May 8, 2019
READING TIME: 1 MINUTE
James 2:14-26 – Part 7
“Dave, what is the traditional interpretation of James 2:14-26 and what are the problems with that interpretation?”
The traditional interpretation is if someone says he is a Christian but has no demonstrable works, he was never saved or the person should be judged unsaved.
I agree with Dr. Charlie Bing when he lists the problems with this view: “Of course, one of the problems with this view is that rarely, if ever, is good “works” defined. So, there is a great assumption that we know what a good work is, can identify it, and can measure it to a standard of approval. As we all know, even those who are not Christians and those who contradict Christianity can do works that look good. Works can also be relative to a person’s background and personality. We all progress in our growth and godliness at different rates. Another problem usually ignored is that no one ever seems to declare how many good works are necessary to prove salvation. The works that James specifically addresses in 2:14-26 involve showing mercy to those who are poor or disadvantaged, which was his previous discussion (vv. 1-13).”
Source Used
Bing, Charles C. Grace, Salvation, and Discipleship: How to Understand Some Difficult Bible Passages. Grace Theology Press, 212-213
