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Faith vs. Works in James: Resolving the Problem

Introduction

The epistle of James has created much confusion in Christendom throughout Church history. The primary source of confusion has been James’ view of faith and works. Luther, for example, in his Preface to the New Testament, wrote:

Therefore St. James’ Epistle is really an epistle of straw, compared to them; for it has nothing of the nature of the Gospel about it. But more of this in other prefaces.

He elaborated in his Preface to the Epistles of St. James and St. Jude that he did not consider it the work of an apostle. Luther explained his reasons:

First: Flatly against St. Paul and all the rest of Scripture, it ascribes righteousness to works, and says that Abraham was justified by his works, in that he offered his son Isaac, though St. Paul, on the contrary, teaches, in Romans 4:2, that Abraham was justified without works, by faith alone, before he offered his son, and proves it by Moses in Genesis 15:6. …

Second: Its purpose is to teach Christians, and in all this long teaching it does not once mention the Passion, the Resurrection, or the Spirit of Christ. He names Christ several times, but he teaches nothing about Him, and only speaks of common faith in God. …

But this James does nothing more than drive to the law and its works; and he mixes the two up in such disorderly fashion that it seems to me he must have been some good, pious man, who took some sayings of the apostles’ disciples and threw them thus on paper; or perhaps they were written down by someone else from his preaching. He calls the law a “law of liberty,” though St. Paul calls it a law of slavery, (of wrath, of death and of sin, Galatians 3:23; Romans 7:11).

Luther’s understanding of James was mostly correct. James does contradict Paul’s doctrine of sola fide. But Luther was wrong that the letter was an “epistle of straw.” James is the Word of God, a valid, canonical book. The reason for Luther’s negative view of James was because he did not understand why James wrote what he wrote. This study will reveal why James wrote what he did and resolve the problem of faith and works.

Who Was James?

The author of James was James the Just, a half-brother of Jesus (Galatians 1.19), not the Apostle James, the son of Zebedee, who was one of the twelve apostles. The Apostle James had been martyred in 44 A.D. by Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great (Acts 12.1-2). Perhaps, following his death, James replaced the Apostle and assumed his place of prominence. In any case, James was not one of the original Twelve and was, therefore, a second-order apostle. By the time of Acts 15, however, he had superseded Peter at Jerusalem for it was he, not Peter, who was in charge of the Council of Jerusalem in 51 A.D. At that Council, the Jerusalem apostles met with Paul to address the problem of Gentile salvation under Paul’s ministry.

Like the Twelve, James was a Jew, who had been saved by believing the “gospel of the kingdom” (Matthew 4.23, 9.35) that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God (Matthew 16.15-17; John 11.27). James had not believed in Christ while Jesus was alive (John 7.2-5). He came to salvation after the Lord’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15.7).

Dating James

Based on internal evidence, James was written early, probably around 45-50 A.D., and is the earliest of the New Testament letters. It is certain James was written before 51 A.D. for his letter indicates no understanding of Paul’s gospel or Paul’s other doctrines. This fact is confirmed by Luke’s account of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).

James Wrote To Jews

Despite what most of Christendom believes and teaches, the Twelve never had a ministry to Gentiles. They ministered to Jews only. At the end of the Jerusalem Council, the participants formally agreed to continue to abide by this state of affairs: the Jerusalem Jews and those under their leadership would minister to Jews and Paul would minister to Gentiles (Galatians 2.7-9). This truth is revealed by the introductory address of James’ letter:

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings (James 1.1).

A couple of things are noteworthy from James’ statement. The first is that James wrote to Jews, not Gentiles. The second is that all twelve tribes were addressed, therefore, known. Peter, on the day of Pentecost, addressed all Israel, not one or two tribes (Acts 2.36). Peter, like James, wrote to Jews, not Gentiles (1 Peter 1.1). God prophetically promised all twelve tribes will remain forever (Ezekiel 37.15-23). None of the twelve tribes have been “lost.” They were known in the first century and will be known in the future (Revelation 7.4-8). These verses should dispel any “lost ten tribes” nonsense that makes it way around the theological circuit from time to time. Members of the twelve tribes to whom James wrote were dispersed (διασπορά) due to attacks from Gentile powers. Some went abroad as a result of the Assyrian (circa 740 B.C.) and Babylonian (circa 600 B.C.) captivities. Many whom James (and Peter) wrote were Jews forced to flee Israel due to persecution (cf. Acts 8.1). Jews still resided in Babylon and Peter wrote sent greetings from some special woman who lived there (1 Peter 5.13).

James on Faith and Works

The great mistake most make on the matter of faith and works is to try and reconcile James’ statements with Paul’s. Consider the below statements, the first by Paul, and the second by James.

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the Law (Romans 3.28).

You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone (James 2.24).

These two statements are opposed. Reconciling or harmonizing them cannot be done without considerable twisting of the Scriptures. That is the approach found in most commentaries, articles, and sermons. For most religious professionals, theology is dearer than Scripture, and they refuse to allow the text to stand as written. These two statements cannot be reconciled. But both are true. How is this possible?

Salvation in the Old Testament

No clear statement or definition of the gospel or of salvation exists in the Old Testament. Compared to Paul’s straightforward statements about salvation, salvation in the Old Testament is murky. What is revealed in the Old Testament is that salvation involved faith and works. The letter to the Hebrews emphasizes the faith of Old Testament saints (Hebrews 11). Thus, Old Testament believers were saved by faith. But works were also involved in salvation. Salvation by faith alone (sola fide) was unknown to the Jews.

Salvation and the Levitical Sacrifices

Hebrews reveals that the Old Testament Levitical sacrifices were typical and temporary. Animal sacrifices provided a temporary propitiation (satisfaction) (כָּפַר) of sin and were pictures or shadows, as it were, of the future, effective sacrifice for sin by the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10.4). For Israel, animal sacrifices “covered” or “covered up” sin. For us, looking back, they reveal how God was laying the groundwork of a greater reality than animal sacrifices. This was the shed blood of the Messiah Himself to remove sin.

The Jews of the Old Testament had no idea the animal sacrifices they offered pointed to the greater reality of the death of the Messiah who would solve the problem of sin and death. For them, the animal sacrifices were the reality. What they knew was God had commanded them to perform them and that the sacrifices involved the shedding of blood to deal with sin. Leviticus contains the following instructions regarding the burnt offering:

1 Then the Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When any man of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of animals from the herd or the flock. 3 If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer it, a male without defect; he shall offer it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord (Leviticus 1.1-3).

When a Jew sinned, he was to bring an unblemished animal to the priest for a sacrifice to make himself right with God. The text gives the process:

4 He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, that it may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf. 5 He shall slay the young bull before the Lord; and Aaron’s sons the priests shall offer up the blood and sprinkle the blood around on the altar that is at the doorway of the tent of meeting. 6 He shall then skin the burnt offering and cut it into its pieces (Leviticus 1.4-6).

The sinner would place his hand upon the animal’s head to indicate his identification with the animal and kill it. The priest would take the blood and sprinkle it on the brazen altar. The animal was then skinned and cut up. The rest of the passage, vv. 7-14, describes the specifics of the burning of the animal, washing its legs and entrails, and sprinkling its blood on the altar. This process spoke of the removal, i.e., “covering” of sin and cleansing.

The Mosaic Law required animal sacrifices for sin. Bringing an animal to a priest was a work. But effective covering of sin for the sinner required faith. From the divine perspective, the sacrifice was effective for it fulfilled the Law, and therefore, God’s justice. But for the individual, it was effective if he believed it.1 So, forgiveness required a work (bringing an animal sacrifice) and faith (believing the sacrifice covered the sin).

Salvation in the Gospels

Consider the following account in the Gospel of Mark (cf. Matthew 19.16-26; Luke 18.18-30):

As He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and asked Him, Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? (Mark 10.17)

The man’s question was straightforward: “How do I obtain eternal life?” What was the Lord’s answer? Did He tell the man to believe He would die for his sins and rise from the dead? The next verses declare:

18 And Jesus said to him, Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments, Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother (Mark 10.18-19).

The man responded:

And he said to Him, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up” (Mark 10.20).

The conversation concluded in the following manner:

21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. 22 But at these words he was saddened, and he went away grieving, for he was one who owned much property. 23 And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, “How hard it will be for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! 24 The disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. 26 They were even more astonished and said to Him, Then who can be saved? 27 Looking at them, Jesus said, With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.

Jesus’ response to the man was that to acquire eternal life required keeping the commandments (Matthew 19.17). In other words, works. When the man responded he had kept the commandments, Jesus told him to do another work: sell his possessions and give them to the poor. Did Jesus teach salvation by works? Indeed He did.

Consider the following well-known passage:

After this manner therefore pray: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be your name. 10  Your kingdom come, Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if your forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matthew 6.9-15).

Jesus told His disciples that unless they forgave others, God would not forgive them. Forgiveness is a work. Consider how different Paul wrote about the matter of forgiving others:

And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you (Ephesians 4.32).

See the difference? According to Jesus, according to God’s program to Israel under the gospel of the kingdom, God’s forgiveness depended one one forgiving another. But under God’s program to the Church, the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20.24) believers are to forgive because God has forgiven them. The difference is between night and day. Again, works were required for salvation.

Now, consider the following passage:

17 One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing. 18 And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him. 19 But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith, He said, Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? 22 But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, Your sins have been forgiven you, or to say, Get up and walk? 24 But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,—He said to the paralytic—I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home (Luke 5.17-24).

Jesus saw the faith of the men and declared He forgave the man’s sins. Did Jesus teach salvation by faith? Indeed He did.

What are we to make of these passages? Did Jesus teach contradictory things? Was Jesus playing games? The obvious, unequivocal answer is that in the Jewish economy, faith and works were required for salvation.

The Gospel of the Kingdom

John the Baptist came as the herald of the King and proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 3.1-2). Jesus continued John’s joyous announcement (Matthew 4.17, 9.35) of the kingdom of God. Water baptism was intrinsic to that salvation message. Water baptism is a work. During Jesus’ earthly ministry and in the preaching of the Twelve water baptism was required for salvation. How do we know this? We know it because that is what the text states. Consider the following verses:

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1.4).

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned (Mark 16.15-16).

4 Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he? 5 Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3.4-5).

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2.36-38).

12 A certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing near said to me, Brother Saul, receive your sight! And at that very time I looked up at him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear an utterance from His mouth. 15 For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name (Acts 22.12-16).

These passages should convince even the recalcitrant that under the gospel of the kingdom water baptism was required for salvation. Here again, the Scriptures teach works were required for salvation.

The Nature of Faith During the Ministry of Jesus

As seen above, both faith and works were necessary for salvation. What was the nature of this faith? Faith during this period was believing who Jesus was. Consider the following passages:

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, Who do people say that the Son of Man is? 14 And they said, Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. 15 He said to them, But who do you say that I am? 16 Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven (Matthew 16.13-17).

Peter believed in the identity of Christ–that He was the Messiah, the Son of God. That was his salvation.

23 Jesus said to her, Your brother will rise again. 24 Martha said to Him, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day. 25 Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this? 27 She said to Him, Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world (John 11.23-27).

Martha believed in the identity of Christ: He was the Messiah, the Son of God. That was her faith for salvation.

Consider the testimony of Nathaniel:

45 Philip found Nathanael, and said unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip  said unto him, Come and see. 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! 48 Nathanael said unto him, How do you know me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. 49 Nathanael answered and said unto him, Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel. 50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto you, I saw you under the fig tree, you believe? You shall see greater things than these. 51 And he said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

Nathaniel believed in the identity of Christ–He was the Son of God, the King of Israel.

3 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do” (Acts 9.3-6).

Saul believed in the identity of Christ–that He was the Messiah, the Son of God. That was his salvation. What did Saul preach immediately following his salvation? He preached the identity of Christ:

19 Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God” (Acts 9.19-20).

This truth is confirmed in the following passages: John 3.18; Acts 2.21, 38, 3.6, 16, 4.7, 10, 12, 17, 18, 30, 5.28, 40-41, 8.12, 16, 9.14-15, 21, 27, 10.43, 48, 19.5, 22.16, 26.9.

Faith and Works and the Jerusalem Council

While the gospel of the kingdom focused upon the identity of Christ, the Lord gave Paul a new message of salvation. The focus of Paul’s gospel was not upon the identity of Christ but upon the work of Christ–that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). Paul received his gospel directly from the Lord (Galatians 1.11-12). Paul’s gospel was known as the “gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20.24). It was different from the “gospel of the kingdom.” It was a “secret” (μυστήριον) the ascended, heavenly Lord revealed to Paul (Romans 2.16, 16.25; 1 Corinthians 9.17; 1 Timothy 1.11). Paul’s gospel was faith + 0. No works are involved in Paul’s gospel. No keeping of the Mosaic Law is involved in Paul’s gospel. No water baptism is required in Paul’s gospel. No circumcision is involved. No works are involved. One need only believe Christ died for one’s sins and rose from the dead. It is pure grace.

