Wormwood said:
Willimac,
No one would argue that we are saved by works. However, as James makes clear, what kind of faith it is that does no good works, does not love and lives in sin? This is not the faith of Abraham and is not a biblical definition of faith. John 5:24 and other such passages use a present participle which indicates an ongoing action. "Whoever is hearing my word and is believing in me..." Thus, it is implied that believing is an ongoing action, not a past event that took place one day in a church building. Now, I agree that unrepentant sin cannot lose us our salvation. However, unbelief can. Often unrepentant sin is a strong sign of unbelief (Hebrews 3:18-19). Those who continue in the faith are convicted of their sin and turn from it.
Thank you for your comment. Many have quoted from James on this topic and others like it. But I really wonder just who has taken the time to read through his letter and determined his intent. Abraham was mentioned by James. What were his works? He offered his son on the alter. This proved that he believed God's promise that his seed shall come through this very same son. He concluded that God would raise him up. The other example mentioned by James was that of Rahab the harlot. What were her works? She was told that she would be spared if she helped God's messengers. She believed it, as demonstrated by the help she gave.
James was writing to his fellow converted Jews, and through his observations concerning their conduct, was not impressed by their lack of love or inconsistency of it. He knew that those who are of the faith would have a better testimony of love towards one another.
If there is any suggestion that these readers of the letter were not bearing good works, then James was not telling them to do better works. He was questioning their faith.
I disagree with your conclusion that unrepentant sin is a sign of unbelief. Jesus confronted those whom He called His servants, in Rev.2:20-22, who were being seduced into committing sexual immorality. He did not question their faith. He called them His servants. What He did was tell them to repent or else He would chasten them with great tribulation (trouble).
Faith is simply the means by which we receive things from God. It's purpose is nothing more. God offers a free gift, and those who accept His offer, take Him at His word, and take the gift freely, are exercising faith.
It is a mistake to mix the sin issue with the faith issue.
I would rather say that those who don't see eternal life as being a free gift, are they who are at risk of not being of faith. They go about doing their deeds and abstaining from sin, in order to secure their good standing. So then, where is the faith in that? It's in themselves. Is life a free gift or not? If indeed God says it is, do we believe Him or not? How will this be demonstrated? Working for life is a demonstration of the opposite. Bearing the fruit of life that has been given is a demonstration of faith.
How do we know the difference, since they both look the same? It's in the motive.
Those who go about telling us that our walk must meet a certain standard in order for us to survive God's judgment...this is an outward show of their own motives, thoughts, and intentions. You can only give what you have.
If a person has no works, then he is lacking the new man, the new birth, or the indwelling presence of God. These do not need to hear the law. They need to hear the good news. They are not yet saved.
Back to James..dead faith.....works do not bring faith to life. Faith brings works to life. It's always about faith. If one wants smoke, he must start a fire. Works are the smoke. They are the effect. Do we want to light a fire? Don't threaten people with judgment. The law did that and it did not produce even one righteous person. Instead, give them Jesus!!! He stands and knocks.