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Theology: What James Says About Faith and Love
What James Says about Faith and Love: Theology
The Working of Faith and Love according to James
The Gospels teach that one is granted the gift of eternal life as long as they believe in Jesus Christ (John 3: 16; 6: 47; 5: 24). In other words, belief in Christ (faith) is the only requirement for a Christian to inherit God's heavenly kingdom. James 2, however, puts forth a different perspective -- that we are not justified by faith alone; rather, our faith has to be accompanied by deeds, and good deeds are driven by love (Wilkin, 2002).
In James 2: 14, James questions, "what does it profit brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?" The context of James is focused on judgment -- the author mentions in chapter 2 that people will be judged by the law of liberty, and this judgment will not show mercy to those who have not shown mercy (2: 12). This passage puts into perspective the fact that Christians will face judgment based on their works. When they stand before the judgment seat, although...
James, therefore, posits that before God's seat of judgment, faith alone will not profit. Faith earns one a place in heaven; but it is one's deeds that earn them a reward in heaven. Thus, if all one has is faith in Christ, their faith will get them into heaven; but their faith alone will not save them the reward that would have been theirs in heaven. If one, therefore, expresses their belief in Christ but still continues to sin through their deeds, they lose their heavenly reward and will be disinherited at the seat of judgment (Wilkin, 2002).
James' message in chapter 2, therefore, is that faith and works must go hand-in-hand in order for one to inherit the reward stored for them in heaven. Works, as we all know, are driven by love -- love for God, love for self, love for others. If we love others, we would shun from doing things that cause them harm. Moreover, if we love God, we would not be willing to hurt others, who…
References
Wilkin, R. N. (2002). Another View of Faith and Works in James 2. Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society, 15(29), 3-21.
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