The other day there was a dissertation between two men on faith and works. The people participating in the discussion were obviously well rehearsed in there lines and very articulate. However the whole discussion was obviously staged and poorly executed. That is to say that many things about the performance were at odds with its message. This is not a critique of the theatrical value of the performance; rather the problem was a denominational position being put forth as a theological truth.
The crux of the discussion was that faith in and of itself was not sufficient for salvation (this was not a catholic production, as there are other Christian sects that hold to this view also). This was based on the teachings found in the second chapter of the book of James. What was so seductive about this presentation was that the logic of the argument was flawless, and if one confined themselves to the verses in question, it would appear that the premises were also true. There is a term for this, "Taking scripture out of context". While a favorite tactic of not only those opposed to the gospel, it is also quite commonly used in the support of denominational dogma. James tells us that faith without works is dead. It is easy to see how some might construe this to mean that both faith and works are required for salvation. This is the problem with taking a single passage of scripture and applying an interpretation to it. And this is what tends to separate cults, sects and denominations from the true Church, which is the body of Christ. It is said that "Nature abhors a vacuum". It is also said that "we do not live in a vacuum". Likewise, scripture does not exist in a vacuum, but rather within the context of the chapter, verse, testament, and in fact the bible as a whole. To separate single passages and assign our own interpretations is not something that Christians should engage in, remember how scripture taken out of context was used in the fourth chapter of Matthew to tempt Jesus when he was fasting in the wilderness. So what is the correct interpretation of James, with regard to faith and works, when taken in context? That if one has true saving faith; then one will also have works. Saving faith will be visible through ones actions, and the way one lives their life. As Paul tells us in his letters (epistles), faith is all that is required. If we have faith, the works will come.
Last update : Saturday, 06 October 2007
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