What Can I Make the Bible Say? James 2:17

#5: “Thus also faith by itself, if does not have works, is dead,” James 2:17.

At last we will consider perhaps the largest argument works salvationists can bring to bear when doctrinally pleading their case. Granted, there are other verses in the New Testament that can be lifted out of context and isolated to preach works and conditional security, but this is not the point of our study. Rather, our study is to contemplate the topic of works salvation in general, and some of the advocating verses in particular, to determine if this is really what the Bible teaches. James 2:14-26 is one of the strongest passages in Scripture for the misuse of works salvation, but is that what James is teaching?

What Can I Make the Bible Say? Colossians 1:23

#4: “If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister,” Colossians 1:23.

Another verse that seemingly highlights the need for keeping the commandments or “keeping the faith” to retain one’s salvation, in either case the verse used in this light places the responsibility of the believer’s eternal life solely in their own hands. This is of itself flawed reasoning, since we read just before this statement: “For it pleased the Father that in Him [Jesus] all the fullness (of the Godhead, see 2:9) should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him [Jesus], whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of the cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight,” Colossians 1:19-22.

What Can I Make the Bible Say? Romans 2:13

#3: “For not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified,” Romans 2:13.

To consider this verse more thoughtfully, we must draw back as it were to contemplate the first 3 chapters of Romans in a very truncated synopsis. After Paul’s lengthy introduction (1:1-15) he emphasizes the saving nature of the gospel and who the gospel is intended for: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it (the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith,’” Romans 1:16-17; also Habakkuk 2:4.

What Can I Make the Bible Say? Works Salvation Part 2

#2: “So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments,” Matthew 19:17.

This passage has likewise been utilized to teach that works are necessary for salvation, since it comes from the lips of our Lord. The one who approached Him was a wealthy young man, who seemed to have invested interest in the prosperity gospel; that is, the richer one is the more God is blessing him. Christ’s answer contained numerous points worth considering but the main thrust of the message devastated the rich young man. His riches were a hindrance that prevented him from entering God’s kingdom. Why? “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,” 1st Timothy 6:17-18.