Faulty Religion

Ironically, as we approach Reformation Day (October 31st), and we remember Martin Luther’s pivotal deeds advancing the Protestant Reformation, we are in the book of James, that at one point Luther questioned its inclusion in the canon of Scripture, and we now consider James 2:14-26, which is frequently considered the controversial passage that scandalized Luther and the teaching that we are justified by faith – not working for our acceptance by God. (See Romans 4.) Like the believers James was addressing, we may have a "faulty religion" – unlike a religion that the Father finds faultless. In James 2, we find that we too fall for a dead faith that is (found) apart from deeds (v. 26). While God credited Abraham’s belief (acceptance and reliance upon God’s promise) as righteousness and called Abraham a friend of (in a resultant, restored, right, relationship with) God (v. 23), we are to show our faith by our deeds (v. 18). As we ponder what James says about people being considered righteous by what they do, we will explore 1) what it means to be "considered righteous" (“justified” in other English translations) and 2) what we "do"(v. 24). The “justified” of verse 24 is a matter of confirmation, validation, vindication, authentication, or demonstration rather than acceptance, satisfaction, or being counted righteous. What we “do” is not just any activity that we think makes us acceptable. Rather, they are “deeds” that, in context, fulfill the royal law (of James 2:8) and “completes” our faith so that it is not “useless.” In the end, hopefully we understand it is not:

❌ Faith = Acceptance

❌ Deeds = Acceptance or 

❌ Faith + Deeds = Acceptance.

Rather (according the Gospel of Jesus):

✅ Faith = Acceptance + Deeds

As Luther explained, we are saved by faith alone, but we are not saved by a faith that is alone.

There is a fellowship meal after the worship service this Sunday, and so we will endeavor to explain all of this expeditiously and succinctly. Nonetheless, we will have a Q&A session after the service, before the fellowship meal starts to answer anything that still is not clear. There will not be Sunday School for adults after the service this Sunday, although the next chapter we discuss (Ch. 5 - “A Church for All Season”) does include concepts of “Learning from the Past” as well “Evangelize with Goodness and Beauty” and would have tied well with this week’s passage. Still, we would love for you to be here for it – any or all of it!