Paul’s gospel did not sit well with the leaders of the Jerusalem church. Why should it? They knew nothing of it. God had not revealed it to them. It was contrary to what had been practiced for 1,500 years. God had not told them to stop practicing the Mosaic Law. They had received their gospel, the gospel of the kingdom, from the Lord during His earthly ministry. Paul, however, received his gospel directly from the Lord in His heavenly ministry. Paul’s gospel was different. It did not fit with what the Twelve knew of God’s Old Testament program revealed to Abraham, Moses, and the prophets.

Just how different Paul’s gospel was from the gospel the Twelve knew is revealed in Luke’s record of the Council of Jerusalem in 51 A.D. Luke wrote:

1 Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue. 3 Therefore, being sent on their way by the church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and were bringing great joy to all the brethren. 4 When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses” (Acts 15.1-5).

Members of the Jerusalem assembly were going to Paul’s Gentile converts and teaching them that what Paul taught was insufficient for salvation. They told Paul’s converts they were not saved. They taught that to be saved one not only had to believe, but be circumcised, and keep the Mosaic Law (Acts 15.1, 5). They taught salvation required faith and works. This message was totally different from what Paul had taught them. As a result, it created great confusion and consternation (Acts 15.2).

Paul wrote that he went up to Jerusalem by revelation (ἀποκάλυψις, Galatians 2.2). This meant that Paul’s going to Jerusalem was not because he or they thought a conference was needed (though they might have). Rather, the risen Lord gave Paul a direct order to go (cf. 1 Corinthians 14.6, 2 Corinthians 12.1, 7; Galatians 1.12, 2.2; Ephesians 3.3). When he arrived, he presented (ἀνατίθημι) his gospel to the leadership, i.e., James, Peter, and John (Galatians 2.2, 9). This is an interesting piece of information. Many erroneously teach Peter proclaimed the same gospel as Paul and that the gospel has been the same throughout God’s program.2 If so, why did Paul communicate his gospel to them? Would they not have known it? The reason a controversy existed was because Paul proclaimed a different gospel from that of the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem. This was confirmed by Paul’s statement of Galatians 2.7 concerning the “gospel of the circumcision” (Peter) and the “gospel of the uncircumcision” (Paul). Thus, Paul wrote:

But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles), and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

Peter and the Eleven learned the gospel they proclaimed from the Lord in His earthly ministry. That ministry was confined to Jews and focused upon the prophetic promise of the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth (Matthew 6.10; Romans 15.8). Paul learned his gospel from the Lord in his heavenly ministry (Galatians 1.12). Both Peter and Paul received their gospels directly from the Lord. Both were valid. But that was about to change. After much arguing, in which Peter remained silent, Peter finally spoke. He sided with Paul. Luke recorded in Acts 15.7-11:

7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; 9 and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.”

Peter’s declaration ended the two gospel administration.3 From this point forward, the gospel of the kingdom was no longer valid. From now on, it was Paul’s gospel or nothing (Acts 15.11). One could be saved only through Paul’s gospel. Because of this decision, Paul wrote these strong words to the Galatians:

6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

Faith and Works in James

James wrote his epistle before Acts 15. He knew only the Old Testament prophetic program, the gospel of the kingdom, and the Mosaic Law. He knew nothing of Paul’s “secrets” (μυστήριον), or the gospel of grace.4 The theme or purpose of James’ letter was to encourage Jews to endure trials with faith and wisdom which would result in joy (James 1.2–5). James  wrote,

But someone may well say, You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works (James 2.18).

This followed what had been taught throughout the entire Old Testament and the Gospels. It was consistent with the Lord’s earthly ministry. No one had told him or any of the Twelve that the Mosaic Law was over. No one had told him to stop proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and to believe Jesus was the Messiah. No one had told him a person only needed to believe Christ died for his sins and had risen from the dead to be saved. Such good news was unknown to the Twelve and the leaders of the Jerusalem assembly. It was not until the Council of Jerusalem that this matter came to a head and was resolved by Peter’s siding with Paul. Luther was right. We do not find Paul’s doctrines of grace, faith, absence of the Mosaic Law, the resurrection, the believer’s identity with Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit, etc. in James. Why not? Because James knew nothing of these doctrines. These were doctrines the ascended, glorified Lord gave to Paul. Only after Paul began to teach these things did the Twelve have any understanding of these doctrines. They were Pauline revelations, given to Paul by the ascended, glorified Lord.

James reads like an Old Testament book because that is what it is. When James wrote his letter he was still operating under the Mosaic Law. Even following the Council of Jerusalem, he could not fully comprehend the implications of that decision. How do we know this? Luke wrote:

17 After we arrived in Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 And the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law (Acts 21.17-20).

James greeted Paul and rejoiced with him about the salvation of the Gentiles. But James’ primary joy was centered upon the salvation of Jews and that they were zealous for the Law! He still didn’t get it! God had spent 1,500 years pounding in the Law. Now, He couldn’t get it out of them!

The Mosaic Law was a hard pull. Even after Peter made his pronouncement at the Council he dissimulated so that Paul upbraided him at Antioch:

11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. 13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews (Galatians 2.11-14)?

Peter repented of this failure. But even at the end of his life, he found Paul’s doctrines difficult to comprehend. They were hard to understand because he was still steeped in the Mosaic Law. But one thing he knew: Paul was right. Peter’s last written words were the following;

14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, 15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction (2 Peter 3.14-16).

Peter recognized God had given revelations to Paul that He had not revealed to the Twelve. He recognized believers were to go to Paul for their doctrine, that what Paul had written was Scripture, on par with Moses and the prophets. To reject Paul was to warrant God’s condemnation for only in Paul’s letters do we have doctrine for the Church, the body of Christ. To reject Paul’s letters is to reject the revelation the Lord Jesus Christ gave to Paul when He commissioned him as the apostle of the Gentiles (Romans 11.13), the founder of the Church, the body of Christ.

Conclusion

Salvation in the Old Testament involved faith and works. James wrote from this perspective. The ascended, glorified Lord revealed to Paul a gospel He had kept hidden, that required faith alone for salvation. Both James and Paul were correct. But each must be understood in its proper context and timeframe.

James does not contradict Paul. When James wrote, faith and works were required for salvation. Acts is a transitional book and Luke wrote Acts primarily to explain to Jews why the kingdom of God did not come to Israel and why God saved Paul to be the apostle of the Gentiles. For a time, both programs, Israel and the Church, and both gospels, the gospel of the kingdom and the gospel of the grace of God were valid. At the conclusion of the Council of Jerusalem, only one gospel remained: Paul’s gospel. When the Church, the body of Christ, is complete, what Paul described as “the fullness of the Gentiles” (Romans 11.25), God will restart the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 24.14). From this period until the Lord returns, the focus of the gospel and the substance of faith will return to the identity of Christ. That is the story of the book of Revelation: who is the true Messiah?5

1 Hebrews expressed this thought thus: “For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united [συγκεράννυμι] by faith in those who heard” (Hebrews 4.2). Christ’s sacrifice paid for everyone’s sin. But His work is not effective for the individual until he takes it by faith. Faith is the means by which the sinner appropriates Christ’s work on his behalf to himself. Christ’s death on the cross satisfied God’s justice.This is the doctrine of unlimited atonement. Christ paid for the sins of every person, satisfying the justice of God, but His death is effective only for those who will believe.
2 Such teaching is without Scriptural support.
3 Peter’s stunning declaration can hardly be overemphasized.  Peter’s statement declared Jews were now going to have to be saved like Paul’s Gentiles. This was unheard of and overturned 1,500 years of theology. See the author’s article, The Great Hinge, for an exposition of this passage.
4 See the author’s study on Paul’s “secrets” for a fuller treatment of this subject.
5 See the author’s study on Revelation for this discussion.

©2014 Don Samdahl. Anyone is free to reproduce this material and distribute it, but it may not be sold.

Updated, 10 January 2016

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193 thoughts on “Faith vs. Works in James: Resolving the Problem

  1. GraceReceiver

    Great article, as usual.

    I was wondering, though, which of us is mistaken regarding the bringing of the Levitical sacrifices as per Leviticus 1:3-5? As I read it, I see that it is the sinner that kills the sacrifice at the door, and then the priests begin their functions after that.

        1. doctrine Post author

          Phantom,
          We have to understand this passage in light of Paul’s purpose. He was on trial and trying to save his life. What he told Agrippa, who knew the Scriptures, was that he spoke to the Jew the things the prophets had revealed. As a Pharisee, he emphasized Christ’s resurrection and that He would be the light to the Gentiles (verse 23).

  2. AJ

    In the section”The Gospel of the Kingdom”. Isn’t your example with Nicodemus concerning water baptism not in line with your point? My understanding of that passage was that one must be born of water referring to what Jesus was talking about earlier natural birth and being born of the Spirit. Will you clarify, please?

    1. doctrine Post author

      AJ,
      The passage is debatable. Some argue Jesus’ words refer to physical birth. But in light of other Scriptures, they could refer to water baptism. What is not debatable is that water baptism was necessary for salvation under the gospel of the kingdom.

      1. douglas graham

        Reference John 3:5 “a man must be born of the water and the spirit”!
        Does this refer to Titus 3:5, “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost”?

        1. doctrine Post author

          Douglas,
          No, I think it refers to the necessity of water baptism for salvation according to the gospel of the kingdom (Mark 1.4, 16.16; Acts 22.16).

  3. Derrick

    Hi Don, while reading tonight, 1 Timothy 6:17-19 stood out to me because of Paul’s mention of “good works”: “17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.”

    I’m not certain how to interpret the mention in this passage. Thoughts?

    1. doctrine Post author

      Derrick,
      Paul’s point was to instruct those with material wealth to be wise in its use. God had blessed them and Paul exhorted them to use their wealth for things that would yield eternal reward (cf. 1 Corinthians 3.11-15).

      1. Derrick

        Great thanks for the confirmation, brother. The mention of storing up for the future (in the latter part of the passage) helps put the message in proper context and avoids confusion.

        As I progress with this new way of seeing Scripture (the prophetic dispensation and the Gospel of grace .. the mystery), I believe the Lord is opening my eyes to see why there is so much “confusion” and “bible contradiction” (unnecessarily) … and the inevitable traditions/denominations as a result. On one hand, it’s immensely exhilarating to have your eyes opened to the Word and on the other, sad because so many don’t see what seems so clear.

    2. Sean

      Faith plus 0 or faith plus works is always debated in theology.

      Paul teaches in Roman Ch 8: 30 that salvation process follows 4 consecutive steps: Predesination-Calling-Justification-Glorification (30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.). He repeats in Corinthians Ch 2: 7 that glorification is what God intend us ultimately to be even before time began (7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.). Obviously justification does not necessarily lead to glorification while it is glorification that results in eternal life but not justification. In Paul’s teaching, for one to be justified or so-called “saved” he does not need to do any work but solely put his faith in Christ. Justification is sole grace from God (Ephesians Ch2: 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.)

      Glorification or a status of being finally saved, one the other hand, do need one’s good deeds or works done after his justification attained earlier in the salvation cascade. Eternal life is only given to those he glorified (Romans Ch2:6-7, 6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.)

      Justification only need faith but not works while glorification or eternal life does need faith plus works. This is why an once-justified believer has a possibility of failure in his salvation as taught in Hebrew Ch 6:4-6. One of such examples is King Saul who was chosen by God initially but later chose not to follow God. (4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen[a] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.)

      1. doctrine Post author

        Sean,
        The debate comes one of two reasons: 1)From unbelievers or 2) From believers who do not understand Paul. Paul only taught salvation by faith alone—“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law” (Romans 3.28). What is known as glorification is the final phase of salvation of believers—resurrection—the redemption of our body (Romans 8.23). Paul wrote in Romans 7, “who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” As long as the believer has his mortal body he will be subject to sin’s power. At the resurrection (Rapture) members of the body of Christ will receive a new body incapable of sin. That is glorification. Paul wrote “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ“ (Philippians 1.6). What God begins, he completes. Hebrews 6.4-6 has nothing to do with salvation of members of the Church, the body of Christ. It has to do with Israel’s acceptance of Jesus the Messiah.

  4. Joe

    Was the complete salvation of old testament believers put on hold (so to speak) until Christ’s blood was shed? The animal blood ‘covered’ sin but Christ’s blood forgave sin. Is this why OT believers did not go directly to Heaven at their death? OT believers went to Paradise. Christ took captivity captive. Is this when the OT believers finally got to go to Heaven to wait for their Kingdom to be established on earth? If so, do you believe OT believers and Raptured Saints will be together for a while in Heaven during the Tribulation on earth? Please correct any misunderstandings I have.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Joe,
      I think that’s the way it works. But there is a difference. At the Rapture we will receive resurrection bodies. The OT believers will not. See my article, The Resurrection. I have no idea how that affects interaction among Church and OT believers.

        1. doctrine Post author

          Suzanne,
          I wrote that OT believers do not receive resurrection bodies at the Rapture. They are resurrected later, to go into the kingdom. See my article on Resurrection.

