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(1) INTRODUCTION
This is the continuity of “Jesus is my friend – Part 1”.
Part 1, reveals only those who are abiding by God’s commands are deemed to be His friends. Jesus set a condition by saying that “You are my friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you to do (John 15:14)”. “Jesus is my friend – Part 1” can be read here.
(2) SCRIPTURE FOR PART 2
In this part 2, it is good to examine the second supporting verse on James 2:20-24;
| (AMP) 20 Are you willing to be shown [proof], you foolish (unproductive, spiritually deficient) fellow, that faith apart from [good] works is inactive and ineffective and worthless? 21 Was not our forefather Abraham [shown to be] justified (made acceptable to God) by [his] works when he brought to the altar as an offering his [own] son Isaac? 22 You see that [his] faith was cooperating with his works, and [his] faith was completed and reached its supreme expression [when he implemented it] by [good] works. 23 And [so] the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed in (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on) God, and this was accounted to him as righteousness (as conformity to God’s will in thought and deed), and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a man is justified (pronounced righteous before God) through what he does and not alone through faith [through works of obedience as well as by what he believes]. (James 2:20-24) |
Many famous teachings are jumping into verse 23. They are very quick to say that “Abraham believed in God, and was credited as righteousness and was called as God’s friend”.
(3) PARAPHRASING
However, that is paraphrasing a verse until paralyzing. That teaching is not aligned with the Book of James, Romans 4, and the Book of Genesis.
Many famous theologists cannot accept the Book of James. They only identify themselves with the Book of Romans. They believe that James is written for Jewish believers. While Paul is called to be an apostle for gentile believers. According to this teaching, the Book of James is only benefiting Gentile believers as a guide, and it is not scriptural applying to Gentile believers.
(4) QUESTIONS
Before agreeing with their theologies, believers need to ask:-
# Is there more than one gospel being preached by Jesus?
# Is there one gospel for Gentle and the other for Jewish? This means the gospel for Gentiles is “Saved by grace through faith. Nothing by work”. Whereas the gospel for Jewish is “Saved by faith and by works”.
The answer is obvious. There is only one gospel.
Thus, it is invalid to say that Paul is preaching a gospel by faith alone (without works). Whereas, James is teaching another gospel for Jewish that requires faith with work. In verse 20, James asks an open question:-
# Do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless (NIV)”?
After asking that question, he gives his answer in verse 21. In a nutshell, he cites that surrendering Isaac on the altar is a kind of work. Until then, Abraham is being justified, made acceptable to God by surrendering Isaac (verse 21)
(5) FAITH & ACTION
This is what it means faith that goes hand in hand with works, according to Apostle James (verse 22). The AMPC is using the word that Abraham’s faith is completed, and implemented by his works (vs. 22). It is not by empty lip service alone. Of course, modern teaching is saying that believers’ identity is found in Christ alone. They call this “Right Standing” in Christ. Besides, “Works” becomes self-effort to those modern teachers. But these are not aligned with biblical truth. Believers are justified not by faith alone. It requires works of obedience to what they are believing in, held on (verse 24).
Bear in mind that verse 23 is sandwiched between verses 20-22 and vs. 24. All these verses are talking about “Faith with works”. Thus, it is incorrect to a sermon on verse 23 independently. Perhaps, it is good to look into the original context of the Book of Genesis.
| Genesis 15:5-6 AMP 5 And He brought him outside [his tent into the starlight] and said, Look now toward the heavens and count the stars—if you are able to number them. Then He said to him, So shall your descendants be. 6 And he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God). (Genesis 15:5-6) |
| Genesis 22:15-17 AMP 15 The Angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 And said, I have sworn by Myself, says the Lord, that since you have done this and have not withheld [from Me] or begrudged [giving Me] your son, your only son, 17 In blessing I will bless you and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore. And your Seed (Heir) will possess the gate of His enemies, (Genesis 22:15-17) |
(6) CERTAINTY
By putting Genesis 15 and 22 side by side, the truth is revealed. And this is what James is referring to. God points at the sky and promises those stars as Abram’s descendants in Genesis 15:5.
When Abram believes in God, he is being credited as righteous or “Right standing” with God. However, it is only when Abraham surrenders his Isaac, that the promise of God is made certain in Genesis 22:17 which says: “… I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heavens and like the sand on the seashore…)
Notice both Genesis 15:5 and Genesis 22:17 are referring to the same promise:- “Abraham’s descents are like Star in the heaven, for he has not withheld his son (Genesis 22:16-17)”
(7) CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it is one thing for God to promise but it is another thing to ascertain. God’s promise has to be fulfilled with confirmation. Yes, God credits Abram with “Righteousness or Right standing”. But Abramhim holds onto that promise for a long period of time. And eventually, that promise is being fulfilled with work.
With all these, it proves that NOT every Christian will be called God’s friend. Only those faiths are accompanied by the right actions. Right standing with God is just the beginning. It has to be fulfilled with “Right doing”.
True believers will bear much fruit or produce works (John 15:8). There is a difference between believers and the disciples of Christ. Amenbible
CONTINUE READING:
Jesus Is My Friend – Part 1
TOP POSTS:-
AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD
SEE JESUS: (1 CORINTHIANS 10)
END TIMES:- THE BOOK OF LIFE OPENS
ARISE, SHINE
CAST YOUR NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE
