BY JPDSUMMERS24
We have established on the last article the state of being of our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us now continue the discussion to prove Christ's deity on other logical statements written in the Bible.
I. Wisdom
We all know who is the wisest man in the Bible. He is King Solomon, the son of King David and Bathsheba. That wisdom was given to him by God.
"And God said to him, Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,
Behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you."
I Kings 3:11-12 (RSV)
God said He will give Solomon a wise and discerning mind, and none is like him before and none will arise after him. If Jesus Christ is a mere mortal, it will follow that Solomon would be much wiser than Him, right? But that is not the case.
Jesus Christ is not human. He only had a human body as a vessel but the entity inside is a God. In fact, it is written that Jesus is wiser than Solomon.
"The queen of the South will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here."
Matthew 12:42 (RSV)
King Solomon is still the wisest man but Jesus Christ is on a whole different level. He is the Wisdom of God.
"But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."
I Corinthians 1:24 (RSV)
"Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away.
But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glorification.
None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."
I Corinthians 2:6-8 (RSV)
Christ is the Wisdom who is with God in the very beginning.
"I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men."
Proverbs 8:12, 22-31 (KJV)
II. Sin
In the Bible, we know that all people commit sin. We are deceiving ourselves if we say we do not commit sin.
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
I John 1:8 (RSV)
It is natural for human is err and commit sin.
"If they sin against thee--for there is no man who does not sin--and thou art angry with them, and dost give them to an enemy, so that they are carried away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near;"
I Kings 8:46 (RSV)
Even righteous people commit sin.
"Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins."
Ecclesiastes 7:20 (RSV)
But Christ? Christ committed no sin, ever.
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips."
I Peter 2:21-22 (RSV)
"For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."
Hebrews 4:15 (RSV)
Again, the two prominent apostles, Peter and Paul, both stated the same. All man sinneth, but Christ did not. And that's simply because He is not human.
III. Worship
The only entity we should worship, bow down to and kneel upon --- is God. The apostles whom we considered as saints reject worship. Saint Peter rejected worship from Cornelius.
"When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him.
But Peter lifted him up, saying, Stand up; I too am a man."
Acts 10:25-26 (RSV)
Saints Paul and Barnabas also rejected worship.
"And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycao'nian, The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!
Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, because he was the chief speaker, they called Hermes.
And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the people.
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out among the multitude, crying,
Men, why are you doing this? We also are men, of like nature with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them."
Acts 14:11-15 (RSV)
Even an angel of God rejected worship from Saint John himself - twice!
"And the angel said to me, Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are true words of God.
Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."
Revelation 19:9-10 (RSV)
"I John am he who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me;
But he said to me, You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brethren the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."
Revelation 22:8-9 (RSV)
But Christ accepts worship. The Father even commanded the angels to worship His Son.
"For to what angel did God ever say, Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee? Or again, I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son?
And again, when he brings the first-born into the world, he says, Let all God's angels worship him."
Hebrews 1:5-6 (RSV)
If the angels worship Christ, who are we not to worship Him too? We are also commanded to worship Christ.
"Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it."
I Peter 3:15 (NLT)
"Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name,
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Philippians 2:9-11 (RSV)
IV. Anti-Christ
The Bible also tells us about the antichrist. The enemy of the Messiah. And according to Saint John, there are two ways to discern who is the antichrist.
One: The antichrist denies the Father and the Son.
"Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son."
I John 2:22 (RSV)
Two: The antichrist does not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.
"And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
I John 4:3 (KJV)
"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist."
II John 1:7 (KJV)
This is used by those who believe Jesus Christ to be human as their basis. But clearly, they do not understand the statement of Saint John.
First, we must take into consideration that Saint John is the one who also wrote that the Word, who is Christ, is a God who became flesh.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father."
John 1:1, 14 (RSV)
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. He is not flesh, but He come in the flesh. In fact, on the very same epistle, Saint John had written that Christ is a true God.
"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, to know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
Little children, keep yourselves from idols."
I John 5:20-21 (RSV)
Saint John is not talking about the Father. He is talking about the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
"And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son."
I John 5:11 (RSV)
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life--
The life was made manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us--
That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."
I John 1:1-3 (RSV)
V. Christ knows
One of the characteristics of the Father is that He is all-knowing, declaring the end from the beginning.
"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,
Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,"
Isaiah 46:9-10 (RSV)
Christ, who is the Son of God, also shares this characteristic.
"Then Jesus, knowing all that was to befall him, came forward and said to them, Whom do you seek?"
