This weekend our series on James continues by looking at what seems to be a contradiction regarding grace and works found in the writings of James and Paul. James writes in his letter that "... faith itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (2:17) Paul writes that "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may 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) So which is it? Do James and Paul contradict one another?
At this point, I should write: well, come and find out! See you this weekend... While I won't quite do that, I do urge you to come this weekend and dive deeper into this issue. All followers of Jesus need to understand the fullness of this issue because it makes a big difference in how we approach our faith and the world. But until then, let me give you a deeper glimpse into this issue.
Paul and James do not contradict each other, they compliment each other. Faith without works is a dead faith, yet our works do not save us. Works are fruits of faith. They are the natural result of the life of a person who has faith. Paul urges us to see grace as a free gift that helps us know that we are followers of Jesus. James, on the other hand, argues that works helps to show us that we are followers of Jesus.
There is much more to this that will be unpacked this weekend. It's summer time and a lot of activities tempt us to miss church more often than usual. I encourage you to be here as we celebrate the end of a hugely successful VBS, celebrate our fathers, learn more about the depth of our faith, and experience an amazing God in our worship. Come and see.
At this point, I should write: well, come and find out! See you this weekend... While I won't quite do that, I do urge you to come this weekend and dive deeper into this issue. All followers of Jesus need to understand the fullness of this issue because it makes a big difference in how we approach our faith and the world. But until then, let me give you a deeper glimpse into this issue.
Paul and James do not contradict each other, they compliment each other. Faith without works is a dead faith, yet our works do not save us. Works are fruits of faith. They are the natural result of the life of a person who has faith. Paul urges us to see grace as a free gift that helps us know that we are followers of Jesus. James, on the other hand, argues that works helps to show us that we are followers of Jesus.
There is much more to this that will be unpacked this weekend. It's summer time and a lot of activities tempt us to miss church more often than usual. I encourage you to be here as we celebrate the end of a hugely successful VBS, celebrate our fathers, learn more about the depth of our faith, and experience an amazing God in our worship. Come and see.
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