Sunday School Lesson of the Day. It was entitled "Faith without Works Is Dead." Sadly, due to the current Corona Virus outbreak, Sunday School has been suspended. Also, on a personal note, it was on this day in 1972 that my beloved grandfather entered the Church Triumphant. We all miss you, PaPa.
Thanks you so much this amazing study about James 2: 14-26, I am now in lighted the confusion among the contradictions of apostles Paul and James.
You are very welcome.
I think works are as simple as sharing the Gospel with others. Not very hard to accomplish. When i was saved i wanted to see others saved, and i worried to the point of tears for them... to me that says i truly believe. Not that i don't make mistakes, i do so constantly. But i also believe my sins are covered because i truly hate them, i don't will them. Rather sin that dwells within me does. I struggle. I don't just feed my sins.
Yeah when you understand Gods grace you're grateful for it, and you learn to love others, for me out of worry for their souls, because i know what awaits them. I have a long way to go in my walk, but i feel pretty secure that my faith is demonstrated, not for boasting sake, but out of love.
When i was lost i wasn't even aware there was a spiritual war, now i know and i aim for what God wants me to do, i miss all the time, but i try, and i mean it and every now and then, i do hit the target. BUT when i miss i lean on Jesus Christ to hold me up, and i continue my walk!
Please pray for me that i may have this kind of faith. Pastor David
Yes!! Thank you, Pastor Guzik
It's baffling that people get so defensive about works passages.
Yes it is true that works will ever be enough for salvation, but if you are truly saved you will bear fruit, your life will be a living testament to your faith.
It's baffling that people get so triggered by these passages. No works will ever be enough for salvation, but if you are truly saved you will bear fruit.
Thank you for your explaination. I am blessed. GBU.
Christians must have faith working through love.
Well said, amen!
@@DavidGuzikEnduringWord Christians must have faith working to love to accomplish what ,salvation ,that is crazy.
Thank you so much I learn so much. I want to live for god and learn. You help me to talk with god. I look for your utube everyday to learn. I want to learn more may God bless you. I pray you will come to erie pa.
This was so enlightening. Sincere question here, in James’ example of Abraham sacrificing Isaac, verse 24 states again that man is not justified by faith alone. In verse 24 is James referring back to the false and hypocritical faith from earlier in the chapter? It made me pause to hear him use that expression in direct relation to Abraham who clearly had been justified by “living faith”. It came across to me in word that Abrahams faith alone was not sufficient without the added work. I hope my question makes sense. Thank you.
Thank you!!
God bless for Nurses , caretakers , therapists ,
Faith alone in Jesus Christ alone for the free gift of everlasting life.
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works
8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8,9
Very biblical teaching, thank you.
Confusing actually! How would u account David Guzik's cliche: Sb@5:35> "We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is not alone"?
@@abjoseck9548 please read your Bible more carefully. It is true faith alone can not save. Jesus said in John 15:2 about those that have faith but no fruit. We can not earn the salvation by work but we must act in faith. Same as in James 2:14 that David is talking about. If you have faith can not ignor a person you see he/she is in need but the act of faith or the fruit that you choose to help.
.@@Caroline-67
Let me help you by citing 2 verses that say, We are saved by faith alone:
1) Rom 4:5> "However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness."
2) Galatians 2:16> "know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[d] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
IF I may add: John15:2 is the fruitful description of those who abide in Christ, that is those who espoused genuine faith. It is never the "prescription" to attaining salvation!
@@abjoseck9548 yes I understand, but I think in Romans is about the jewish law that the first church had problems with (the jewish christians). So Paul is trying to explain that the keeping of the law will not save them but faith in Jesus.
@@Caroline-67 , don't confuse the doctrine of SALVATION by Faith alone & the doctrine of Sanctification as the natural outworking of the fruitful deeds in the life of the persevering Saints!
this is now clear James and Paul are talking of the same Faith
Living faith is the faith ❤
Trust in God
Obey God
Faith in God
Love God with All of what I am
Amen!
8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8,9
Scripture can’t contradict scripture a teacher who teaches contradiction is calling himself a fraud
The most important James verse for the gentile is James 1:1. The Lord had James pen that the audience is the 12 tribes of Israel. The Lord knew almost every religious system satan started would be tying in the works that Israel is required to do with the age of grace we are living in today. The kingdom church is very different from the Body of Christ. This is why Paul can say in Col 2:10-17 kjv the believers are complete in him, we have already been forgiven, the law has been blotted out, let no man therefore judge you with regard to a holyday, new moon or sabbaths because these are a shadow of things to come.