John 18:4 (RSV)
God knows the hearts of men.
"And God who knows the heart bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us;"
Acts 15:8 (RSV)
"Whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything."
I John 3:20 (RSV)
Christ too, knows the thoughts of men.
"But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls."
Luke 11:17 (RSV)
VI. Creation
It is basic knowledge that the Father God is the Creator of all things. But there is Someone who is with Him in His creation. In fact, that Someone is the reason why God created everything.
"Then God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth."
Genesis 1:26 (RSV)
I am sure that Moses, the writer of this book, is accurate on writing that God said: "let us", "our image" and "our likeness". God was speaking to Someone. That Someone has the same image and likeness of the Father. Who is it?
"God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;"
Hebrews 1:1-3 (KJV)
"He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation;"
Colossians 1:15 (RSV)
"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God."
II Corinthians 4:4 (RSV)
Christ is the second person whom the Father was talking to. Christ is the express image of His person, the image of the invisible God and the likeness of God. And He is the reason why God created all things.
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God;
All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made."
John 1:1-3 (RSV)
"He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation;
For in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities--all things were created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Colossians 1:15-17 (RSV)
"Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist."
I Corinthians 8:6 (RSV)
If Christ is human, how come He existed way before the creation of man?
VII. Rock, Savior, Name, Lord, God
Another thing to note is that, when the Father told us there is none like Him, we should believe. But when He says otherwise, we should also believe.
The Father once said that there is no other Rock.
"Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any."
Isaiah 44:8 (RSV)
That is true in the time of prophet Isaiah, in the Old Testament, that there is no other Rock besides the Father.
But in the New Testament, the Father introduces another Rock:
"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."
I Corinthians 10:4 (RSV)
The Father once said that there is no other Savior.
"I, I am the LORD, and besides me there is no savior."
Isaiah 43:11 (RSV)
Again, that is true in the time of the Old Testament but in the New Testament, the Father introduces another Savior:
"The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.
God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins."
Acts 5:30-31 (RSV)
Even the name of God whom people should go to.
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10 (RSV)
There is also the name of Christ:
"Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well.
This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner.
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
Acts 4:10-12 (RSV)
The Father is the Redeemer:
"For thou art our Father, though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us; thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer from of old is thy name."
Isaiah 63:16 (RSV)
In the New Testament, Christ is also a Redeemer:
"Awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds."
Titus 2:13-14 (RSV)
The Father once said that there is no other Lord.
"That men may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the Lord, and there is no other."
Isaiah 45:6 (RSV)
Again, that is true in the time of the Old Testament but in the New Testament, it was revealed that there are many lords and gods:
"For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),"
I Corinthians 8:5 (NKJV)
The Father introduces another Lord:
"Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
Acts 2:36 (RSV)
So when the Father said this in the Old Testament:
"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me,"
Isaiah 46:9 (RSV)
Wouldn't it be logical not to jump to conclusions and to check the New Testament first?
... which brings us to this -
VIII. God not Man
And finally, does the Bible state that Christ is a God categorically?
According to the prophecy of Isaiah, it was stated:
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 (RSV)
Many people, even Bible scholars, reject this verse. They cannot accept that the child - who is Jesus Christ - is a Mighty God. Their reason is that Christ is not an Everlasting Father. This is another misinterpretation.
First, Christ is also everlasting like the Father.
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."
Micah 5:2 (KJV)
And next, while there is only one Father in heaven, Christ can also be a father to us in a different aspect. You see, Saint Paul is also a father of the Corinthians through the Gospel.
"For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel."
I Corinthians 4:15 (RSV)
If Saint Paul can be a father, then Christ can also be a father. In fact, His apostles and disciples are also His children.
"Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
Jesus said to them, Children, have you any fish? They answered him, No."
John 21:4-5 (RSV)
And it's not just the prophecy of Isaiah, but also the letters written by Saints Peter and Paul.
"Awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,"
Titus 2:13 (RSV)
"Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:"
II Peter 1:1 (RSV)
And since Jesus is meek and humble, it is not in His character to exalt Himself. But in one instance, He indirectly told the Jews that He is also a God.
"I and the Father are one.
The Jews took up stones again to stone him.
Jesus answered them, I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of these do you stone me?
The Jews answered him, It is not for a good work that we stone you but for blasphemy; because you, being a man, make yourself God."
John 10:30-33 (RSV)
By saying He and the Father are one, Christ already tells us He is also a God. The Jews somehow got His point, but they refused to believe. These Jews believe that Christ is only a mere mortal.
