James 2:14

Post by **_PAULESPINO** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 1:14 am

I don't know if the statement of James in James 2:14 is referring to the works of the Holy Spirit or just mere human strength. Because I believe that our faith is created by God we simply accept the faith. And this faith is pointing towards the finished works of Christ therefore there is no way we can boast about this faith.

I'm not sure if the works mentioned by James is the works of the Holy Spirit working in us or our own works but these works are not a saving work but rather a confirmation of our faith.

Through my studies of Steve's verse by verse teaching I learned ( if I understood it correctly )
that he believes that the works mentioned by James is referring to human works as a confirmation or validation of our faith.

But I'm more incline to think that this faith is the works of the Holy Spirit. The only works that we contribute is by humbling ourselves and allowing our heart, mind , soul and spirit to open up for the Holy spirit
so that the Holy Spirit can enter and do his job.

Post by **_Paidion** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 2:13 pm

But I'm more incline to think that this faith is the works of the Holy Spirit. The only works that we contribute is by humbling ourselves and allowing our heart, mind , soul and spirit to open up for the Holy spirit
so that the Holy Spirit can enter and do his job.

If those are the only works we can contribute, then how would you explain the following passage Romans 2:6-10?

For He will render to everyone according to his works.

To those who by perseverance in well-doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, He will give eternal life, but for those who are self-seeking and are not persuaded by the truth, but are persuaded by unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.

Affliction and anguish for every person who does evil, but glory and honour and well-being for every one who does good... for God shows no partiality.

Post by **_PAULESPINO** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 3:12 am

Hi Paidion,

By the way I have read most of your posts and I'm amaze with your knowledge in scripture and greek language.

My thinking is that "maybe" we can interpret the works in this passage as opening up to the Holy Spirit so that the works seen through us is not our own works but rather it is the works of the Holy Spirit in us and we are rewarded by how much we open up for the Holy Spirit.

By the way what about Romans 5:5, It was mentioned that love was poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Therefore if we accept this love by opening up our hearts or by accepting this love then it follows that the works that radiates out from us is actually planted by the Holy Spirit.

Just my thoughts....

Post by **_Paidion** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:14 am

Just my thoughts....

Your thoughts are good, Paul!

Just one major point. I think it is important that we don't think that God does it all Himself. If that were the case, we could just sit back passively, and let God do His work. But the fact that God is going to reward or punish us for our works indicates that we have a part in it. If He did it all, why would He reward or punish us?

I know we can do no good work apart from Christ's enabling grace, but we must co-operate with that grace, or nothing will be done.

Someone put it this way: "God's sovereignty with man's responsibility."

Post by **_PAULESPINO** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 12:15 pm

I understand your point, thanks for the reply Paidion.