  5. Carole

    I have difficulty imagining timing of things. To us timing is important and we cannot think outside of time. However, with God there is no time. Therefore, I imagine that all things are one in time at death…immediate judgment, heaven or hell, meeting raptured saints and OT believers, new heaven, new earth, all at once. It helps a lot to imagine this way when one just can’t wait for a resurrection body. LOL. Am I too far out?

    1. doctrine Post author

      Carole,
      The universe is a mysterious place. The greatest minds do not understand the nature of reality. According to quantum mechanics, the universe is so strange that it defies reason. We cannot really imagine a timeless world since we operate in time and time is a part of physical space. Obviously, some seriality exists in the events you mention but in a timeless environment they are “now.” I touch on this a bit in my article, Predestination. To get an idea of how weird things are, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbqB0–Td28.

      1. Carole

        Thanks for that. I enjoyed watching it, the parts I could relate to. I think I will consider today’s liberals as holograms. LOL. Some find it tough to be in reality…but when they understand reality with mathematics they will understand the “big bang”. I have to laugh at how little we scientifically know and understand about life and the universe. It is so easy to believe in our Creator and to know we are saved by Him from His Word and Spirit, which is so miraculously supplied to us. How difficult it must be to be an atheist or agnostic!

        1. Joe

          It’s philosophical. Is math an invention or a discovery? The BBC program touched on this question and said maybe the universe exists inside math. Again, this same question is not new. Aristotle then Aquinas and now Feser touch on this in their presentations of “Universals”. There is definitely something ‘out there’. This program suggests that walking through a closed door is mathematically possible. I would suggest walking through a closed door is no big deal if you transcend the bounds of this universe.

  6. Dan B

    Dear Brother, thank you for your work in the Lord and faithful teaching of His Word. I have accepted the distinctive ministry of Paul for many years and followed the teachings of O’Hare, Stam and others. But I have never received a satisfying answer to whether the twelve and their followers where “members of the Body of Christ”.

    I agree that the Bride is redeemed Israel and not the same as the Body. And it seems clear that different destinies are proscribed for different believers. Peter and the eleven other Apostles will sit on twelve thrones judging the nation of Israel and Israel with be priests to the Gentile nations during the millennium.

    I also seems clear that Paul teaches the we, the body of Christ are blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places and seated in Christ at the right hand of God. And that after the rapture we will be with Him forever.

    How should we consider believers saved under the ministry and dispensation of the kingdom gospel relative to Paul’s teaching regarding the body? Are we members of the same body with different functions in God’s redemption of the heaven’s and the earth or is there a very distinct set of believers that have a particular role in God’s plan of redemption, maybe more related to the heaven’s.

    Thanks for your time to consider this!

    1. doctrine Post author

      Dan,
      The 12 were never part of the body of Christ. Believers saved under the kingdom program stayed in that program. The gospel of the kingdom ended at the Jerusalem Council, however (see The Great Hinge) and Peter later wrote the Jews to look to Paul for doctrine (2 Peter 3.15-16).

  7. GraceReceiver

    Don,
    I was wondering if you could take the time to read this article by a mid-Acts man:
    http://gracebiblestudy.net/AdvancedSeriesDoc/NameTags.htm

    In it is what I find to be the answer to Dan B’s question. I wouldn’t expect you to post a link to an article that you disagree with, of course, so I don’t want you to post my comment.

    If you can take the time to read this article but find that you disagree with this it, can you please email me and tell me why you disagree? I can’t find any fault with it; on the contrary, it answers some of the questions in my mind that have been nagging at me.

    1. doctrine Post author

      GraceReceiver,
      The meaning of 1 Corinthians 12.27 is that each believer in the Church, the body of Christ, is an individual member. The author makes the verse mean something it does not and confuses the kingdom program with that of the Church. He does not understand Paul’s teaching about the Church. There was no Church before Paul.

      1. Jess

        Hi Don! Enjoying your site! I have to respectfully disagree with your review of the article. The author by no means confuses the two programs set in place. On the contrary, he acknowledges and accepts and briefly explains each by the end of the article. Paul himself acknowledges the existence of a church before him. It obviously wasn’t the one new man, but a church in Christ did exist beforehand even though this doesn’t fit neatly into much of “right division.”

        1. doctrine Post author

          Jess,
          Disagreement is fine if Biblically based. The gospels teach works were required for salvation. This is what Peter preached at Pentecost. This is what was declared at the Council of Jerusalem. James was written before the Council. After that, salvation by faith alone was alone valid.

          1. John

            No it doesn’t teach works. Christ was in the peculiar position of being under the Old Testament and also having to introduce the New Covenant. In your example of the Rich Man, Jesus was still hiding who he was from many…he even speaks as if he’s only a man, ” why do you call me good, only God is good?”

            He then starts with a list that would never end until the man walked away. It’s like..wash my boots, now my feet, comb my hair…until the person gets it—No One Is Good. He is in no way requiring works for the New Covenant…he is reciting the covenant that He and the Rich Man were under.
            The work of God is believing who he sent. Baptism is Not a work. It seems you’re just trying to be controversial, new, novel and the like. Although I appreciate someone who can at least see James was Christianity in diapers n not try and reconcile it as saying the same thing…. you’re going too far which is the plague of all us Christians.

            James did allow or perhaps teach that Jews should continue observing at least some part of the law–which of course is a compromise to the true Gospel but perhaps necessary to win over at least some Jews to Christ but never was works taught by the risen Christ as part of the gospel. That is no Gospel at all but precisely what every religion on earth has taught. The scandal of Christ is that this religion required no works..none. The heart of Stone replaced by the heart of flesh via the Spirit guarantees works will flow out of the believer. Requiring them is completely and utterly moot.

            1. doctrine Post author

              John,
              Anything man does is a work. Baptism is something man does. So is forgiving another. So is keeping the Law. So is circumcision. Faith is not a work. It is depending upon the work of another–of Christ. Before Paul, salvation by faith alone was not known. If it had been, there would have been no controversy with Paul and no need for the Jerusalem Council. Paul explained in Romans 3 and 4 that the deeds of the Law were works. Please read Acts 15.1, 5. These Jews were believers. They had been saved under the gospel of the kingdom. They understood salvation under the Law and under the gospel of the kingdom required works. This was wholly different from Paul’s gospel of grace in which one is saved by faith alone.

        2. John

          Jess, the word, ‘Church’ Paul referred to was NOT the Body of Christ, it was a ‘gathering’ of followers of ‘The Way’ (people following Jesus) believing He was the Messiah. Paul persecuted ‘the Church’ (converts to Christ – the Way). People in these Churches came to beleive in the ‘identity’ of Christ – to be the Messiah’ but NOT in Jesus’ ‘work’ (His death for sin). Paul was converted and was given the ministry of ‘the Gospel of Grace’. From that time on -the Church meant ‘The Body of Christ’

          1. doctrine Post author

            John/Jess,
            The word ἐκκλησία means a group of people. Context determines its particular meaning. In Acts 19 it meant mob, court, crowd. In the gospels and early Acts it referred to Jews who believed the gospel of the kingdom. When Paul used the term, he meant the body of Christ.

  8. Kerri

    I am so thankful for finding your site! I have a question that is regarding Matthew 25 – The Parable of the Talents. I believe we are saved by faith apart from works; yet in this parable the man who does not put his talent to work is cast into the darkness. Sometimes I read the Bible and am sure I am saved but then I read a passage like the parable above and feel uncertain. Can you help me in my understanding? I appreciate all the time you give to answering questions put to you on this site.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Kerri,
      Thank you. Jesus addressed Jews and the parables primarily deal with the kingdom of heaven. The context of this parable is the Tribulation, the coming kingdom, and the Lord’s return. The theme is faithfulness, particularly in the Tribulation. Confusion comes when we fail to consider the context of a passage: ask to whom was it addressed or written, when, the circumstances, etc. The doctrine of salvation by faith alone, believing Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose from the dead was unknown until Paul (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). Paul stated he received this gospel directly from the Lord (Galatians 1.11-12). The reason for confusion about faith and works is because people read Paul into the gospels and the gospels into Paul. Keep these separate and clarity results. If you believe Paul’s gospel you are saved and can have peace (Romans 5.1). God keeps His word.

  9. Kerri

    Thank you so much for answering my question! This site has been such a blessing to me and others who love to read Gods word but sometimes need some scholarly clarification. I know there are no contradictions in God’s word so whenever something is not clear to me I know I must seek out the answers until it becomes clear. Your site has helped me immensely with that!

    1. Derrick Stewart

      This is precisely how I feel Kerri. I am determined to find answers when I don’t understand. Once I found right division, and certainly this site has been invaluable in that process, the confusion and misunderstanding has/is invariably cleared. I am forever grateful to God for the enlightenment!

      1. J. Treadwell

        Mr. Don Samdahl,
        I am impressed by the scholarship and discerned revelation you proclaim, here. It, at first read, seems to bring clarity to some issues and questions I have had, over the decades of reading and studying God’s word. You, and others, have said rightly: there is no contradiction in or between any writers or doctrines: contained in that Word. There is misunderstandings and misrepresentations among it’s supposed rightly dividers. I ask where you were theologically educated; if at an academic institution of some kind. I don’t deny the validity of divine inspiration, given to one, who asks for Wisdom and Understanding, from the Lord. I testify that that works, but refuse too offer, so far, more than scriptural advice and encouragement. You almost establish doctrine; but do so meekly and with all pertinent scriptural footnotes. You do not order, argue are disparage, but seem to me to offer advice, in love. I hope and trust, that the Holy Spirit was your main source of council and faith. Please state that you have prayed and studied this out, if that is the case; and I hope that it is. I would not ever think of seemingly judging the ministries and dispensations Of Peter, James and Paul, without an almost Burning Bush fleece in my path. God bless and confirm you, brother: one way or another. I intend to read more of your writings; and submit all to Spiritual men, that I respect and trust, as to their closeness to God and His will and direction. I hope, thru prayer and council, I reach a favorable opinion and trust in this intriguing word, you have provided.

        1. doctrine Post author

          J. Treadwell,
          Thank you for your kind comments. I received sound theological training at Dallas Theological Seminary. I learned of Paul’s unique apostleship from godly men such as Les Feldick and C. R. Stam. From those sources I have been able to discern and reconcile from the Scriptures seemingly incongruous theological conflicts.

  10. Elvie Manrique

    I am so thankful for finding your site! I have a question that is regarding “Romans 5:12-13 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men[e] because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.” How are men save before Moses?

    1. doctrine Post author

      Elvie,
      It’s a difficult question. OT salvation is murky. Essentially, it boils down to obeying what God had revealed. Faith was always required. But works were needed also. From the time of Adam, a blood sacrifice was required. Obedience and faith are two sides of the same coin. Abraham was something of an exception. He was saved by faith alone, believing God that he would become the father of many nations. Apart from him, both faith and works was required.

  11. Byron

    Thank you very much for this article!

    I started a study of the book of James recently and found it to be out of step with Paul’s writings, which concerned me.I read a few other commentaries before reading this one and I must say I found this article to be the most helpful.I feel a lot more at ease now that I have a proper understanding of how timeline relates to the content.

    Grace to you.

  12. Paul McDonald

    Are Paul’s letter addressed to believers? Certainly. Thus he says to believers: “I warn you, as I warned you before” that fornicators and adulterers will NOT be saved, will not “inherit the Kingdom of heaven”. He is not speaking of pagans, he is speaking to and of believers. So, one of the conditions of eternal life is to not commit adultery, or if one has, to, to cease and desist from it. And that is a work.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Paul,
      Read the passage again. Paul wrote believers to encourage them not to live as unbelievers or as they lived before believing his gospel. He wrote the unrighteous would not inherit the kingdom of God. The Corinthians were not unrighteous, they were believers. Paul made it clear time after time that salvation was by believing his gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). It is faith, not works. Christ paid for all sins. That was the point of His death. To be saved, to have eternal life requires one thing: trusting in Christ’s work.

  13. Keri

    I have another question regarding Matthew 7:21-23- ” Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you away from me, you evil doers!’ In this passage is Jesus speaking of the Jewish Pharisees? Who is he speaking about? I have many Catholic friends who use this passage to say that you are not saved apart from works. They also use Matthew 25:31-41. to support their belief that you must do works to be saved. I try to argue it is faith plus 0 but we go in circles over this and frankly I am tired of the argument.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Keri,
      Matthew 5-7 is the charter of the earthly, Messianic kingdom. Jesus was speaking to Jews for he will fulfill the prophecy of the Davidic covenant and reign as the King of Israel, the King of the Jews, as Pilate wrote. So this passage has nothing to do with the Church. We know from many passages that Jews were saved by both faith and works (see my article, Faith vs. Works in James: Resolving the Problem). We do not learn about salvation by faith alone until Paul. The Gospels are Old Testament and concern Israel. They have nothing to do with the Church (other than Romans 15.4; 1 Corinthians 10.11; 2 Timothy 3.16). The problem with Roman Catholics, and most Protestants, is they mix Paul with the Gospels and vice versa. Christianity is built upon Paul’s letters, not the Gospels. One is saved today by believing Paul’s gospel, that Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). That was never proclaimed before Paul. Jews in the Gospels were saved by believing in the identity of Christ, who He was, the Messiah, the Son of God, not in His work. See also the articles, The Gospel, and The Gospel of the Kingdom.