But the best testimony is from God Himself.
"But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John; for the works which the Father has granted me to accomplish, these very works which I am doing, bear me witness that the Father has sent me.
And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness to me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen;"
John 5:36-37 (RSV)
What is the testimony of the Father for His Son?
"And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him;
And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."
Matthew 3:16-17 (RSV)
"He was still speaking, when lo, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."
Matthew 17:5 (RSV)
Twice, the Father spoke and testified that Jesus Christ is His beloved Son - in Christ's baptism and transfiguration in a mountain. The Father also recognizes His Son as a God.
"But of the Son he says, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever, the righteous scepter is the scepter of thy kingdom."
Hebrews 1:8 (RSV)
Saint Paul clearly states that the Father acknowldges that His Son is also a God.
And to this, I say, Amen.
~ JPDSummers24 ~
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BY JPDSUMMERS24
Some people reject the divinity of Jesus Christ. The sad part is, they have plethora of Bible verses to convince the innocent.
But what is the real state of being of our Lord Jesus Christ? First, we need to know where He come from.
"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God,"
John 13:5 (RSV)
Jesus came from God. How? When?
"No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him."
John 1:18 (NASB)
From this simple but somewhat complex verse, we can immediately see that there is God the Father, and another God who was in His bosom, the Son.
This conforms with the Greek translation of the verse:
"oudeis horaĊ theos pĊpote monogenÄs theos eimi eis kolpos patÄr exÄgeomai ekeinos"
John 1:18 (Greek)
The Greek term "monogenÄs theos" means "only begotten God". Albeit, several questions will arise. And not many people will accept this. They will claim to believe that the term is really "monogenÄs huios" which means "only begotten Son".
Does God, who is a male by gender, have a bosom and capable of giving birth? Apparently, God can and I find it not surprising.
"For to what angel did God ever say, Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee? Or again, I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son?"
Hebrews 1:5 (RSV)
Saint Paul tells us, God Himself said that He had begotten His Son. Do we have proof that God can give birth? Let us remember that God is a spirit.
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
John 4:24 (ASV)
And spirits do give birth.
"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
John 3:6 (RSV)
And God is even called the Father of spirits.
"Besides this, we have had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live?"
Hebrews 12:9 (RSV)
And in actuality, God - who created the female species capable of giving birth - doesn't He have the capability of giving birth Himself? How can someone create something that he himself is not capable of? The same logic was written in Psalms.
"He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?"
Psalms 94:9 (RSV)
And the Son given birth by the Father is also a God and a spirit. There are several Bible verses to prove this. But let us tackle where the confusion stems from - the Son manifested in the flesh.
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father."
John 1:14 (RSV)
Logically, if the Word became flesh, it only means He has a state of being before becoming flesh. The Word is Christ Jesus as was written by Saint John.
"He is clad in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God."
Revelation 19:13 (RSV)
Christ, who is also a God, manifested in the flesh - clearly written in the Bible.
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
I Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
Christ, who was given birth by the Father, is also a spirit. A human body was prepared for Him to dwell.
"Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings thou hast not desired, but a body hast thou prepared for me;"
Hebrews 10:5 (RSV)
The body or flesh is human, but the entity that resides is a God.
"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,"
Colossians 2:9 (ASV)
That is why, even if Christ had lived in a human body here on earth, we cannot call Him as fully human. The body or flesh is human but the entity inside is a God.
"Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross."
Philippians 2:6-8 (RSV)
Originally, Christ is in the form of God, and was born in the likeness of men. Even in death, only His human body died. But the entity inside - which is a God - lives on!
"For Christ also died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit;
In which he went and preached to the spirits in prison,"
I Peter 3:18-19 (RSV)
While Christ's human body is dead for three days, His spirit went to preach to the spirits in prison. In the first place, since Christ is also a God like the Father, He cannot die. If angels, who rank lower than Christ, cannot die then much moreso the only begotten Son of God.
"For they cannot die any more, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection."
Luke 20:36 (RSV)
Some who reject the divinity of Christ uses this verse:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,"
I Timothy 2:5 (RSV)
The phrase "man Christ Jesus" is used to prove that Christ is just a mere mortal. However, if they will continue reading:
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Who gave himself as a ransom for all, the testimony to which was borne at the proper time."
I Timothy 2:5-6 (RSV)
The aspect of Christ that He gave as a ransom for all is His human body.