But what kind of works? How many works? And don't muslims and atheist have "good' works too?
What happens if your faith shows works for a while, but then comes a time where you don't do anything? Have you then suddenly gotten a dead faith and "lost" the salvation?
Yup, that's a huge problem!
The works of faith are fulfilling the 7steps of faith and when step 7 is expressed it's expressed by our brotherly kindness fueled by the love of step 7. And all 7steps of faith are to be done. The works of faith are the filling of faith's measure and when full is sufficient for your belief in Jesus. Hence Faith is established by Christ in you full measure. That is the works of faith.
Thank you for a wonderful interpretation of James!
You are very welcome, thank you for your kind words and support.
When in scripture says that WORKS can't save you they are referring to THE LAW. Jesus superseded the Law and thru Him you are saved you can never keep perfect law so it can not save you BUT When they say WITHOUT WORKS YOU ARE NOT SAVED they are referring to Good Works of Love for others. Get away from Me I don't know you. Salvation can be lost. it is not a right. Thru sin and selfishness you lose your salvation. Satan believes in Jesus. Anyone can believe in Him and not be saved. You must also confess your sins and be truly contrite. If you are in a state of sin Grace is cut off.
I don't know if you would consider this a compliment or not... but what you're arguing is similar to Bart Ehrman's explanation of this passage. 😀
Well said
Abraham KNEW that if he sacrificed Isaac, God would raise him from the dead.
Genesis 17:9
And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an *everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.*
If Isaac remained dead God's promise would not be everlasting.
Abraham and Isaac went willingly.
Genesis 22:6-8
And Abraham took the *wood* of the burnt offering, and *laid it upon Isaac* his *son* and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together.
7And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the *lamb* for a burnt offering?
8And Abraham said, My son, *God will provide himself a lamb* for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
John 19:17
And they took *Jesus,* and led him away. 17And he *bearing his cross* went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:
God did indeed provide Himself a Lamb at Calvary.
Genesis 22:13
And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a *ram* caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and *offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.*
John 8
Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? 54Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. *56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.*
In order to make this passage compatible with justification by faith alone, Guzik challenges the definition of the word "faith." He says James is referring to "dead" [non-saving] faith. Let's plug this definition into verse 24 and see it this works.
"One is justified by works, not by DEAD [non-saving] faith alone." To re-word it without changing the meaning... "One is justified by DEAD faith plus works." Wait... what? Part of what justifies us is DEAD [non-saving] faith?"
Let's try another way. "One is justified by works, not by genuine faith alone." To re-word it without changing the meaning... "One is justified by genuine faith plus works." This still doesn't solve the problem, because James is now saying that genuine [saving] faith is not sufficient to justify us.
James clearly says in v. 24 "Faith + works = Justification." Just read it. Guzik claims that James says that genuine faith alone justifies, and that such a genuine faith will necessarily be accompanied by works. But verse 24 does not say that. Guzik is putting words into James' mouth in order to reconcile a very difficult passage. He doesn't succeed. In fact, I have yet to hear anyone reconcile James 2 with justification by faith alone.
I wonder what Issac thought Issac must of had that same kind of faith
1. Who is the Book of James written to?
2. Was Abraham Justified before men when he offered Isaac?
3. How was Abraham's Justification reckoned according to Paul?
4. Does "qualifying" faith answer the discrepancies between Romans 4:4-10 and James 2:21-24?
James 1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, *to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad,* greeting.
1 Cor. 10:32 Give none offence, neither to the *Jews,* nor to the *Gentiles,* nor to the *church of God:*
Which tribe are you? Are you a Jew, a lost gentile or a part of Christ's Body/the Church.
Genesis 22:1-5
And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.
2And he said, *Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.*
3And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and *took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son,* and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him.
4Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off.
5And Abraham said unto his young men, *Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.*
Abraham left the two young men behind. At the altar was God, Abraham and Isaac. Where are the men?
Romans 4:3-10
For what saith the scripture? *Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.*
4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
*5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.*
6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
7Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
9Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that *faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.*
*10How was it then reckoned?* when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? *Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.*
Our Justification is likened to Abraham's Justification in UNCIRCUMCISION.
Genesis 15:5-6
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, *Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.*
*6And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.*
Abraham was given the covenant of circumcision in Genesis Ch. 17. He offered Isaac in Genesis Chapter 22.
Abram! (Gen. 15:1-3) before his name was changed to Abraham (Genesis 17:5) was Justified as a GENTILE by believing what the Lord told him about his descendants and the stars. Abraham was Justified years later as the first JEW after circumcision by offering Isaac by faith AND WORKS. Abraham was Justified before God BOTH TIMES, not before men.
