The Dilemma (James 2:26)

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By what are we saved? Is it faith or works? For centuries, this debate has echoed through the halls of the church, with many followers of Jesus Christ landing all across the spectrum. Is the reality of this question too deep for simple believers to understand? Can something that has split denominations, torn apart congregations, and separated believers for thousands of years not be resolved? Could Scripture not provide a clear and concise answer to this question for the millions of believers who seek to worship God every day?

The answer is assuredly, YES! The Scriptures are incredibly clear on this issue, and the context surrounding this apparent contradiction shows the answer to be readily available. The fact is, both Paul and James, whose writings unwittingly put these two saints at the center of this controversy, based their theology on the same account of faith. Both understood that faith and good works play an integral part in the salvation and sanctification of the believer on this side of heaven, and both left clear evidence in their writings that they were in full agreement. The result is a beautiful and robust view of the salvation and sanctification process that God brings His children through.

With faith as the active movement of the heart and works as the evidence of the seal of the Holy Spirit, it is clearly seen from the Scriptures that no contradiction existed between these two men. Follow along with us as we dive into the context surrounding this supposed disagreement to gain a more complete understanding of the intense complexity of God’s salvation and sanctification plan for His children.

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