  14. jim

    So during the gospel of the kingdom only those in fresh water cultures could be saved? Those in isolated and very arid regions with no access to immersion could not be saved. Those driving caravans through hundreds of miles of desert waste could not be saved?

    Worse yet. Someone with faith but without access to immediate immersion runs lickety split to the nearest river baptismal but does not quite make it. Heart attack. Heat stroke. Offed by brigands. Damnation for his poor soul because he just could not get dunked in time.

    Or believes beneath a fig tree in some remote wadi. Massive stroke. Cannot drag himself to his camel let alone immersion.

    Or during this time of such a gospel … natives deep in the western hemisphere with no knowledge of this stuff. None regenerated. None delivered. Just tinder for the lake of fire? GIVE ME A BREAK!!! This does not align with the character and grace of Christ.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Jim,
      I hope your comment was joke. The gospel of the kingdom was proclaimed in Israel. No shortage of water existed. John the Baptist had no problem finding water. Nor did Jesus and the disciples. Every time someone was saved there was water. Where you come up with the western hemisphere? Do you read of Jesus or the Twelve going to the western hemisphere?

      1. Chris Brown

        I’m sure you’ve answered this a million times, but I’ve not found it asked. Regarding the necessity of baptism, what then about the thief on the cross?
        Thank you.

        1. doctrine Post author

          Chris,
          Obviously, the thief could not be baptized. But God is desirous for the salvation of all. God alone can see the heart and the Lord saw the man believed. God reserves the right to make exceptions.

          1. Chris Brown

            “God alone can see the heart and the Lord saw the man believed.”

            With respect, aren’t you equating kingdom gospel with Paul’s gospel?

              1. Chris Brown

                My limited understanding of what you are presenting is that P-gospel is belief only (i.e. what the thief on the cross did).
                And that K-gospel is belief + works (i.e. something the thief on the cross fell short of).
                Hence, he was saved by/under P-gospel as confirmed by Christ.

                1. doctrine Post author

                  Chris,
                  God reserves the right to make exceptions. Obviously, the thief was dying. He could not be baptized, do works, etc. He recognized Jesus was the Messiah and was saved.

          2. Debbie

            Just a thought. Jesus told the thief that today he would be in paradise with Him. Jesus didn’t go straight to the Father, correct. He spent 3 days in the center of the earth. Was that a paradise in Hades? Some believe in various places within hell, right? You’re thoughts are appreciated. I believe Les just had mentioned this on a program according to my friend.

            1. doctrine Post author

              Debbie,
              The best description of the afterlife before Christ’s resurrection is Jesus’ account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. Paradise was “Abraham’s Bosom” and it was divided from the place of torment. This is where Jesus went. But He also went to Tartarus, where the fallen angels of Genesis 6 are held and pronounced His victory (1 Peter 3.18-20).

              1. Faith

                A thought- if Jesus said to the thief that he would be with Him in paradise that day would it not be true in that Jesus is God so therefore the thief was with Jesus? Also would it be that the human form of Jesus went to Tartarus? Just wondered

    2. Craig

      If salvation in the OT was faith PLUS works, then how was Abraham saved? What WORKS had he done when God declared him righteous? There was no church, no 10 Commandments yet, no law of circumcision. Nor was it his sacrificing Issac because Abraham was saved before Issac was born. So how was Abraham saved. The Bible says it was his faith that God credited to him as righteousness.

      1. doctrine Post author

        Craig,
        Abraham was saved by faith alone which is why Paul used him to make his case. But nowhere (other than this) does the OT or gospels state salvation was by faith alone. On the contrary, they explicitly reveal salvation before Paul required faith and works.

        1. John

          “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.” James 2

          I agree, faith and works in the OT and that Abraham was sort of an exception, however, somehow, works were also part of Abrahams salvation. Maybe, God, KNOWING Abraham would sacrifice his son, God imputed him with righteousness.

          1. doctrine Post author

            John,
            James cannot separate faith from works. God declared Abraham righteous in Genesis 15. But for James, works identified a true believer.

  15. Joe

    I asked a C of C preacher about the thief not being baptized. He asked me how did I know he hadn’t been baptized some time earlier. ….I’m surprised how liberal the C of C has become. The founders of the C of C came out of the Presbyterian church back in the early 1800’s. Interestingly Thomas Campbell and his son Alexander (C of C is sometimes called Campbellism) both considered themselves saved even though they had never been previously immersed except for their church’s ‘infant baptism’ ritual. “Baptism remission” is probably their #1 heresy. …..seems the early to mid 1800’s had an explosion of cults.

  16. Brad

    You said: “Obviously, the thief could not be baptized. But God is desirous for the salvation of all. God alone can see the heart and the Lord saw the man believed. God reserves the right to make exceptions.” So, God just makes exceptions to whoever? What did the thief do to garner this exception? Had a good heart? Nobody is good but God alone. How do you know God hasn’t made multiple exceptions? You also said Abraham was an “Exception.” So, your “Gospel of the Kingdom” is actually faith+works + exceptions=salvation. This seems to be “twisting scripture” as you say. You throw in “exceptions” to fit your incorrect narrative. God doesn’t just choose who He is especially “desirous” for. He is especially “desirous” for everybody. There must be a definitive conclusion as to what it takes to be saved both in the old and new testament WITHOUT “exception.” This “exception” of yours is writing into scripture something that definitely is not there. Salvation was, is and always will be by faith alone through Christ alone. Nobody helps Jesus pay for sins before or after Paul’s doctrine.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Brad,
      God is sovereign. He is ominiscient. He knows men’s hearts and wishes ALL to be saved. He can made exceptions because He is God. He makes the rules which conform to His justice. Would you have the thief on the cross go to hell because he couldn’t be baptized? Do you think Christ went to the cross NOT to save people? The man recognized Christ as the Messiah and God saved him. There is no definitive statement of salavation in the OT like there is for Paul’s gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). It is murky. It was by both faith and works but faith was always the trump card.

      1. Tonya

        Hi Don, great site. Abram/Abraham obeyed God when God told Him to leave His family and country and go to the land that He would show him. Additionally, he also later obeyed God when He told him to sacrifice Isaac. Wouldn’t those things be considered to be faith plus works? He believed what God told him, but he also obeyed God’s instructions, just as the Jews did in keeping the Law.

        1. doctrine Post author

          Tonya,
          While Abraham did the things you mention, the Scripture clearly states it was when Abraham believed God about his progeny that God counted it to him for righteousness. See Genesis 15.4-6.

  17. Brad

    You said “There is no definitive statement of salvation in the OT like there is for Paul’s gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). It is murky.” So, you just automatically assume works were required, because you seem to think it is murky? It wasn’t murky to the people in the old testament. If belief was all it took for Abraham, then belief is all it took for all the old testament people as well. You can’t pick and choose “exceptions” because it doesn’t fit your narrative. Paul used the Old Testament to show salvation has always been by God’s grace and can only be received through faith. (Romans 4:1–5, 9–10, 16) He wasn’t making an exception for just Abraham. He is clearly saying that salvation has always been by faith for everybody and never have works been a requirement nor will they ever be. Hyper dispensationalism is a flawed theology. You might as well believe in the doctrine of election if God just arbitrarily makes “exceptions” for some and not for others. The thief on the cross “believed” just like Abraham did. He didn’t need to be baptized, because baptism has never been a requirement for salvation and never will be.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Brad,
      No, the Scriptures state works were required. A Jew had to bring an animal sacrifice for sin. That was a work. Mark, Jesus, and Peter stated water baptism was necessary for salvation (Mark 1.4, 16.16, John 3.5, Acts 2.38). Water baptism is a work. The Council of believing Jews in Jerusalem stated one had to be circumcised and keep the Law for salvation (Acts 15.1, 5). Those were works. Salvation by faith alone was unknown before Paul.

      1. Roberts

        Hi,
        happy New Year to you.

        Only yesterday found your site.
        From the very beginning it makes me ask this question – is it true what this man is sharing
        or is it something that sounds good but is twisted?
        I will read other articles of yours but while reading through these commentaries
        I would love to challenge you by saying that believing that Jesus has done everything for us to be saved, water baptism and filling with the Holy Spirit – is what Jesus does alone 100%
        Here comes my point – Jesus has done everything for salvation to be established in one’s life, therefore in order for that to happen spiritually and physically, he actually requires us to obey him/ answer to his 100% work by our obedience. For us to ANSWER requires action.
        So therefore I believe #1 we repent and believe – 100% Jesus work/ our answer(obedience)
        #2 we get baptized to Jesus – 100% Jesus work by burying our sinful man
        and washing us clean/ our answer(obedience)
        #3 we get filled with the Holy Spirit – 100% Jesus work / our answer(obedience)
        In fact, it does not end there, now the life we live is 100% Jesus work / our answer(obedience)

        Just by my own experience I have seen too many people JUST BELIEVING but not being FREE.
        When true repentance, water baptism with full immersion and baptism of the Spirit comes in – things change totally!

        P.S. Robber on the cross is such a simple thing if we see time frame the way it is – he could not be baptized to Jesus Christ because Jesus himself at the cross has not died yet and buried and rose up again, therefore at that time there was no baptism to Jesus.

        would appreciate your thoughts on this.
        Much love,
        Roberts.

        1. doctrine Post author

          Roberts,
          The gospel is that Christ died for our sins and rose from the grave (1 Corinthians 15.1-4). If one believes this he is saved. Christ has done all the work. All one need do is to believe God, believe the gospel, to have eternal life. When one believes the gospel, the Holy Spirit indwells him and baptizes him into Christ. The Church, the body of Christ, has “one baptism”(Ephesians 4.5). This baptism identifies one into Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6.1-11) and it is through this baptism that one becomes part of a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5.17), the Church, the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12.12-13). Water baptism has ended and only the “one baptism” of the Holy Spirit now exists.

          1. Roberts

            Thank you Don for your replay,

            If what you write would be true
            then in reality things would look way different when we come to salvation.
            I know that the Word is the Truth therefore we have to be in the Word, live the Word and become the Word for the dying world, but it seems we have so many different interpretations of what Bible actually is saying.
            Seriously, I have met countless people who have believed that Jesus Christ has done everything necessary for them to be saved but in reality these people are bound in old life no matter how often they repeat themselves – I am saved, I am free, many of them for years have tried to get free, desperate to get rid of old life but they simply could not. When we explain to them the Gospel the way we do, many if not all experience freedom either after the repentance, before or in the water baptism.
            If the Scripture actually by one baptism would mean exactly ONE baptism, then all people who believed in Christ would all speak in tongues right from the moment when they start to believe, but the book of Acts, also including Paul’s experience in Chapter 19:1-7 shows us a quite different picture and I believe that this way of entering into a new life in Christ still functions the same way in our days.
            At least it is my own experience with God and for those people I have ministered to.
            I have come to a very simple conclusion – bearing fruits and true freedom always will define whether person knows Christ intimately or doesn’t.

            Blessings and much love,
            Roberts.

            1. doctrine Post author

              Roberts,
              The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a fact apprehended by faith and is about identification with Christ, not speaking in tongues. Tongues was a short-lived, temporary gift and has nothing to do with living the Christian life today. No one legitimately speaks in tongues today. True belief leads to good works (Ephesians 2.10), a result of faith.

              1. Bobbi

                Brethren,
                Ephesians 2:11 KJV — Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 KJV — That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
                To believe the scriptures, we (us Gentiles) before the dispensation of the grace of God, were without hope, and without God.
                In this dispensation there is only one baptism. Ephesians. 4:1-6
                It’s true it is different in the earlier periods, but in this one we are in a time God has made a way for us through Christ Jesus. Just thinking how important it is to know what period were are in.
                Blessings!

  18. Brad

    You are simply wrong, and do not interpret scripture correctly. Paul makes it clear that it has always been by faith alone in Romans 4:1–5, 9–10, 16. No man has ever helped Jesus on the cross. He paid it ALL. “Sins” of the world means sins of the “whole world” not just the sins of those under Paul’s gospel. You can’t just make stuff up as “exceptions.” Sorry, that won’t work. Paul is being explicit stating that it has always been by faith alone using Abraham as an example NOT an “exception.” What did each person have to believe specifically to be saved in the old testament? I don’t know for sure, but if Paul said it was by faith alone, then it was by faith alone, and I don’t insert “exceptions” when that is outside what is written in God’s word. You are adding to the Bible. Adam and Eve’s fig leaves (works) were not enough to cover their sins. They could not even hide their nakedness much less help cover their sin, and that’s why God gave them skin to cover themselves. They obviously acted by faith alone. But, I guess they were another “exception.” Not buying it…

    1. doctrine Post author

      Brad,
      So your position is that the Scriptures I sent you, Mark 1.4, 16.16, John 3.5, Acts 2.38 do not mean what they say? Jews didn’t have to bring animal sacrifices for forgiveness? What Scriptural evidence exists that people were saved by faith alone other than Abraham? If salvation by faith alone was always the case, why did Jesus and the Twelve not proclaim this? These are questions that must be answered to maintain your position. The truth is that salvation by faith alone was unknown before Paul and that is why Paul called the gospel he received from the risen Lord, “my gospel.” It was new.

