1. How to please God
  2. Eternal Security
  3. Eternal Life Verses
  4. Is there a contradiction: James 2 and Romans 3?
  5. Paul: A Bibliography and Biography

Is there CONTRACTION?

JAMES 2:14-24 & Romans 3:28

James 2:24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

GAL 2:15-16 "We who are Jews by birth and not `Gentile sinners' know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.

The Council of Trent, the 19th ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church, was held at Trent in northern Italy between 1545 and 1563. It marked a major turning point in the efforts of the Catholic Church to respond to the challenge of the Protestant Reformation and formed a key part of the Counter-Reformation.

At one point in his confrontation with Rome, Martin Luther called the book of James "straw" meaning it was not scripture. Later, after further study, he changed his mind. Why did he think that and why did he change his mind?

Who wrote James?

Who was he writing to?

When did he write it?

Why did he write it?

What is its theme?

Who wrote Romans and Galatians?

Who was he writing to?

When did he write it?

Why did he write it?

What is its theme?

James’ Exhibit “A” is Abraham

James 2:21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?

GE 22:1 Some time later God tested Abraham . He said to him, " Abraham !" "Here I am," he replied.

GE 22:2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about …”

GE 22:9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, " Abraham ! Abraham !" "Here I am," he replied.

GE 22:12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son."

Paul’s Exhibit “A” is Abraham

RO 4:1-3 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about--but not before God. What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."

GE 15:1-6 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. " But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir." Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

KEY POINT: Justification is by faith alone but not by a faith that is alone.

KEY POINT: Justification is by Jesus Christ alone!


Back to top >
Copyright © 2024 Ken Willig. All Rights Reserved. Site by Cubis Media