"And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Hebrews 10:10 (RSV)
If we will be meticulous about this, it is pretty clear that the body is really human, but not the entity that resides in it. The two main apostles, Saint Paul and Saint Peter, both had written that Christ is our God and Savior.
"Awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,"
Titus 2:13 (RSV)
"Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:"
II Peter 1:1 (RSV)
Even the origin of Christ is the same, like the Father. Both came from eternity or everlasting.
"Before the mountains were brought forth, and thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from eternity to eternity thou art God."
Psalms 90:2 (DBY)
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall he come forth unto me who is to be Ruler in Israel: whose goings forth are from of old, from the days of eternity."
Micah 5:2 (DBY)
Finally, to end this article, I will leave you a verse from Saint Paul giving the best description of Christ:
"Whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen."
Romans 9:5 (ASV)
Christ is not a mere mortal. Nor is He half-God, half-man. He is a God who manifested in the flesh. After His human body died, He went back to heaven as a God in a form of a spirit.
And to this, I say, Amen.
~ JPDSummers24 ~
Read: Controversy eXtraordinary
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BY JPDSUMMERS24
There has been ongoing discussions and debates about faith and works. It goes as deep as making Saint Paul and Saint James contradict each other's writings. However, most people don't realize is that there is always context in verses. We cannot just pick those which goes along with our argument or premise. Let us try to review some and I hope we can all learn something from it.
In his epistle to the Ephesians, Saint Paul wrote:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God--
Not because of works, lest any man should boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9 (RSV)
While in his own epistle, Saint James wrote this:
"What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him?
You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone."
James 2:14, 24 (RSV)
Just based on these verses, it might seem that Saint Paul preaches that faith can save without works while Saint James says without works, you cannot be saved nor justified. But do they really contradict each other?
Let us remember:
"All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them."
Proverbs 8:8 (RSV)
"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,"
II Timothy 3:16 (RSV)
There is nothing twisted or crooked because the words of God are inspired by Him. So what is the case, really? Can faith save? Can works save? Going back to Ephesians, it was clearly stated that:
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God--"
Ephesians 2:8 (RSV)
By grace, we can be saved through faith. He did not say we can be saved through faith alone.
But let's stop right there for a moment. How about works?
"To them who, in patient continuance of good works, seek for glory and honour and incorruptibility, life eternal."
Romans 2:7 (DBY)
Surprisingly, Saint Paul also says that works can save and can actually lead you to eternal life. So, is Saint Paul contradicting himself? Or are we missing something?
Saint Paul is talking about good works. So what kind of works will not be able to save?
"Not because of works, lest any man should boast."
Ephesians 2:9 (RSV)
"Not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,"
Titus 3:5 (ASV)
We will not be saved if it is the work we did ourselves. Why? Is there someone else needed in works besides our own selves? And why did Saint Paul write it as "good works" specifically? Our Lord Jesus Christ said:
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
John 15:5 (RSV)
Apparently, all the works we did without Christ are not counted. But when we say "good works", Christ is included. In fact, if we would just continue reading the letter of Saint Paul, God was the one who prepared it for us.
"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God--
Not because of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:8-10 (RSV)
See? Not of works, but we are created for good works. And God has equipped us for good works.
"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
That the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
II Timothy 3:16-17 (RSV)
To make it simple: faith and good works go hand in hand. Saint Paul emphasized the importance of faith, and with it, good works are present. Saint James emphasized the importance of good works, and because of it, the faith is completed and perfected.
Here are some examples.
Both apostles used Abraham and Rahab but differ in approach and emphasis. They even quoted the same passage in the Genesis of Moses:
"And he believed the Lord; and he reckoned it to him as righteousness."
Genesis 15:6 (RSV)
Check this out:
"What then shall we say about Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
For what does the scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.
Now to one who works, his wages are not reckoned as a gift but as his due.
And to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness."
Romans 4:1-5 (RSV)
Let us take note that Saint Paul did not use the term "good works". He just used "works" to imply that if Abraham did things on his own, he has something to boast about. His emphasis is on "Abraham believed in God". In other translations -
"What does the scripture say? Abraham had faith in God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
Romans 4:3 (CEB)
"Abraham had faith in God" - which conforms with the very definition of the Greek word "pisteuĊ" (G4100) - to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing). This Greek word is in relation with "pistis" (G4102) which means faith.
Here's the approach of Saint James:
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar?
You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works,
And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness; and he was called the friend of God.
You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone."