    2. Bobbi

      Brad,
      By Gods Grace they (Adam and Eve) were covered with skins you mean surely. I can’t say covering themselves with leaves and hiding shows faith do you truly?
      I think what your seeing is that by Gods Good Grace everyone is saved. The thing is at different times Gods will for His people and His directions are different.
      Like Noah, he had to build an ark. He did what he was told to do and was saved the destruction of the flood.
      Joshua, had to March around the city…etc…he did what was told him to do.
      Jews in Jesus day were told to repent and be baptized, beginning with John. Thus that they did.
      We are told that Gods goodness and Grace leads us to repentance, and that the just shall live by faith. Thusly we do.
      No matter what God says what His people need to do and it has required different things at different times.
      The point of this article is that James wrote it under a different program than Paul did, so the directions were not the same. We are not saved today by anything we ‘do’, or as James says by works. Today God requires us to humble yourself before Him and it’s Him in us that saves. That’s the difference.
      But definitely with whatever people have been told to do they and we are all saved by the good grace of God.

    3. Debbie

      Brad, where was Jesus going as soon as He died? Not to heaven. He told the thief, today you will be in paradise with me, not you are going to heaven with me because Jesus wasn’t going straight to heaven.

  19. Brad

    Doctrine, those verses are speaking of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which one receives by “Believing” just as Abraham did. Again, I’m sorry, but I’m not buying your “exception” of Abraham AND the thief on the cross as you stated and Adam and Eve for that matter. Paul is clearly making the case that salvation has ALWAYS been by faith alone. You add to God’s word with these “exceptions.” If “Paul’s gospel” was different than that of Jesus and John, then that is a complete contradiction of Grace.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Brad,
      Paul is not making the case that salvation was ALWAYS by faith alone. He is making the case that salvation is NOW by faith alone according to Paul’s gospel. The Scriptures make it absolutely certain that salvation was NOT by faith alone before Paul. I have given you many Scriptures that prove this beyond all doubt. Have you read them? If you have do you believe them? How you reach the conclusion that different gospels contradict God’s grace is not rational. God does what He wants when He wants. How do you think people in the OT were saved?

      1. kim

        Don, nowhere in the Bible did the Apostles preached works salvation. If you are going to talk about James 2, please that is not faith+works. But faith brings out good works for reward.

        1. doctrine Post author

          Kim,
          Many verses state that under Judaism and the gospel of the kingdom both works and faith were required for salvation. The idea of salvation by faith alone was unheard of until the ascended Lord revealed the gospel of the grace of God, salvation by faith alone to Paul. Do you throw those verses away because you don’t like them?

  20. Brad

    Bobbie, you said “We are told that God’s goodness and Grace leads us to repentance.” You obviously believe in works based repentance or that repentance is “turning from sin.” That is NOT the biblical definition of repentance. Repentance is simply turning to God in faith by changing one’s mind. It has NEVER been about reformation or works. You and doctrine are writing into scripture something that just isn’t there. You have a wrong understanding of what repent means. Adam and Eve acted in faith when they put the clothes on that God gave them. It was a symbol of what Christ would do for us and how we are clothed in His righteousness by simply trusting in Him for forgiveness and everlasting life.

      1. Bobbi

        Also Brad i’m sorry, I misread your comment on Adam and Eve. I agree that the skins were a type of what Christ Jesus would do for us.
        Also, Gal. 3:21-29 says why it’s different now than times past.
        Paul does say that the Grace gospel is a dispensation Eph. 3:2-7.

  21. Brad

    Doctrine, I see you also have the wrong definition of repent. Repentance is always a change of one’s mind. That is the literal definition of the Greek word metanoia, and it means the same thing in Hebrew. What did God do in Jonah 3:10 KJV??? He “repented,” so He most definitely did NOT turn from His sin or reform His lifestyle. He changed His mind. Repent can NEVER mean a reformation of one’s life in general. Regarding 2 Cor 12:21, the “object of” repentance is “uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness,” but turning from “uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness” is NOT the definition of repent, and is NOT required for salvation. Yes, somebody can repent from all those things (turn from them by changing their mind about their behavior and stopping those sins), but for salvation Jesus is the object of repentance. One must change their mind about who He is and trust that only He can save us from our sins. They must turn from any preconceived notion of salvation or no notion at all and place their faith in Christ. There is a free will choice, and that is the only action in repentance for salvation, and that action is not a work. (Romans 4:5 KJV) However, the action in the change of mind regarding 2 Cor 12:21 IS works, but that verse is NOT dealing with salvation. Paul was speaking to already SAVED believers who had “Passed the test” (2 Cor 13:6) Hebrews 6:1: “Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works .” What is the object of repentance in this verse??? “Dead works” It’s NOT sin. Some of these “Dead Works” were most likely good works, but they were dead in the sense that they could not bring salvation. The Jews had a forehead of “Brass” (Isaiah 48:4), so they more so than the Gentiles needed to “change their mind” of brass regarding works for salvation. This verse in Hebrews along with Jonah 3:10 proves without a doubt that “Turning from sin” is NOT required for salvation, and “Turning from sin” is NOT the biblical definition of repent.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Brad,
      You have a spirit of contentiousness. The word “repent,” μετανοέω means a change of mind. It can be towards, God, sin, or whatever. Context determines what the change is. Paul told believers to repent, to change their mind about sin. Repentance is never a work, just as faith is never a work. You fail to distinguish between repentance regarding unbelievers and repentance regarding believers. What you have written indicates confused thinking.

      1. Brian Kelley

        Don, it’s good that you wrote this. Because, although elementary, millions of people still stubbornly cling to the wrong definition of Biblical salvific repentance. For example, I’m saddened and disgusted with how lordship salvationists like Ray Comfort have twisted and perverted what salvific repentance is. In fact, I’ve posted the correct Greek definition as you have, and I often get attacked, ridiculed, or patronized for being ‘heretical.’ It’s tragic that seemingly ‘smart’ and sincere people have been demonically duped. And ‘metanoia/metanoeo’ is part of basic foundational Christianity 101. It should be like the Trinity, virgin birth, etc.

        1. doctrine Post author

          Brian,
          Yes, it is basic and a tragedy that some twist it to mean what it is not. Like Phygellus and Hermogenes, John MacArthur and his disciples have sown confusion and doubt to many.

          1. cpb

            I think we have to look at salvation from God’s perspective. There has never been more than one “plan.” From Genesis forward salvation would be a work of God, executed by his free will and grace, and motivated by his love for humanity. When Jesus said “It is finished” he meant it. From God’s perspective the plan was complete and he sat down.

            The plan becomes real for me (or anyone else) when they rest in what God has done. The message “God will forgive you if…” misses the point that he is not going to do anything else. This message makes forgiveness future tense and dependent on something that has not yet happened (works). He has already done it. It was _His_ work. We can rest.

            Faith is how truth becomes personal. No faith, no rest.

            “For we have heard the Good News, just as they did. They heard the message, but it did them no good, because when they heard it, they did not accept it with faith.” Heb 4:1

            As Don points out in many places, the believers before Paul could only believe what had been revealed up to that point.

            “but when what is perfect comes, then what is partial will disappear.” 1Cor 13:10

            The twelve (and the Jews in general) understandably struggled with the implications of the full revelation of the Plan.

            1. Brian Kelley

              Don, cpb’s comment on resting in Christ’s finished work/victory has helped me greatly. Surprisingly, however, when I search the internet for more on the subject of rest, I’ve found little other than a few charismatic personalities such as Creflo Dollar or Joseph Prince addressing it. Although not specifically directed to Christians under Paul’s Gospel of grace, Hebrews states that we labor to enter into His rest. Could you elaborate more on this critical topic? Especially given that rest equates to faith.

              1. doctrine Post author

                Brian,
                Paul only used the word “rest,” κατάπαυσις in Hebrews. It is not a word he used to the Church. To us, he used “peace,” εἰρήνη. Paul used “rest” in a technical sense for Jews to enter into the kingdom. For Jews, that was rest. I will address this when I write on Hebrews.

            1. doctrine Post author

              Matt,
              MacArthur is probably the most famous of the Lordship salvation promoters with his 1988 book, The Gospel According to Jesus.

  22. Brad

    Romans 3:28 “Therefore we conclude that A MAN is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Paul is clearly talking about mankind IN GENERAL being justified by faith not just those under his gospel, and he is including old testament saints, because he immediately ties in what Abraham “found” in Romans 4:3 “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” People before Abraham probably didn’t know they were saved by faith in the old testament, but that was always the case, and Paul is clearly explaining that here.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Brad,
      Again, you ignore the Scriptures! What do you do with verses such as Mark 1.4, 16.16; Acts 2.36-38; 22.16? Do they mean what they say? Did Jesus lie to the rich young ruler? Were the Twelve disobedient when they told Paul that those believing his gospel were not saved (Acts 15.1, 5)? Salvation by faith alone was unknown before Paul. This is as clear as day to one who will believe the Scriptures. The problem you have is unbelief.

    2. Joe

      In early Acts (chapter 2) Peter had this in mind as the means for salvation:…repent and be baptized

      Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

      40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized,

  23. Brad

    Doctrine, I don’t have a spirit of contentiousness. I capitalize for emphasis only, and I am a passionate defender of the Gospel. When somebody simply throws around random “exceptions” with no biblical basis, I can’t just give it a pass. Where does it say that sacrifices etc were directly required for salvation from hell and for eternal life in the old testament? It just isn’t there.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Brad,
      So your conclusion is that a Jew could have forgiveness of sin without offering an animal sacrifice? Jesus said keeping the commandments was required for eternal life. The believing Jews in Acts 15 said the same. So, according to your reasoning, Moses was wrong, Jesus was wrong, and the Twelve were wrong. I believe it is time to end the conversation so you can do some Bible study. I have given you many verses to examine and you have no answers for any of them. I encourage you to put away tradition and believe the Scriptures.

  24. Brad

    “But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” That is what Acts 15:5 says. It says nothing about the twelve saying Paul’s gospel couldn’t save them. Vs 1 says “And certain men” not the twelve. As far as the rich young ruler, Jesus was giving him an impossible task. The rich young ruler didn’t believe; it wasn’t about his works. Jesus said but “if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Nobody can keep the commandments. It’s impossible. So, you’re saying that Jesus was telling the kid to be perfect, and the kid now had to be perfect to get to heaven, because it was by works for the Jews. If you say that selling all his possessions and following Jesus was all he needed to do, then you are conveniently leaving out that Jesus also told him to be perfect. That is biblical gymnastics to satisfy your narrative.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Brad,
      There you go again. The sect was under the control of the Twelve. Do you really think they would have held a major council involving James, Peter, etc. (the text says the apostles and elders v.6) if they were not in agreement and in disagreement with Paul? The fact that you continue to ignore verses such as Mark 1.4, 16.16; Acts 2.36-38; 22.16 indicates you are not interested in truth but only in preserving tradition, a myth. Nothing in the OT or in the gospels supports the idea that faith alone was sufficient for salvation before Paul (1 exception: Abraham). Please do not reply again unless you provide an explanation regarding the water baptism passages. I really am tired of pointing out the obvious and my article has made a sound case that salvation before Paul required faith and works. You can believe or reject the Scriptures.

      1. Brad Nitzsche

        Just to be clear, the above “Brad” is not me. I have not found anything in Doctrines teaching that I disagree with. Keep up the good work, and God bless you and your wonderful ministry. It has been such a blessing to me and I have introduced all my kids and my wife to your lessons. All of them are thrilled with your teaching and Les Feldicks ministry. We can all read Gods word with confidence now.

  25. Isaac

    Are you trying to say that we, the gentile believers are supposed to ignore the epistles and content of John, Peter and James, since the authors were writing to jewish believers, or are there passages in these epistles that appeal to us?

    1. doctrine Post author

      Isaac,
      You will not find anywhere that I have written we should ignore any portion of the Scriptures. What I have written is that for Church doctrine we have to go to Paul’s letters. Paul wrote that “all Scripture is profitable.” All Scripture is FOR us but all Scripture is not TO us. See Romans 15.8; 1 Corinthians 10.11.

  26. Neal Jessup

    Dear Brother Don,
    A search for understanding the gospels led my to your site and book, both of which I have immensely enjoyed. Further searching has also led me to a better understanding of mid-Acts dispensationalism, and ultimately to its critics (for example gotquestions.org). I can see most criticisms are characterized by simply misrepresenting dispensational views, or by not first agreeing on terms, but one charge constantly appears, that dispensationalists put forth the claim that a works based gospel is found in the NT gospels and certain epistles. I’m familiar with your distinction of repentance + baptism vs. grace through faith, but i’m trying to reconcile that with what I see in the Scriptures.