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; *thou doest well:* the devils also believe, and tremble.
James commends this man for his faith, not that it is a "saving" faith, or a "dead" faith.
Devils cannot be saved, for they are a spirit. Jesus Christ was manifest in the flesh to save men.
James 2:22 *Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?*
Abraham the JEW did the work of offering Isaac. And by this WORK his FAITH was made complete.
No "saving" faith, "dead" faith, etc.
(v. 26) For as the *body* without the spirit is dead, so *faith without works* is dead also.
Dead body=no spirit.
Faith - works=dead body.
To further prove that Romans Ch. 4 And James Ch. 2 are written to two different people consider that the original promise to Abram by believing what God told him about the stars (Genesis 15) is expanded in Genesis 22 to the sands of the sea AND A LAND PROMISE.
Genesis 22:17
That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, *and as the sand which is upon the sea shore;*
and thy *seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;*
Christians are never given a land promise.
Paul said that we are not saved by works of the law (of Moses). James' example of Abraham offering his son on the altar was not works of the law (of Moses), for the law of Moses did not include a commandment to offer your son on the altar. The work Abraham did was of the law of the Spirit of life, not the law of sin and death. As the Father loved me, so have I loved you; as I have loved you, love one another. The Father offered his Son on the altar; Abraham was to do the same.
Although your example sort of resolves the conflict, it does not clarify how it applies to us. For example, does that mean that as long as we do a good work, that affirms our faith? Will that ice the cake? I would say no.
It is the righteousness of the law of the Spirit that justifies us. It is the work of the Spirit in us as we yield our members as instruments of righteousness which justifies us.
The law of Moses is the law of sin and death, the ministry of death (2 Corinthians 3). The ministry of life is the law of the Spirit. The Great Commandment is obeyed with everything but the Spirit. The law of the Spirit of life works by the Spirit, his strength and your resources, his purpose credited to your account.
In James 2:24, I don’t think he’s saying we’re not justified by a dead faith alone as you said around 26:05, because he has already made it clear that a dead faith is of no use at all. My bias is that justification is by faith alone through grace alone. Nevertheless I have not yet found an exegesis of James 2:24 that squares with that. In other words, it’s non-sensical to say “and not by dead faith only.” The word “only” eliminates that interpretation as a possibility. Therefore he means and not by a living faith only (if you want to add any qualifiers at all). [Edit: I think I get it now. What you said right after this turned on a light bulb for me.)
Is it kind of things like, small everyday life things? Trying to do what God says at home, lending a ear to another Christian and praying with them or making them dinner, does it have to be huge things like Abraham and Rehab?
Helping someone is difficult in my city because if you give them money, they could unfortunately be using it for drugs. Its best to give them food.
The Catholic view: Faith + works = Salvation
The view I believe you are (unintentionally) conveying: Faith - works = No Salvation
Two negatives make a positive, so they are essentially the same statement. You can front-load it or back-load it, either way it comes out the same: works-based salvation.
And why do you just presume that the word “save” in James 2:14 means saved from eternal damnation? You can’t just assume. We must ask, “saved from what?” The word save (gr. sozo) is used 106 times in the New Testament. At least Fifty-eight times the word refers to deliverance from a temporal difficulty like death, disease, or a useless life.
James is talking to born-again believers who have been justified. When he uses the word “Faith” he is referring to the ongoing walk of faith we as Christians are supposed to have.......not the initial act of faith that saves us from eternal damnation.
“...the text says nothing about faith that saves from eternal damnation versus a faith that does not. Rather, the focus in James is between a regenerate person who has a faith that works and produces blessings for himself and others in the church and a regenerate person who says he has a walk of faith but gives no evidence of it in his life.” (A Defense of Free Grace Theology, edited by Dr. Fred Chay, pg. 146)
Yes Im familar with the "free grace" way of handling this passage. As much as good men attempt to explain it that way. .a plain reading doesnt show it means what they say. Trust me I tried to see it that way.
And why would that be? Can you give a reason?
What point are you trying to make? That James' letter is wrong and that the fruit of our faith ISN'T our actions? Then what would it be?
@@Liminalplace1 Why? What is a “plain reading”? Dead faith does not plainly translate to “not genuine” or “not real”. Can you explain how the free grace view is wrong in their interpretation?
@@Warriorsruach The point I’m trying to make is that I disagree with Guzik’s interpretation of James. James is not contrasting real genuine believers to false converts based on their works. The view of eternal salvation is not in view here. James is contrasting believers who have a faith that works and is useful and profitable, verses believers who are immature and lacking in good works and need to grow up. Eternal rewards, not our eternal salvation is in view here. Dead faith should not be interpreted as “not real” faith, as so many Christians seem to believe. Can you not see a problem with that view? He’s saying you must have good works to prove that your faith is real…….no works then no faith and no salvation.
