“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
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February 29, 2016
The Importance of Faith (Part 2): Justification
November 10, 2015
Was James a Heretic?
There are several statements in James’ epistle that are contrary to popularly held religious beliefs. Let us briefly consider these passages in light of what many churches teach today.
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October 8, 2014
How to Receive God’s Grace
Any hope that we have to be saved is by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8). God’s grace is offered to all (Titus 2:11); however, it is not received by all. How do we receive God’s grace? James explained:
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:6-10).
James’ explanation is very different from what a denominational preacher would give. Yet his explanation is “inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). So let us take a closer look at what James had to say on the subject of receiving God’s grace.
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December 12, 2013
“We Are Unworthy Slaves”
Much of the denominational world is under the heavy influence of Calvinism. As a result, many people believe the false concepts of unconditional election and irresistible grace. Because of this, they object to the teaching that obedience is necessary for salvation – even though this is what the Bible teaches (cf. Hebrews 5:9; James 2:24). They argue that if one believes that salvation is conditioned upon obedience, then that one must believe he can “earn” his salvation. Yet this is not the case. Notice what Jesus said in the following passage:
“Which of you, having a slave plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come immediately and sit down to eat’? But will he not say to him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, and properly clothe yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; and afterward you may eat and drink’? He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’” (Luke 17:7-10).
Jesus’ words in this passage are helpful in showing us the connection between grace and obedience. So let us briefly examine this passage.
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August 2, 2012
Turning Grace into a License to Sin
Jude said that we must “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3). There are many ways in which the faith may come under attack, requiring us to contend for it.
- There could be officials who give “strict orders not to continue teaching,” in which case we “must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:28-29) and continue to teach anyway.
- There may be false teachers, making it necessary to engage in “great dissension and debate with them” (Acts 15:2). Such debate is necessary “so that the truth of the gospel would remain” with those who had previously been taught it (Galatians 2:5).
- There could be idolatry that exists all around us, and as Paul’s “spirit was…provoked within him,” leading him to speak out against the idols (Acts 17:16), we may be compelled to speak out as well.
But there is another threat to the faith that requires us to contend for it. This threat was mentioned by Jude in the next verse:
“For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).
October 31, 2010
The Demons Also Believe
The Scriptures plainly teach that we are saved by faith (John 8:24; Romans 5:1). But what kind of faith saves us? Is it simply a belief in Christ as the Savior? Is it an obedient faith? Sadly, the religious world is divided over the nature of faith, even though the Scriptures give us a clear answer regarding the type of faith that saves us.
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April 3, 2009
Hearers and Doers
“Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:21-22).
James made a contrast between those who are hearers only and those who are doers. When it comes to receiving the word of God, we must do more than just hear it; we must practice it. Our obedience is tied to the salvation of our souls (cf. 1 Peter 1:22).
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