Concluding our time in the book of James. (part 1)

This will no doubt be a two part posting, as there is much I wish to cover still from the book of James, but I do not want to beat a dead horse, so to speak, and chance loosing your interest. I recently left a link in a post to the teachings of Joyce Meyer, and if you have not yet explored that link, it is recommended. After viewing the video, my thoughts on religion in general changed a fair amount. I find it to be a blessing that I can both come to these forums and perhaps share a bit of wisdom with you all, and still be able to learn and to grow as the days roll on.

If you wish to read ahead of me we will be covering the remainder of chapter one, and touching largely on chapter 2. This part of James touches largely on the works of faith. One of the headings in my New King James Version actually states that “Faith Without Works is Dead”. When I first started these postings from the book of James, one who has guided me a great deal in my journey with the Lord brought to my attention the controversy surrounding this book. For those that perhaps skipped over his postings, and for those reading this on MySpace, who did not have the luxury of reading them, I will provide a brief summary for you. Forgive me Bishop Richard, if I do not capture all your lessons in this short summary.

In the early days of the church, and in the early days of the formation of what we now know as The Holy Bible, the book of James was questioned as being appropriate for inclusion to the New Testament. This was largely due to two reasons. The first being that it was not set in stone who James actually was, and if the true author could not be verified, it would be difficult to guarantee that the writing was actually inspired by the word of God.

The second reason I will touch on today is because the book of James speaks largely of the works necessary to prove your faith. This is a very Old Testament mind set, that you must follow certain laws, and perform certain rituals (for lack of a better term) in order to prove to God that you are worthy of His saving grace. Largely in the books of the Gospel, Jesus tells us that it is in our faith that we find salvation, not in our works. He does not however completely dismiss the laws. He in fact tells the Pharisees and scribes in Matthew 23:23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay the tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” I could continue in that chapter and give more examples of the laws that Jesus held as important, but what I want to point out is that Jesus does not tell us that simply having faith will bring us salvation. He states that faith and the law work together for that end. Why is this so?

What man on earth can say that he is either perfect in faith, or in the law? I am willing to say that if there were such a man that was perfect in either faith or law, he would not need the other, but let’s first look at perfect in faith.

I would presume that perfect faith means we would be able to leave our homes with no money, no food, and no change of clothes to follow our Lord. We would have absolutely no doubts at all in our hearts that we would be provided for, and we would therefore have no concern at all for our well being…our faith would be perfect. If you feel you are perfect of faith, then I challenge you to do just that now. Leave your computer, do not stop to grab a coat or warm shoes, or any food or money. Begin walking towards the way your heart leads until you find yourself in a place completely void of civilization. There in that place you shall live the rest of your years. Who among us can claim that level of faith? Not I.

Looking then at perfection in the law. Who among us can say they live an absolute Godly life? One who not only obeys the commandments given to Moses for us to follow, but also one who never judges another, never wishes for something his neighbor has, always bridles his tongue in times of trial. Who can say they are never brought to anger, and in anger they say something they will regret? Again I say, not I. There fore I concur with James, that faith without works is dead.

When I come to you again, I will dive into the works that James shares with us as being important. The works that show our faith. Until then, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled” James 2:16.

May God continue to bless all who welcome Him.