    Paul gave us the proper view of works in Romans 4: 2-12
    2 “If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.
    Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before!
    And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them.
    And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
    It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.”

    It would seem at any point you could substitute “baptism” for a Kingdom gospel believer. They received baptism as perhaps a sign or seal, but their salvation came first, through faith, just like with Abraham. If not, what was Paul saying?

    God describes in several places how much works really count.
    Hos 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
    and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.
    Mic 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
    And what does the Lord require of you?
    To act justly and to love mercy
    and to walk humbly with your God.
    Mark 12:33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

    These reveal that God desires the heart change first, then the resulting obedience. And faith and repentance seem to me inseparable. How can you have faith in God and His promises without at the same time repenting of self-righteousness, faithlessness, and rebellion toward God? You certainly can’t continue in those if you’re serious.

    You cite the rich young ruler, but here Jesus seemed to be really just cutting to the chase. If he really wanted to “inherit eternal life”, and “be perfect”, and “lay up treasures in heaven” and then to “come, follow me” it could have only come through faith and “bearing fruit in keeping with repentance”, repentance from his idolatry of wealth. Jesus even explained to the disciples about His reply, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” No matter how Jesus made him reveal his heart, the idea that the man could have bought his salvation seems rather outrageous.

    You cite OT sacrifices, and yes God demanded sacrifices to satisfy His justice, but they invariably fell short, and one still had to rely on God’s mercy, especially when it came to intentional sins, which all committed. You recognize in your article at that time with what they were given, they believed that faith and works were required for salvation. But to God? In His economy, works obviously count for something, but for one’s salvation? As to works, yes he gave them ways to identify and to minister, and he gave them ways to understand the seriousness of sin; but as to their salvation, that had to be all on Him.

    I can’t help but see that Paul’s revealed mystery at the council was that it had always been through faith. That would have certainly been new information to the Jews. Does Paul at any point say that it was at one time faith plus works, from God’s perspective? I view his revelation as being that Abraham, all who “follow in the footsteps of the faith” the Hebrews 11 saints, the thief on the cross, all were saved through faith. You have to see why some could never accept the idea that works gain any credit toward salvation, it seems opposite to the whole Bible message (example Ps 44:1-8).

    From what I’ve read in your letters, I think your “suffering for Christ” will always include defending your doctrine on these points. One day all will be revealed. We may all be in for a few surprises.

    Regards,
    Neal

    1. doctrine Post author

      Neal,
      Thank you. Glad you have enjoyed the book. Too many passages exist which declare works were necessary for salvation in the OT and in the gospel of the kingdom. If we are to allow the Scriptures to mean what they say there is no way works cannot be excluded as necessary. What must be understood is that Paul’s message of salvation by faith alone was new and revolutionary. No one ever believed this before. The great exception was Paul’s example of Abraham. If you had told a Jew before Paul’s revelation that he could be saved by faith alone he would have declared you a heretic. This was exactly the problem at the Council of Jerusalem. This is why Paul stated his gospel was a secret (Ephesians 6.19; Romans 16.25). Faith was always necessary for salvation but not faith alone. The saved Jew of the OT exercised faith by obedience, doing what God commanded, e.g., offering sacrifices. The essential aspect of faith is obeying what God has revealed at the time. For us today, we exercise faith through obeying (believing) Paul’s gospel. No “work” is attached. This was new.

  27. Mikolaj

    I can not agree with the fact that James wrote from the perspective of the Old Testament salvation, because he wrongly refers to the law: 10 Even if someone would keep the whole law and transgress only one commandment, he would be guilty of all. 11 For he who said: Do not commit adultery, also said, “Do not kill.” 5 If, therefore, you do not commit adultery, but you commit murder, you are a criminal against the law. 12 Speak and do as people who will be judged on the basis of the Law of Freedom6. 13 For it will be an inexorable court for the one who did not mercy: mercy triumphs over the court7. In my opinion, he writes to the people who have already been saved by the Gospel of Paul, that they may not cease to do well?

    1. doctrine Post author

      Mikolaj,
      James was written early, before 51 A.D. when Paul’s gospel was settled as the only gospel. It is clear from Acts 15 that James did not understand Paul’s gospel. Paul declared that he had to explain (ἀνατίθημι) it to those in Jerusalem (Galatians 2.2). James contains none of Paul’s doctrines and James wrote from the perspective of a law-keeping Jew. He saw Abraham justified by works, not faith alone.

  28. Mikolaj

    Why God will restart the gospel of the kingdom ? Does it mean that Christ didn’t die for all if will people have to have deeds in the future?

    1. doctrine Post author

      Mikolaj,
      The primary belief under the gospel of the kingdom was to believe Jesus was the Christ. That will be the challenge of faith during the Tribulation. The salvation issue will be either to believe the Beast is Christ or Jesus is Christ (Matthew 24.14).

  29. Mikolaj

    Matthew 25:32-46:

    And all nations shall be gathered together before him, and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. Then shall the king say to them that shall be on his right hand: Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in: Naked, and you covered me: sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me… Then he shall say to them also that shall be on his left hand: Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry, and you gave me not to eat: I was thirsty, and you gave me not to drink. I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you covered me not: sick and in prison, and you did not visit me… And these shall go into everlasting punishment: but the just, into life everlasting.”What is this court about? Is this a judgment on earth after the rapture and concerns the gospel of kingdom?

    1. doctrine Post author

      Mikolaj,
      This is a judgment of Gentiles who have survived the Tribulation. They will be judged according to how they treated Jewish believers. Paul declared all Israel will be saved when the Lord comes. Peter said at Pentecost every Jew had to repent and declared at the Temple that when the nation repented Jesus would come. Jesus said the same in Matthew 23.37-39. Thus, at the end of the Tribulation only believing Jews will remain. Gentiles who protected Jews (a sign of belief) will enter the kingdom. Those who did not will be sent to hell. Only believers will enter the kingdom.

      1. Mikolaj

        However, the Bible has been inspired by God so that it is one cohesion. If Jacob thought that Abraham was justified by works, despite the fact that he did it from the perspective of the Old Testament, then Abraham was an exception and forPaul he was saved by faith alone, in which case Jakub simply was wrong in the world. Was it not more logical to say that Jakub writes about justification before a man to prove the truth of his faith? The statement that faith without works is dead is probably a good proverb for all Christians as proof that true faith leads to good works.

        1. doctrine Post author

          Mikolaj,
          The Bible does have cohesion but that does not mean God does the same thing with all people all the time. James understood that salvation required faith and works. The idea of salvation by faith alone was unknown before Paul (Abraham being the only exception we know of). In the article, I point out several Scriptures which clearly reveal that works were required for justification. That was James’ understanding. And he was right. But God revealed to Paul a whole new program in which faith alone was all that was necessary for salvation.

          1. Mikolaj

            Still, I am not sure if the idea of the 2nd gospel is right. In all Christian history, the four Gospels were always considered Christian. In Mark 16:15 Jesus says to he’s disciples go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Well what gospel would that be ? He doesn’t say about changing the gospel. You are saying that it changed at the end of book of Acts so what gospel Christ is talking about? It’s the same gospel. Sorry but i think it’s some kind of heresy.

            1. doctrine Post author

              Mikolaj,
              No where do I say the gospel changed at the end of the book of Acts. See my article, The Great Hinge. With respect to the gospel, you have to answer the questions, how were OT believers saved, how were the Twelve saved, how are we saved? Did the OT believers believe Christ would die for their sins and rise from the dead? Did the Twelve? The gospels tell us they understood none of this (Luke 18.31-34). They believed something different than we for salvation. And we know what they believed: they believed Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God. And, we know the Twelve did not understand Paul’s gospel because he wrote that he communicated it to them. Why would Paul have to explain his gospel if they were proclaiming it?

                1. doctrine Post author

                  Mikolaj,
                  Anyone who believes Christ died for his sins and rose from the dead posesses God’s forgiveness and eternal life. Salvation in our present age in by faith alone in Christ’s work. God does not take back what He gives.

            2. Bobbi

              Mikolaj,
              There are definitely 2 Gospels. Here is one verse that speaks of both…
              Galatians 2:7 KJV — But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
              The gospel changed when the Lord saved Saul…aka Paul. Acts 9 ish.
              Paul was given the revelation of the mystery Rom. 16:25,26… for ALL men.
              The Lord Jesus and the 12 were for Israel. The whole entire Bible from Jacob on is about ISRAEL…

              Why would Paul say this if it was the same?
              Acts 13:38 -KJV Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
              39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
              40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
              41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

              I hope you will think on this. Read Acts 13.

              Blessings!

  30. Mike

    Thank you for the time you spend on Doctrine.org. It has been a blessing to me in so many ways. What did James mean when he talks about the law of liberty in James 2: 12?

    1. doctrine Post author

      Mike,
      James used the phrase in James 1.25, 2.12. He meant the Mosaic Law. James was zealous for the Law (Acts 21.20). James’ phrase expressed the same idea as David when he wrote, “how I love your Law” (Psalm 119.97). Paul and Peter saw the law as bondage. If you break the Law it is your enemy; if you keep it, your friend.

  31. clay

    Don,
    I think you miss the point of Matthew 19.
    The man thinks he’s kept all the commandments, so Jesus wants to show him that he still has idols in his heart by his unwillingness to sell all his possessions. In that context, Jesus tells him to keep the commandments, but obviously doesn’t expect any man to accomplish this except Himself.
    “There is only One who is good.” v.17
    “Be perfect, just as your heavenly father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
    Consider this verse. Did Jesus expect anybody to be perfect besides himself. Are you claiming that there are people who could keep the law perfectly?
    No one has ever or can ever be justified by the law, even if you go for a “Faith + ___” view. You can’t find anyone ever being saved by their works in the Bible. No one was ever justified by sacrifices, circumcision, baptism, etc…
    To say that Jesus preached a law-salvation, you have to say that there were people besides Jesus who were perfect.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Clay,
      OT salvation required faith and works. This is what Jesus proclaimed. To this man, he focused upon works, keeping the Law. None my articles state that a person was justified by works. What I have written is that before Paul people were justified by faith and works. This is the record of the Bible. From Paul we learn of salvation by faith alone. This was unknown until the risen Lord revealed this truth to Paul. This is why Paul declared his gospel was a secret (Romans 16.25; Ephesians 6.19).

      1. Clay

        Romans 4 could not be any clearer in this regard. It boggles my mind that you can say that Abraham was justified by faith and works.

        “If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.” Romans 4:2-5

        This passage leaves no room for Faith plus works. it says TO THE ONE WHO DOES NOT WORK. (sorry for the caps the comment box wont let me bold)

        1. doctrine Post author

          Clay,
          I did not say Abraham was justified by faith and works. Abraham was an exception to the revealed OT salvation of faith and works which was why Paul used him in his argument. It is only after Paul that we have a change. The risen Christ revealed salvation by faith alone in Paul’s gospel. Please consider the passages I provided of Romans 16.25 and Ephesians 6.19. If Romans 4.5 is clear, so are these. See also my article, The Great Hinge.

          1. Clay

            Don,

            Where can you find that Abraham was an exception to the revealed OT salvation of faith and works? Where can you find that salvation in the OT was by faith and works? You cannot find it because it isn’t in there. Nobody has ever merited their own salvation. Nobody has ever been able to keep the law enough to be saved.

            Abraham is NOT being used as an exception in Romans 4, since that wouldn’t make any sense. He’s being used as an EXAMPLE, which means that in his case it is the same for all others who have faith. He is our spiritual father, and we are sons of Abraham by faith. Look closely at verse 11.
            “And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of ALL who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to THEM.”
            Could Paul be any clearer? He’s arguing that salvation has always been justification by faith alone.
            Consider Paul’s interpretation of the promise. It isn’t just a land blessing, he’s saying that the blessing is justification by faith and calls it the gospel!
            “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.'” Galatians 3:7-9

            1. doctrine Post author

              Clay,
              I have given many Scriptures that reveal that salvation before Paul required faith and works. Why do you not believe these Scriptures? Do you have no faith? Does God lie? The reason you are having a problem is that you refuse to recognize that God began a whole new program with Paul. He was not a 13th apostle, an extension of the 12, an extension of God’s program with Israel. He was the founder of the Church, the body of Christ, a new, previously unrevealed program. Get this straight and everything else will sort out. Refuse to understand this and you have confusion and contradiction revealed by your comment.

              1. Clay

                Don,
                Not trying to be smart with you, but I still have yet to read any passages that say that anybody has ever been saved by faith and works.
                Could you share those?
                I don’t really understand how anybody could be saved by faith and works…
                Like, wouldn’t that mean that they would have to keep the law in order to be saved? They have faith, then they have works, and if they have enough works they are saved?
                Where do you find this pattern in Scripture?
                How would this work?
                Scripture teaches that if you break just ONE commandment, you’re guilty of breaking the whole law. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” James 2:10 (you could say that James was for the law dispensation, but it doesn’t change my argument)

                1. doctrine Post author

                  Clay,
                  The passages are in the article. Perhaps you need to read it again. Consider: The Lord tells you to do 10 jumping jacks to be saved. You do them. Would that be a work or faith?

