Their actions only demonstrated their faith. It was their faith that justified them. Take a look at Genesis 15:6.
Perry
From: "David Miller" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Reply-To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: [TruthTalk] It is written in Scripture, "by works a man is justified"
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 2003 10:41:36 -0400
David Miller wrote: > Do you think that there is a difference between the word > "justified" and "saved"? Would it be just as valid > to paraphrase James as writing, "by works a man is saved, > not by faith alone"?
Laura wrote: > Justified is a process. Salvation is one act. > I THINK. I am not good at this stuff but that > is how I understand it.
I have trouble following you on this one. It seems to me that you might just be parroting what you have been taught, and perhaps you are confusing "justification" with "sanctification" (even though I believe that the progressive sanctification doctrine also is false, even though everyone grows in grace and holiness, we should stop sinning immediately, and any progressive "sanctification" would be the same as applied to Jesus Christ).
Just look at the example that James uses when discussing this matter.
"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." (Jam 2:21-26)
The example of Abraham being justified concerns a specific action by Abraham, when he had offered Isaac upon the altar. Likewise, the justification of Rahab was not a process, but a specific action, when she received the messengers and sent them out another way. It seems to me that both Abraham and Rahab had immediate right standing before God, by their works which emanated from faith. James ties their works to faith by pointing out how the Scripture says it was Abraham's faith which was imputed unto him for righteousness. The point James is making is that faith has works which follow, and that works perfect faith (see James 2:22 above, "by works faith was made perfect").
If you would, please consider what I said above and tell me if you can see that justification is not a process, but an immediate right standing before God. Then we can perhaps talk more about the difference between "works of faith" and "works of the law." Then we will see that "works of faith" are indeed involved in salvation, contrary to the perverted gospel of many Christians who embrace the popular Christians-will-sin gospel or the Christians-aren't-perfect-just-forgiven gospel.
I think it is proper to paraphrase James as saying, "by works a man is saved, not by faith alone." Does anybody on this list have a problem with this paraphrase? Does anybody on TruthTalk disagree with the statement of James, that a man is saved by works and not by faith alone?
Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida.
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"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org
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---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org
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