No matter who it is , if you don't preach complete salvation at the moment of faith and only faith , then you are teaching a false ,works gospel ...It is a simple as that.
Thus man DOES if you follow EVERYTHING he teaches ... WORKS WILL SHOW/DEMONSTRATE THE TRULY SAVED HEART!
8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8,9
@@gkarenstratton There is not truly saved that smacks of works before men ,but not God. It begs the question ,have I done enough to be truly saved.
@@jflangeriialso remember v10
James is talking about how to have faith, not that faith isn't enough. If you love your child but never hug them or tell them you love them or help them is it truly love
5:20 Basically, if you believe in God we should be able to see that you do. 😊
James was written before the Crucifixion,
The original language says Could that kind of faith benefit him....? He is addressing brethren ..saved people. those who believe in God should be careful to maintain good works...That says that even thou you are saved you should maintain good works ...this is potential ,you might not choose to maintain good works ,but you should...That is why the Apostal Paul is
affirming what a saved person should do. A brand new believe wouldn't know good works if it hit him in the face...He or she must learn thru the intake of the word and grow spiritually ..
Amen
James is written to,Israel to the twelve tribes during the Tribulation timeline,we can apply so,spiritual doctrine for the body of Christ, but its not our Bible mail today for the church.
John P, can you edit your comment please? The typos make it impossible to sort out. Thanks.
@@jg4x Sorry, Let me rephrase “All scripture is given by inspiration. When James wrote his book he wrote it to the twelve tribes of Israel.
“ I am not a hype dispensational.”
There is a lot of passages in James that can apply to us the body of Christ. Example be a doer of the word not just the hearer. For us today.
Look at James 2:24 than by works a man is justified and not by Faith. Not for the church today, but For the Jews in the Tribulation timeline.( it will be a works not to take the mark of the beast) Look at James 5 in context it is in the last days.
Notice James 2:24 contradicts Paul 13:39 All that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Romans 5:1 therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8:9 Ect…
a large percentage of churches preach we have to do good works for our salvation, because of James 2:24.
Which is false.
We are justified by faith.
I'm new subscriber here.
Welcome!
Please tell me the difference between saving faith and practical faith?
Saving faith as in accepting Lord Jesus as your savior. Practical faith as in alive faith that has works in it. As in James he says you can’t just have faith for the hungry and poor, it’s better to help them along with also having faith. Just like Abraham had faith in the lord but also did the work by putting his son on the altar.
From nagaland
What's the difference between saving faith and practical faith?
Here is what we as an Orthodox Christians beleive, "We are not saved by our work, It is of completely by the Grace of God, but our faith is manifested by our work" And if we cpuld not show it that way, we are not saved. That is as simple as that if you are open minded.
Well said! Amen.
If a man believed and received Jesus but was died also, is he saved?
You need to come to Jesus Christ while you're alive. Do you mean someone on their deathbed? I think they can be saved. The thief on the cross was saved, because he believed in Jesus in his heart and confessed with his mouth.
Paul tells us "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Why do you think James talks about getting eternal life in James 2:14? I have read a lot of commentaries on James 2:14 and sadly almost everyone just a priori assumes that James is talking there about how to get to heaven when you die.
Cause that's what says plainly. Saying it's not about eternal Damnation is reinterpreting James
@@jenex5608 could you explain were he says it plainly. I cannot see it yet but I am eager to learn. Thanks
While I agree what was said generally..I dont think you exegetes the passage well. You missed James point in his illustrations of Abraham and Rahab. They both broke the law in their "works". Abraham was going to murder his son, Rahab was a traitor to her people and bore false witness to them to hide the spies. Thats another way of saying what Paul said "not by works of the law".
The works James talks of are work/actions out of faith.
The example of saying "be warm and filled"and not feeding someone isnt what you thought. Its a contrast between words and actions. As in saying you believe but not doing actions in accordance with that faith.
David Pawson gives a good exposition of this passage
Paul has more works than anyone!
Finding god without faith is demonic 👿
What About the thief on the cross? Dead Faith is still faith. It’s just not profitable
Thank you for this! While you may be technically correct to say "dead faith is still faith" by definition, the case that James makes, and that scripture supports, is that dead faith is not a faith _that saves_ - meaning it does not assure nor contribute to our salvation. It is insufficient for saving our souls.