                  1. Clay

                    If God told me to do 10 jumping jacks to be saved, I would be doing a work to attain the salvation. If I could not do 10 jumping jacks (say I was in a wheelchair), I would not be saved, in this theoretical; therefore, I would have reason to boast. My salvation was merited, based on my performance (whether or not I could do the 10 jumping jacks). I would have faith, but the faith wouldn’t be enough, I would need to accompany it with the ten jumping jacks. You don’t find this in the Old Testament, or anywhere in the Bible. It’s always been faith alone, and that’s Paul’s point in Romans 4. Why would he use Abraham in Romans 4? Why would he use an exception? If he was making an exception, what point would he be making? He’s using him as an example, an archetype.

                    1. doctrine Post author

                      Clay,
                      Your answer reveals you do not understand Biblical faith. If the Lord told you to do 10 jumping jacks to be saved and you did them this would be an act of faith. Faith believes and does what God says. It would also be a work, but a work of faith. God told the Jews to offer a sacrifice to propitiate their sins. When they did, it was faith. Today, one is saved by believing Paul’s gospel. You will not find faith alone taught for salvation in the OT or in the Gospels. It was a Pauline revelation. Several verses state unequivocally that water baptism was required for salvation under the gospel of the kingdom. If you don’t believe this you might as well not believe anything the Bible says. Not until Acts 15.11 did the gospel of the kingdom end and faith alone in Paul’s gospel was settled as the only way of salvation. End of subject.

        2. Bobbi

          More and more often today, when I read what people say in articles and comments and such, it seems the context of the passage is not ever taken into account…
          1. Who is James writing to?
          1¶James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

          Are we the church, the Body of Christ the twelve tribes?…
          No we surely are not . But we are Gentiles. God sent an apostle for us! Rom.1:1, 11:13 1 Cor.1:1, 2 Cor.1:1, Gal.1:1,
          Eph.1:1, Col.1:1, 1 Tim. 1:1, 2 Tim.1:1, Tit. 1:1.

          The Abraham issue aside we all should see who is writing, who the letters are written to, for what purpose, what was happening at the time…etc. Seems to clear up confusion in Bible.
          Blessings!

  32. John

    Don, You said, “Jesus’ response to the man was that to acquire eternal life required keeping the commandments (Matthew 19.17). In other words, works. When the man responded he had kept the commandments, Jesus told him to do another work: sell his possessions and give them to the poor.” Did Jesus teach salvation by works? Indeed He did…

    I understand you are sharing how faith and works are working in the OT- BUT, honestly, how can you say that the obedience Jesus told this man (go sell your possessions) was required. It might have been because Jesus knew this idol was preventing him from following Him But if it was because Jesus required keeping the law – IMPOSSIBLE and He knew it. Faith and works (bringing the sacrifice) Yes BUT faith and obedience to the max, not a chance, Surely you don’t mean it. I need clarification again. Thanks a lot

    1. doctrine Post author

      John,
      I can only repeat what the Scriptures say. No one can keep the Law perfectly. Jesus did not tell the man this. He told him to “keep the commandments.”

  33. john

    acts “Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.

    Don, when it says “from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.” doesn’t it say that the Law of Moses could NOT save?

    1. doctrine Post author

      John,
      The Law of Moses could not save by itself. Faith was always required. The appeal here was to believe Jesus was the Messiah.

  34. john

    because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. Romans 3.20

    I’m not trying to be smart, just trying to understand..

    It seems that the message of grace was given BECAUSE keeping the law couldn’t make one right with God
    How could it.

    1. doctrine Post author

      John,
      The Law could never save on its own. Faith was always required for salvation. But before Paul, there was no salvation by faith alone. We have to believe what the Scriptures reveal. They reveal that works were required for salvation in addition to faith.

  35. Craig

    Don, Les Feldick said on his website that James was the first bit of NT writing. He says James was written in early or late 50’s and gives no indication that he knew of Paul’s ministry. Yet, Les wrote that Paul began his ministry in 40 AD. What am I missing?

    1. doctrine Post author

      Craig,
      James was probably written in the late 40s, the earliest NT writing. James knew about Paul but clearly did not understand his message else there would have been no need for a Jerusalem Council. Paul wrote in Galatians 2.2 that he had to explain his gospel to the Twelve. Why? They did not know or understand it.

  36. Donc

    Don
    What would be the best understanding of the combination ( work=faith)
    In John 6:26 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you should believe in Him whom He has sent.”
    (This being addressed to the kingdom people the Jews and before the gospel of Grace entered with Paul’s message?)
    Is faith itself a work?
    How did this statement not nullify “faith + a sacrifice and render the requirement to only faith in Christ?
    Thanks for your constant dedication to rightly dividing God’s Word
    Donc

    1. doctrine Post author

      Donc,
      No, faith is not a work. Jesus taught salvation required both faith and works. In this case, He only mentioned faith. But other passages show works were required. To get a complete picture, one must consider all the passages. Otherwise, Jesus’ statements appear contradictory.

  37. James

    Pitting Paul against the rest of Inspired Scriptures is showing very bad eisegesis. There is no contradiction in the Bible otherwise Scriptures aren’t inerrant.

    I suggest doing in-depth studying of Scriptures with the illumination of the Holy Spirit especially in the original languages instead of relying on man-centered understanding of Scriptures.

    1. doctrine Post author

      James,
      Yes, there are no contradictions in the Scriptures. For this reason, it appears you misread the article. The article elimates contradiction. If you think the Twelve and Paul proclaimed the same message then you have a massive amount of contradiction. If you read my articles you will know that I work in the original languages.

  38. phillip

    Don,

    I just wanted to share the below with you. This was taken from a commenter on another blog. Thought you might get a kick out of it, even though it is painful to read. The topic of this thread seemed to be the best place to share this. Here we go….

    “The more I know, the more I realize I need to know. But I must also abide in His word to be truly His disciple. Contrary to popular opinion, faith alone cannot save.

    ‘You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone’ (James 2:24).

    We are justified by works, faith alone cannot save. This is anathema to most evangelicals today, because they don’t understand the works that James is talking about. And they think that Paul was talking about ‘all works’ when he wasn’t. James was talking about works of faith, Paul was not. That pretty much sums it up! No one was ever saved by faith alone, grace alone, or by works alone; you need all three.

    ‘Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?’

    Again, James is talking about works of faith, the obedience of faith. Baptism is a work of faith, the obedience of faith, just as much as repentance or any other thing that God commands us to do. But baptism, a complete burial in water, is the point at which a person’s sins are forgiven, and he enters into Christ (Rom. 6:3-7; Acts 2:36-38; Gal. 3: 26-27). And if one is baptized into Christ, he is not ‘in Christ’ until he is baptized into Christ. It is the point at which sins are forgiven, because its the point at which one unites with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, in which the blood was shed. And, it is where the new birth truly happens, when one is raised up out of the watery grave to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-7; Col. 2: 11-13). Funny that Paul was still in his sins right up until he was baptized (Acts 22:16). And many are contradicting Paul when they say that there is more than one baptism today, not so (Eph. 4: 5). One also receives the ‘gift of the Holy Spirit’ in baptism (Acts 2:38). Which I think ties in with the water and the Spirit in (John 3:3-5).

    And yes, you are also right when you said: ‘When we do sin we must confess and be cleansed (1 John 1:1-9). We must abide in Christ. Galatians 5:13-19 Romans 8:12, John 15.’ You are absolutely right, one can lose their salvation if they continue in sin and don’t repent of it and seek forgiveness. Salvation, is conditional on faithfulness. This is how one depends on God’s grace. In fact, how else could grace teach and instruct, except through the word?

    ‘For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age’ (Titus 2:11-12)”

    Don,

    The above is a perfect example of mixing law/works with grace. This is exactly what happens when you put the word of God in a blender and mix it up all together. I mean, where do you even begin?

    Paul, who was God’s chosen vessel to go to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15 (NKJV) Romans 11:13 (NKJV)), clearly says that by believing the gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection, we are saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (NKJV)). Period. Done deal. Put another way, Christ lived the life I couldn’t live and died the death I deserved. God does demand faithfulness, but that was fulfilled thru Christ (Matthew 5:17 (NKJV)). It is Christ’s righteousness that is imputed to us (Romans 4:23-24 (NKJV)). We have none. Not a drop. And the good works we might do, we will receive a reward (1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (NKJV)), but those works contribute nothing towards our salvation.

    Poor thing. But, again, this is a prime example of jumping from the 4 gospels, the writings of Peter, James and the others and blurring them with what Paul wrote to the body of Christ.

    Blessings.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Phillip,
      Yes. This exemplifies the massive confusion throughout all Christendom as a result of not understanding Paul or his ministry, that he was not a 13th apostle but Christ’s special apostle to begin a whole new program: the Church.

  39. John Hebb

    Don, you mention that after the Jerusalem Council there was, essentially one valid Gospel, however you also mention that in Acts 21:17-20 James speaks of believers in the Kingdom Gospel and following the law. How are we to reconcile this. Agreed, 2 Gospels were in operation for a time. The Nation of Israel was cast away in Acts 7 but Individuals could still be saved, since most hadn’t heard of a dispensational change. In Acts 15 the leaders were updated but what if people were still only coming to learn of Christ through Kingdom saints, would God honor their belief.

    1. doctrine Post author

      John,
      The question of the gospel was settled at the Jerusalem Council but Jews who had believed the gospel of the kingdom continued to be under the Mosaic Law and practice it. James was not wrong in what he said in Acts 21. I do not think Israel was cast away in Acts 7. It was certainly an indicator the leadership was still opposed to Christ but all the apostles writings continued to hope that the nation would repent. They thought the Lord would return in their lifetime. The theme of all the Jewish writings, Hebrews, writings of Peter, James, John, and Jude is endurance. Under the gospel of the kingdom one had to endure (in anticipation of the Tribulation) to have eternal life. See Matthew 10.22, 24.13; Revelation 2-3.

  40. phillip

    Doctrine…. “Reconciling or harmonizing them cannot be done without considerable twisting of the Scriptures.”

    Just one such example from “Got Questions”, a Calvinistic leaning website….

    “Some see a difference between Paul (salvation is by faith alone) and James (salvation is by faith plus works). Paul dogmatically says that justification is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), while James appears to be saying that justification is by faith plus works. This apparent problem is answered by examining what exactly James is talking about. James is refuting the belief that a person can have faith without producing any good works (James 2:17-18). James is emphasizing the point that genuine faith in Christ will produce a changed life and good works (James 2:20-26). James is not saying that justification is by faith plus works, but rather that a person who is truly justified by faith will have good works in his/her life. If a person claims to be a believer, but has no good works in his/her life, then he/she likely does not have genuine faith in Christ (James 2:14, 17, 20, 26).

    Paul says the same thing in his writings. The good fruit believers should have in their lives is listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Immediately after telling us that we are saved by faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9), Paul informs us that we were created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). Paul expects just as much of a changed life as James does: ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come’ (2 Corinthians 5:17). James and Paul do not disagree in their teaching regarding salvation. They approach the same subject from different perspectives. Paul simply emphasized that justification is by faith alone while James put emphasis on the fact that genuine faith in Christ produces good works.”

    Got Questions… “James is not saying that justification is by faith plus works….”

    James 2:24 (NKJV)….
    You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only (alone).

    Geez. I guess “Got Questions” assumes you can’t read. Of course, this, coming from a website that can’t tell the Lost what the gospel is.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Philip,
      Yes. If you had told a Jew salvation could be gained by faith alone, he would have told you that you were a heretic. Why Christendom has the idea that salvation has always been by faith alone is beyond me. Not a shred of evidence supports this. Until Paul, Abraham being the exception, it was unknown. Nothing in Jesus’ earthly ministry supports salvation by faith alone. Until one sees that Paul was not a continuation of the Twelve but Christ’s apostle to begin a new program one can never see this. But when one sees this, everything makes sense.

        1. doctrine Post author

          DonnC,
          Jesus in His divinity knew if someone truly believed in Him and could grant forgiveness and eternal life. But we also have Scriptures that state works were required for salvation as well. Since the Scriptures do not contradict one another, we have to compare Scripture with Scripture to reach and understanding. This was my purpose in writing the article. Before Paul, salvation required both faith and works. Works demonstrated faith. That is why Paul wrote about “the obedience of faith” (Romans 1.5, 16.26). Faith is doing whatever God has revealed at the time. Initially, it was offering an animal sacrifice. The requirements of faith have changed over time depending on God’s revelation.

  41. Linds

    Hi Sir,

    Many thanks for your writings. they are eye opening and answering lots of questions and confusion I have had before. one thing I have learned is that, “Grace is a revelation”, until God reveals it to people, they will always have queries. I personally have always felt and known that something was not alright with the teachings that mixes Grace/Faith and law/works etc.

