May 1, 2019
READING TIME: 2-3 MINUTES
The Use of “Salvation” or “Save” in the book of James
James 2:14-26 — Part 3
What does the word “save” mean in the epistle of James? Many are surprised that in the NT, the noun and verb salvation/save mean “deliverance from eternal damnation” only 35-40% of the time.
James is writing believers (he never doubts their salvation!) and he’s picking up the theme of 1:21 (expressed again in 5:19–20). This theme is the truth that obedience to God’s Word can “save” the life from the deadly outcome of sin (see 1:15). Faith alone cannot do this. Works of obedience are crucial if a believer wants to grow in their faith and benefit needy brothers and sisters. So, in James’ epistle, “salvation” or “saved” is used in the sense of deliverance from some temporal trial leading to psychological/spiritual or physical death now and ultimately to salvation from negative judgment at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
If one keeps in mind in James 2:15-17 the concept of “saving the life by obedience,” then the words of 2:15-17 can be heard in a fresh light. Can the fact that a person holds correct beliefs and is orthodox “save” him from the deadly consequences of sin? Of course not! The very thought is crazy. That is like giving one’s best wishes to a needy brother or sister when what they need is food and clothing (2:15-16). It is utterly fruitless. This kind of callous conduct on the part of one believer toward another is precisely what James has been warning against (see 1:27; 2:2-6). It superbly illustrates his point.
I want to expand on the Judgment Seat of Christ (JSC). James 2:14 occurs during a context dealing with the Judgment Seat of Christ (2:12-13 and 3:1), so it’s likely the intervening verses (2:14-26) also pertain to the JSC. When we stand before Him, He will give and withhold rewards. Destiny is not the issue. We don’t even stand before the JSC unless we are believers destined to spend eternity with God. The issue is rewards. He gave us so many years (time on earth = your life) and so many gifts and so many opportunities with which to serve and glorify Him. What did we do with those years, gifts, and opportunities? If we show up with just our faith but no works, there will be no rewards and our time on earth will not be “saved.” Faith alone, only in this sense, cannot “save” our lives.
James wants his readers to save their lives for eternal purposes, thereby increasing their rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Walk. James wants these people to “save their lives” from the trials they are experiencing today, not from the fires of hell tomorrow, because their eternal tomorrow has already been settled. This is the potential benefit of being a good listener. During trials, God’s wisdom could deliver them from the devastation of trials and thus save their lives (their time on earth) for eternal purposes.
Sources Used
Anderson, David R. Triumph Through Trials: The Epistle of James. Grace Theology Press, 61, 94-95.
Dillow, Joseph. Final Destiny: The Future Reign of The Servant Kings: Fourth Revised Edition. Grace Theology Press, chapter 28.
Hodges, Zane C. “The Epistle of James.” The Grace New Testament Commentary. Ed. Robert N. Wilkin. Denton, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 2010, 1117.
