Year of the Bible: Part Eleven of TwelveSýnishorn

Legalism, License, or Liberty?

This passage definitely pushes people's buttons. With just a surface reading, many may conclude that James contradicts Paul, who stated that faith alone leads to salvation. But, as Dr. Tony Evans explains, "James and Paul aren't speaking about the same thing. Paul is talking about how a sinner becomes a saint. James is talking about how a saint brings heaven to earth." We cannot earn our salvation; it is given by grace alone through faith. However, our sanctification requires that our faith express itself by doing good works.

We must remember that James wrote to Jews historically driven by legalism. Paul wrote to Gentiles who were prone to license. Legalism says we are not free to sin; therefore, we are saved by works. License says we are free to sin; therefore, we are saved without works. But God offers liberty. Liberty says that I am free not to sin; therefore, I am saved for works. I get to do things for God's glory without keeping score or competing for status. Here's the bottom line: we need both James and Paul to help us get this Christian living thing right.

The words translated as "works" have several meanings, and James gave a couple of examples to show us where he was coming from. Abraham was prepared to risk everything by sacrificing Isaac because God told him to do it. He demonstrated his faith with action. He believed in God, had a relationship with Him, and took action to show his devotion.

Similarly, Rahab believed in the God of the Jews, and because she believed He was the one true God, she acted by hiding the spies. Her faith-driven action eventually led to her being named in the lineage of Jesus.

From these examples, David Pawson summarizes that faith is not something you profess. You have got to act. Faith is not just reciting or accepting the truth of God's word; faith means acting on God's word.

Salvation comes by faith alone, and the subsequent actions lead a doubting world to believe Jesus is real and can save them too.

Question: Have you been legalistic or given yourself license to sin, or do you walk in true liberty?

Prayer: Ask God to show you some actions you can take today that give evidence to your faith and help others be drawn to Him.