James 2:21-24 (RSV)
While Saint Paul's emphasis is on faith, Saint James' is on good works. Saint James did not use the term "good works" because in context of his letter, he was not talking about other kinds of works.
One of the good works that Abraham did to complete his faith was offering his son Isaac upon the altar.
And just the same, Saint James accentuated on the good works of Rahab.
"And in the same way was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?"
James 2:25 (RSV)
By doing good works, Rahab's faith was completed. And she did it when she helped the messengers or spies of Joshua. On the other hand, Saint Paul stressed that Rahab did those things because of her faith.
"By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given friendly welcome to the spies."
Hebrews 11:31
Also, let us not be confused between "save" and "justify". A person is not saved if he is not justified. And a person is not justified if he is not saved. It might not be used interchangably, but it is synonymous to a person's deliverance.
"For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved."
Romans 10:10 (RSV)
Speaking of salvation, let us know what kind of God is the God written in the Bible.
"This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
I Timothy 2:3-4 (RSV)
God wants all people to be saved, regardless if the person is a believer or not - regardless if that person has faith or not.
"For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe."
I Timothy 4:10 (RSV)
Do we have proof that God can save and/or justify people without faith? Let us read:
"For when Gentiles that have not the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are the law unto themselves;
In that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness therewith, and their thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing them;"
Romans 2:14-15 (ASV)
Saint Paul put the Gentiles as an example. Gentiles have not heard any law so they will be judged according to their conscience and thoughts because there is law written in their hearts. This is also based on the writings of prophet Jeremiah which Saint Paul quoted on his epistle to the Hebrews:
"But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Jeremiah 31:33 (RSV)
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,"
Hebrews 10:16 (RSV)
We can also be sure that those Gentiles Saint Paul was talking about have no faith. Those Gentiles have not heard any laws whatsoever in their lives.
"So how can they call on someone they don’t have faith in? And how can they have faith in someone they haven’t heard of? And how can they hear without a preacher?"
Romans 10:14 (CEB)
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Romans 10:17 (KJV)
If faith comes from hearing the word of God, how can the Gentiles have faith in someone they haven’t heard of?
But they can still be saved and justified. Because if a person has not acquired faith yet, God can save him in other ways.
"For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified."
Romans 2:13 (RSV)
Even if you heard the law, but you did not obey, you will not be justified. But if you did not heard the law and you are doing the things of the law (written in your heart), you will be justified. This is also stated by Saint James and even Christ Himself.
"And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand;
And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it."
Matthew 7:26-27 (RSV)
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who observes his natural face in a mirror;"
James 1:22-23 (RSV)
If you have not acquired faith, you can be saved by your good works. But if you already heard the word of God, the good works are also needed to complete your faith.
Now, even if you have faith but don't have the opportunity to do good works, God is gracious to also save and justify you. One great example is the thief or criminal crucified beside Jesus. He believed and he was saved.
"And he said, Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
And he said to him, Truly, I say to you today, you will be with me in Paradise."
Luke 23:42-43 (RSV)
The thief believed but does not have any opportunity to do good works, yet Jesus saved him. God has the power to call the things that are not, as though they were.
"As it is written, A father of many nations have I made thee before him whom he believed, even God, who giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were."
Romans 4:17 (RSV)
Even if you were not able to finish what you did, because of unforeseen circumstances, God sees it as though you have completed it already. Just like what Abraham did to his son Isaac.
"By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son,
Of whom it was said, Through Isaac shall your descendants be named.
He considered that God was able to raise men even from the dead; hence, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back."
Hebrews 11:17-19
In reality, Abraham was not able to kill and offer Isaac. Here's the account written by Moses:
"When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, upon the wood.
Then Abraham put forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son.
But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham! And he said, Here am I.
He said, Do not lay your hand on the lad or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.
And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son."
Genesis 22:9-13 (RSV)
Abraham had a ram replace Isaac to be offered to God. And even though the offering of Isaac was not finished, and the offering was replaced, it was still recorded that Abraham had sacrificed his own son.
Let us not be deceived that if we acquired faith, we no longer need to do good works. The thief had no opportunity at that time so let us not make that as an excuse. Saint Paul tells us:
"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:9-10 (NKJV)
Let us remember, God has variety of ways to save and justify us. Let us not put salvation into a box, believe that we can only be saved through faith alone and make excuses of things written that is not applicable to us. God, by His grace, can save us both through faith and/or good works because they go hand in hand.
~ JPDSummers24 ~
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