Yet more interestingly, it can't be said that the thief's faith was dead, only that it began at a time when he was entirely unable to act in ways to support it through any works at all - but the circumstances of the thief asserting his faith are by no means similar to those who may find themselves at death's door in the modern age - the thief had to far less evidence of put his faith in than we do: the thief could know nothing of the resurrection or all that followed it, nor the countless miracles and advanced, precise theology which we have recorded for us in the New Testament. He may have heard of the reputation Jesus had, but we can't be sure - as a criminal and likely imprisoned, it's likely he wasn't up on all the latest happenings around Jerusalem. But even so, there had been many claimants to being the Messiah, and in this state, most Jews would never have seen Jesus (without political power and heading to his execution) as a rightful candidate, making the case for the thief's extraordinary faith that much greater.
Of this thief's faith, Spurgeon said:
"Observe, that this man believed in Christ when he literally saw him dying the death of a felon, under circumstances of the greatest personal shame. [...] This man saw it with his own eyes, and for him to call him “Lord” who was hanging on a gibbet, was no small triumph of faith. For him to ask Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom, though he saw that Jesus bleeding his life away, and hounded to the death, was a splendid act of reliance. For him to commit his everlasting destiny into the hands of One who was, to all appearance, unable even to preserve his own life, was a noble achievement of faith. I say that this dying thief leads the van in the matter of faith, for what he saw of the circumstances of the Saviour was calculated to contradict rather than help his confidence. What he saw was to his hindrance rather than to his help, for he saw our Lord in the very extremity of agony and death, and yet he believed in him as the King shortly to come into his kingdom."
@@DavidGuzikEnduringWord I see where your coming from pastor. Appreciate the reply. How do you interpret romans 4 5-6 it seems to read at least to me that faith whether dead or alive (profitable) still justifies before God which is our saving grace. And for the question of " can faith save him?" I believe the context is speaking of the judgment and trial through fire that believers will be subject to for our service not a question of salvation.
@@anthonyvasquez835 Please allow me to direct you to my commentary for a deeper look into this topic. I hope that not helps. Blessings!
enduringword.com/bible-commentary/romans-4/
8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8,9
Romans 13;8-10 Paul says the same as James and 1 John.
Keep the perfect law of liberty. 10 commandments.
The ten commandments incompus all of God's will.
No we're not commanded to keep the 10 commandments and btw there were more like 600... we're now commanded to believe in Jesus and love others as we love ourselves. Which will demonstrate our faith, and our sins are covered by his blood.
What you are saying is Mosaic law... it's not Christianity. The law was there as a schoolmaster to bring us into obedience to Jesus Christ. Jesus was pretty clear to the Jews who were trusting in Moses more than him.
"Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
I am that bread of life.
Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."
Jesus clearly says that Moses didn't give them the bread of life, and that HE is that bread. He also goes on to tell them that Moses is their accuser... since they are taken with Moses. He makes sure they understand that they won't be justified by the 10 commandments. Rather faith and then onto good works naturally as a demonstration of faith.
God isn't interested in boasters who CLAIM to keep the 10 commandments because all have fallen short of that. We should instead rely upon him, not our works through Mosaic law.
If you don't have works, you don't have faith. Faith without works or actions is dead.
8For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8,9
@@jflangerii Praise God!! God did his part for us now we must do ours. Jesus said if you want eternal life, keep the Commandments. Matthew 19:17 Also, if you love me, keep My Commandments. John 14:15 I believe Jesus. Have a blessed day!
SAVE BY FAITH NOT BY WORKS PAUL AND JAMES
Paul's righting:
Ephesians 2:8-10 King James Version (KJV) 8. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9. Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them..... ............
PAUL SPEAK OF FAITH alone in the SPIRIT you are save not works. (HOW WE GO FROM EARTH TO HEAVEN)
JAMES 2: 14-26 ... JAMES IS SAYING FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.
JAMES IS EXPLAINING HOW WE GO FROM HEAVEN TO EARTH . Basically if we want God to do something for us on earth
Good deeds or pray or work to pay bills on earth
Start a business we on earth have to work for it with faith in Christ to succeed.
But to get to Christ no works Just believe in faith and allow the Holy Spirit to do the rest Hallelujah so he can get all the glory and the praise.
crazy talk! James was speaking to the 12 tribes of Israel not the body of Christ message revealed to tph apostil Paul only!
Matthew10:5-6
These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 15:24
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Romans15:8
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
James1:1
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
Read Romans 4:5
U
Wrong brother. We are saved by faith alone. James is trying to save Jews believer for the judgment seat of Christ. If we have works involved for saving ourselves then is not longer by grace. We do good works because we are saved and not to be saved