How do you reconcile it with James in a plain and understandable way though? I don't think it's clear that James is meant only for the eyes of men. It talks about Abraham justifying himself to God through both his works and faith.
See 1 John 2:4 "Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person" - while keeping in mind that Christ will not recognize those who do not do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21)
I don't think it's too plain, but you are onto something. The way I view it is that, for 99.999% of people with true faith, they will do works. There are a small minority who, because of their calling or situation, do no works, and are justified because they have true faith. The good thief who Christ brought to Paradise certainly didn't have any chance left to do any redemptive works, as an example, and that's the kind of person I see being discussed in Romans 4:5.
Works without faith mean little. But I still think it's reasonable to argue that a willingness/desire to do works (even limited ones, like avoiding sin) is necessary if one has true faith.
Demons believe in God. They obviously think He is real and has power over them, and that Christ is the Son. But we would not say they have faith. People who blaspheme the Holy Spirit despite understanding and believing are not forgiven, even though they understand and believe - a life without blaspheming the Spirit is at least one "work" we must carry out to be saved, no?
chud /
npub1sf…wqsud
2024-01-03 08:11:17
in reply to nevent1q…n24m
Author Public Key
npub1sfh228z7nwm24emy66nn944la272rdn5jm77tlmusds5j7xc97qsqwqsudPublished at
2024-01-03 08:11:17Event JSON
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