Hey Andy, the Bible says “You’re saved by faith, not by your works” (Eph 2:8,9) and “Faith without works is dead” (Jas 2:26). How are these 2 “works” different?
Hi, yes, Paul is correct in the Ephesians text, for we are saved by faith, not by works.
Evangelism, Representation, Witness
However, in order to understand the James text, you need to understand that James’ target audience was Christians who were idle in their faith, for many believed that since Christ was returning soon, there was no need to express nor represent their faith in their actions (evangelism, representation, witness, etc.). Many also didn’t behave as ones who were transformed by the Holy Spirit, so James was addressing their need to do so. That’s why he talks about the need for works. Now, he’s not suggestion that one’s saved by works, but that if you truly are saved, and have truly turned your life over to Christ, then it should automatically show in your behaviors. If it doesn’t, then one could wonder.
All You Can Do Is Look At Them and Wonder, “Huh”?
It’s sort of like many today who claim to be Christians, but have nothing to do with Him, nor show it in their actions, nor thoughts. All you can do is look at them and wonder, “huh?” I mean, they don’t act like Christ, they don’t talk like Christ, they don’t think like Christ…it’s like Gandhi’s quote, “I like your Christ. I don’t like your Christians, for they’re nothing like your Christ.” You know? So what sort of image are they giving off by behaving like non-believers? ‘No wonder so many people want nothing to do with Jesus – His followers don’t show any sign of even knowing Him.’ And that’s what James was addressing.
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