    Thanks for your patience reading and answering our questions and explaining further where necessary.

    This one of mine is out of this topic but please if you don’t mind: what is your take or understanding regarding the so called 5 Christian Crowns to be rewarded to Christians one day after rapture. Just wish to understand this more – please advise which of your other writtings may help me with the crowns issue.

    kindest regards
    Linds, South Africa, Mpumalanga.

  42. NewCreationDave

    WAY too much thinking and analysis here. It’s so much simpler. James is simply saying that works must and WILL flow from true faith. If one has true faith, he/she will do appropriate good works because one (works) inherently, necessarily, absolutely follows the other (true faith). If there are no works, the claimed faith is not true faith. Thus, faith without works is dead (is not actually true faith – it’s not that true faith actually died).

    If I claim to love my wife but I don’t do the various things which flow from and prove a true love for her, then I don’t actually love her.

    Simple. Easy-peasy.

    And no, the bible doesn’t teach works were required for salvation. Works were required to follow the religion of the day. The concept of salvation wasn’t even known.

    1. doctrine Post author

      NewCreationDave,
      Evidently, you did not read the article carefully. Salvation by faith alone was unknown before Paul. If you think it was you have to throw away the entire OT and Gospels. Do you think a Jew could be saved without a blood sacrifice (a work)? Read the article again, especially paying attention to the Scriptures quoted.

      1. NewCreationDave

        Ok, no desire for argument, but you didn’t read my last point. Before Paul’s gospel of salvation, there were simply religious rituals of shadows in obedience to God. Those works, engaged in by essentially the entire OT Jewish population had nothing to do with salvation (not nearly all attained salvation, even though they did the works). James wouldn’t have taught that they were the required means to/works of salvation.

        Those unknown number of OT folks who did achieve salvation did so by faith alone (Gen 15:6, e.g., and many others) – just as do NT saints. Their works, just as with the NT saint, flowed from their true faith, expressed in their trusting obedience to God.

        Moreover, they didn’t even have a clear notion of what “eternal salvation” held out for them – they were merely being obedient in faith. Their salvation was yet to be consummated, and despite the OT prophecies available to them (to those who lived after God provided them), they went to their deaths not fully (or even at all) understanding it.

        Nevertheless, when true faith is present, true works follow (just as Abram/Abraham). Therefore God’s Word states that everything which does not come from faith is sin. The mere doing of works apart from the motivation instilled by faith is useless unto salvation. And the doing of works as a result of true faith still has nothing to do with salvation (never did – not even in the OT economy). Salvation is settled upon faith alone. The works are merely evidence of the presence of true faith.

        James is simply stating an obvious and logical truth: A claim of true faith will be confirmed as legitimate in the doing of appropriate good works. Again, if I claim to love my wife, I will do the things which show that claim to be true. James is not/was not teaching that works are a means to salvation. He is simply stating the reasonable, necessary result of true faith – that works will naturally flow. As he clearly explains, his faith will be shown by his works. It is that faith which saves – the works simply prove the faith. Even Habakkuk (2:4), quoted thrice in the NT, prophetically proclaims this.

        God’s Word cannot contradict itself. The argument that it does not in this case because James was writing to Jews before he and they knew better is specious. James is clearly indicating that good works are an inherent component of true faith. Just as water’s wetness is an inherent characteristic, so are good works to true faith.

        1. doctrine Post author

          NewCreationDave,
          No, I read your point. It is wrong. They understood what salvation was. They expected to be resurrected and live in God’s earthly kingdom. What you have failed to do is to read my article. The verses quoted clearly reveal that both faith and works were required for salvation. Faith and works were enmeshed, like warp and woof. God accepted Able because he offered a blood sacrifice (a work of faith). He rejected Cain’s offering (a work without faith). Faith is obedience, doing whatever God has revealed at the time. We have zero evidence of salvation by faith alone before Paul with the exception of Abraham. This is why Paul had to explain his gospel at the Council of Jerusalem. For Jews, salvation by faith alone was alien. That is why they argued with Paul. They said that to be saved one must be circumcised and keep the Law (works). See my article, The Great Hinge.

  43. Scott W Spears

    You do know that James was referring to Abraham’s faith in God to provide, right?

    Genesis 22:7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? 8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.

    13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.

    That is the faith James was referring to that requires works; as in leading by example; not faith in Jesus Christ for salvation which is without works.

    James was rebuking the church for sharing their faith in God to provide to the poor without meeting their immediate needs of those poor that were about to perish from the element and starvation from the bounty collected at church service. It is the church’s faith in God to provide being issued to the poor that will not profit the poor nor save the poor, seeing the church’s faith is dead without leading by example.

    It is understandable for why many read James verses out of context thinking it applies also to the faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, but no. When reading verse 14, one should do so in context.

    James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

    18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 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. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

    So the church nor man is not justified nor righteous when sharing faith in God to provide to the poor if the church nor that believer cares to lead by example to the poor by meeting the immediate needs of the poor with what God had provided for them.

    It is the church’s faith in God to provide that is dead in the eyes of the poor for why the church’s faith in God to provide to the poor, will not profit the poor nor save the poor from the elements or starvation when the church does not care to lead by example.

    James was never talking about the faith in Jesus Christ for salvation as if needing works, because James was rebuking the church for getting out of helping the poor by callously sharing their faith in God to provide to the poor without meeting the immediate needs of the poor that were perishing.

    Paul testifies to faith in Jesus Christ in salvation which is without works for why believing in Jesus Christ for salvation is the Good News for man.

    Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

    Romans 4:1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Scott,
      James did not write to the Church. James wrote to Jews who believed the gospel of the kingdom. Salvation by faith alone was unknown before Paul (Abraham being the exception). The Twelve knew nothing of Paul’s gospel which is why he had to explain it to them at the Jerusalem Council. For Jews faith and works wore intermeshed. If you had told a Jew he could be saved apart from works he would have regarded you as a heretic (and he would have been right. James’ point was that only by works can men see faith. Works vindicated faith. Unless you understand that what James, Peter, John, and Jude wrote was to Jews and completely different from what Paul wrote to the Church you cannot understand NT theology.

  44. David Conner

    Don,
    As I’ve said several times before in other places on your website, thank you so much for this valuable resource. I keep returning, and rereading and pondering right division, and your gift is of such value to many.

    My question is in regard to the parable found in Luke 18 about the Pharisee and the tax collector. I’m wondering if Jesus use of the word ‘justified’ as it relates to the tax collector is the same as it relates to you and I upon our salvation? Reckoned righteous, declared righteous. Imputed with Christs righteousness. 2Cor. 5:21.
    I realize that the tax collector was under the gospel of the kingdom program, but his words are expressive of one who realizes their sin and looks heavenward for remedy. Just as we look to the cross.
    For example, the tax collector cries out “O Lord, make an atonement for me, a sinner!”. There seems to be all grace, no works, no baptism for the forgiveness of sins, no bring your own lamb, just grace and faith in an atoning sacrifice.

    Someone recently preached a sermon on Justification/salvation by faith alone in Christ alone, and used this text, but I can’t seem to get it to work.
    Thank you

    1. doctrine Post author

      David,
      Thank you. The central point of the Luke 18 story is self-righteousness vs. God’s righteousness. The tax collector recognized his need, his unrighteousness and appealed to God for mercy, unlike the Pharisee who thought his righteousness was sufficient to approach God. We must look at all the Scriptures and it is clear from the other passages that salvation under the gospel of the kingdom required works–keeping the Law, water baptism, forgiveness. Faith and works were interwoven before Paul. Only Paul’s gospel reveals salvation by faith alone in the finished work of Christ. The message you heard is an example of the great confusion in Christendom of mixing God’s prophetic program with His program of the Church, which was a secret (Ephesians 3.1-13).

  45. Tony Hill

    Hi Don, thanks for the article and shedding some light on this topic. Your site has always been a blessing to me! My question is not regarding salvation by faith alone or about the two different gospels (i.e. gospel of the kingdom and gospel of grace), etc; you’ve thoroughly explained this. My question is this: once someone is saved by Paul’s Gospel according to I Corinthians 15:2-5, by faith alone, will this faith then lead to a changed life, or can one possess the “salvation” by faith alone and yet remain the same person as before the salvation? In other words, can an individual possess salvation by faith alone and yet remain as some say ” unregenerate.” Hope that makes sense.

    1. doctrine Post author

      Tony,
      Thank you for your kind words. A truly saved person will exhibit a change. Believers will sin. If serious enough, God will discipline or remove them. This is seen in 1 Corinthians 5 and 11.

  46. Tony Hill

    Don, yes! Your response has put the nail in the coffin! Thank you sir. This is AWESOME. This teaching in this article has opened my eyes to alot. To the point where I’m going to have to alter some of my teachings. I’m truly blessed and I’m truly thankful for you.

  47. Riana Weaver

    Hi Tony

    In light of your recent comments, perhaps you will find the below helpful as I have.

    God has a threefold plan for our lives:

    → SALVATION of our SPIRITS, which as an instantaneous act
    → TRANSFORMATION of our SOULS, which is a process
    → GLORIFICATION of our BODIES, which is an instantaneous act

    Transformation is a lifelong process and a co-operative venture with the Holy Spirit. As believers, we do not stop sinning.

    → SALVATION frees us from the PENALTY of sin
    → TRANSFORMATION frees us from the POWER of sin
    → GLORIFICATION frees us from the PRESENCE of sin

    I think that some of us get stuck because we do not understand the transformation process which results in changed behaviour and is brought upon by the renewal of our minds (through God’s Word + the Holy Spirit). The renewed mind has the traits and values of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    1. Tony

      Hi Riana, thanks so much for your information. This information has been something I’ve been aware of for quite sometime. Don, really summed it up however by confirming that a truly saved person will exhibit a change. Blessings and grace you you

  48. john

    Hi Don I have a question ,,,
    After Acts 15:11 What did Peter preach if the only Gospel was Pauls Gospel did Peter then start preaching the Gospel of the grace of God to the Jews or did he carry on with the gospel of the Kingdom .
    Kind Regards John

    1. doctrine Post author

      John,
      We’re not given any examples but according to what Peter declared in Acts 15.11, only one gospel was valid after the Council of Jerusalem, Paul’s gospel.

  49. Donna

    Don, your website very enlightening to me. After reading the above article I have a questions:
    1) James 1:18 “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” Were First fruits as people known before Paul?
    Also in James 2:24 – “You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.” sums up all of what you have said in your article. Thanks for your work!

    1. doctrine Post author

      Donna,
      Thank you. Christ was the firstfruit in terms of resurrection (1 Corinthians 15.20). Along with Him were those mentioned (Matthew 27) who were resurrected afterwards. See my article, The Resurrection.

  50. Bren

    This is probably not the right place to ask this question but have you written any articles on forgiveness? While listening to some one speak this morning he was explaining vertical and horizontal forgiveness do you know exactly what he means or maybe I should ask would you explain this principle if it is in scripture. Thank you , Bren

    1. doctrine Post author

      Bren,
      No, not in particular. While I do not know what was said, I would speculate that vertical forgiveness is the forgiveness from God while horizontal forgiveness is the forgiveness we exercise towards others.

  51. Tommy

    Great article. Thank you for clearly explaining that James and Paul had different gospels at the time before Acts 15 council. Today so many pastors twist James or Paul’s epistles and it doesn’t work. I know I tried to, but I believe the Holy Spirit was telling me, “no, they don’t go together”. I hope other born-again Christians realize this and hopefully explain this to someone who is not strong in the faith yet. God bless!

  52. DJ

    1) If the Great Commission says to baptize all nations and preach Jesus’ gospel to the Jews to all nations, then why did God contradict himself so soon after with Paul’s new gospel commission?

    2) Do Jewish converts today need to follow Jesus’ or Paul’s gospel?

    Thanks

    1. doctrine Post author

      DJ,
      Jesus gave the great commission to the Twelve, not to the Church, the body of Christ. It was to begin with Jerusalem, then Judea, then Samaria, then the rest of the world (Acts 1.8). It assumed the Jews would repent and then it could spread outward. The problem was that the Jews would not repent. This is why as late as Acts 8.1 the apostles were still in Jerusalem. According to the Abrahamic covenant, all divine Gentile blessing was to come through Israel. This was God’s covenant, prophetic program. But how could God bless Gentiles if the Jews rejected Him? He could not under the covenant program. Therefore, God wishing to bless Gentiles since Christ had solved the problem of sin and death had to create a new program. Hence, Paul. God saved him as apostle of Gentiles and began a new program called the Church, the body of Christ. Paul in essence became proxy Israel (in concert with the Abrahamic covenant) but also outside it, a new program. The ascended Christ revealed to Paul secrets and revelations previously unknown. Paul wrote about these constantly in his letters. God gave Paul the message of salvation of salvation by faith alone. The Jews, the Twelve, knew nothing about this. This is why Paul called his gospel a secret (Ephesians 6.19). As for the second question, see my article, The Great Hinge.

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