Originally posted by Stephen III:
Hi all!
I have two questions regarding related topics.
Both have to do with the protestant understanding of certain scripture passages. Please do not respond from a position of trying to disprove the Catholic understanding of these passages. Rather with your own or your Church's interpretation.
1.) How would you coalesce the passage of James 2:14-26 in you theology of sola fide?
and 2.) Phil. 2:12, Why specifically "work", why "fear" and why "trembling" in regards to salvation; if all that is needed is faith, and faith alone?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
A question asked by many is: does James 2:14-26 contradict what Paul says in Romans 4:1-8?
The answer, of course, is absolutely not! For, the Bible does not contradict itself. The context of each book is important. The book of Romans is a treatise on soteriology going into great detail about the doctrine of salvation. In Romans 4, Paul explains the theology of how one is justified by faith and not by works. He gives examples using primarily the example of Abraham throughout the chapter, but also refers to David. Justification is imputed without works by faith alone.
On the other hand the James writes a book to his readers of practical Christian living. He is not so much concerned with the theology (of course all of God’s Word is theologically correct), but rather the every day living of the common person. In chapter two he discusses works in relation to faith. But the point that he is making is that the works are an outcome or result of genuine faith. If your faith in Christ does not produce works then your faith in Christ wasn’t genuine to begin with. Here is the key verse in that chapter:
James 2:18 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.
Look carefully at the scenario James was putting forth (no doubt it happened many times). He was accused of having “faith,” or believing that salvation was by faith (even by faith alone). Thus, “Thou hast faith.” His accuser says, “I have works,” implying that his salvation was based on his works. To that James replies “Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” The man had works but no faith. He could not demonstrate his Christianity, only his hypocrisy. But James could demonstrate his faith in Christ by his works. His works were a result of his faith in Christ. It was the faith that justified him. It was the works that became a natural outcome of the faith. The two went together inasmuch as a faith that does not result in works is not a genuine faith in Christ at all. True Christian faith results in the fruit of the Spirit.
Read the rest of the Book of James and see what practical advice he dispenses: chapter 3—control of the tongue; chapter 4—prayer, worldliness, the will of God; chapter 5—riches, suffering, healing, prayer.
It is not so much a book of theology like Romans, but rather a book of practical advice.
2. Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Philippians 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Verses 12 and 13 must be read together which emphasizes the critical importance of context for accurate interpretation. "Work out" does not mean "work for" one's salvation as most of the cults teach. Paul is not teaching "works salvation". The idea as discussed more fully in the next section is to progress to the finish or completion in spiritual growth and maturity. Peter would phrase it a bit differently but gives essentially the same exhortation writing "applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence..." (2Pe1:5, 1:6 1:7 1:8 1:9 1:10 1:11), concluding his epistle with the exhortation (command) to "grow (continually) in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2Pe3:18) This process is called "sanctification." Verse 12 makes it clear we are to be active, not passive, in this process. But praise God although we are active, we are not alone for the next verse reminds us again that the entire salvation process is a work of grace by our sovereign God. "For it is God Who is at work in you" is the firm and ultimate foundation for our past, present and future salvation. Our salvation is "by grace...through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God not as a result of works"(Eph2:8, 2:9). Works can no more retain salvation for us than they can achieve it in the first place, but works are the visible evidence of salvation and so we will do good works if we are truly saved "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Eph2:10). The next verse assures us that God is now working in us, through His indwelling Holy Spirit, to enable us to do these good works. This is good news.
http://preceptaustin.org/philippians_212-18.htm
I hope this helps.
DHK