debate on justification

[Theja]

In Galatians Paul is correcting the influence of the Judaizers who are trying to bring the believers in strict conformity with the law (3:1-9; 5:1-6, etc). Paul's reply is that by faith in Christ alone salvation can be found. No one is above the law, but a person in Christ is free from the law. Of course, the law shows me what sin is, such as adultery, lies, covetiousness, theft, murder, etc.

I am free as a result of my faith in Christ. Period. Salvation.

My position in Christ, or my faith, should result in godly living and caring for the needy.

Now a believer does not live in a vacuum, or limbo. Christ took my sins upon Him, so He demands of me not to live in sin. This is where the Christian living and good works begins. I am to live a holy life in the Spirit (5:16-25). I am to do good works (6:6-10).

A Christian can live in ignorance, indifference, or carelessness. We still live in the flesh. Many Christians then, just like today, were prone to error and wrong lifestyle, which was what James addressed. His message in summary is this: if you are a Christian, then LIVE LIKE ONE.

The dying thief on the cross did not get the opportunity to do good works (Luke 23:42-43); but for the Christians who are alive on earth, they need to live practical lives. And the book of James is an excellent one to prod us in this. Be the salt and the light of the world.

[Fear_nam_Beanntan]

Originally posted by Theja
In Galatians Paul is dealing with legalist --- law plus Christ = Salvation. Paul says NO WAY: salvation is in Christ alone.

He never says faith alone, he says "faith, working through love." (5:6) (cf. Gal 6:7-9)

Originally posted by Theja
In James, the writer is dealing with gnostics and antinomians --- head knowledge unrelated to godly living (ngostic) or now you can live footloose and fancy free (antinomian).

What could possibly lead you to believe that James was dealing with Gnostics and Antinomians? It is clear throughout the entire letter that he is spealking to fellow Christians.

Originally posted by Theja
Don't dare to insult the finished work of Christ by offering to WORK FOR your salvation.

Don't dare to insult God by claiming that He punished Christ for your sins, and therefore will impute Christ's rightousness to your account, declaring you rightouss before actually making you so.

[Fear_nam_Beanntan]

"Essentially, Protestantism and Catholicism are bound by the same principle: God cannot accept sinful people into heaven. Catholicism answers the problem by saying that all sin and its punishment, whether in Baptism, Confession, or in Purgatory, will be erased from the individual and will be replaced with grace so that he can enter heaven as a pure, undefiled individual (cf. Revelation 21:27). Protestants answer it by saying that Christ imputes righteousness, legally, not substantively, so that the individual can stand before God with a legal label that says "I am justified," and which God will accept, even though God knows the person is still a dirty rotten sinner inside."

Robert Sungenis