The Rabbi has kickstarted the first OT and NT Colloquium. The issue raised is on the James-Paul debate. Readers of both Rabbi's and my blogs are invited to respond to this issue. Read Rabbi's post here.
Since I am on the road pretty much of this week, I will respond when I am back later this weekend.
2 comments:
Eh, where should I respond ? OT blog or NT blog?? a bit confused. anyway this is my respond: IN my opinion, I think they are complementary. Also, the verses Anthony quoted and their meanings are depended on the context the audiences the author addressing to. In James context, it addressed to Jewish Christians who were dispersed and therefore, he probably wanted to justify and explained further on Paul's justification by faith which most Jewish opposed to, suggested that faith and works are complementary. Faith is an inner belief by trusting on the propositions claimed and works is the expressions of the belief. If works does not match with the faith you believe, James was arguing it's "dead". SInce it's contradicting, then it's hypocrites - might as well be a non Christians who should face eternal death. Paul also mentioned in elsewhere in the Scripture on good works that should be the expressions of justification by faith; esp in Eph2:8-12- Christians are saved by grace not by good works but, out through this belief being saved by grace, they should be doing good works. Also, in Gal 5, the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self control, gentleness...aren't these good works which Paul is expressing out of receiving Spirit by faith??. Also, in Acts 15 - Jerusalem Council, James was in agreeing with Paul and Barnabas that Gentiles should not be bound by the Jewish laws to ascertain their assurance of salvation. So, with this consistency, James and Paul theory on justification by faith and good works are complementary. Btw, isn't an old argument of bible scholars centuries ago ??? U mean, they still arguing now. Tot it resolved already among evangelicals. hee hee!!
Chee Keat,
Thanks for responding. You can respond in both our blogs. I will take this up later - a bit overloaded with stuff since I returned yesterday.
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