The Gospel: The Essentials of Faith--Part 2. (Part 4)

The Essentials of Faith (Part 2)

James 2:17-26 (Are there any contradictions with Romans 4?)

• James is not talking about faith in general but rather a particular kind of faith, v. 17

• James is referencing something he has already mentioned, v. 17 (goes back to v. 14)

• The justification of Abraham is placed at two points that are separated by 30 years: 1) The two separate points are Genesis 15 (James 2:23) and Genesis 22 (James 2:21); 2) The key to James 2:21 is v. 18—“manward”; 3) Genesis 15:5-6—Abraham believed God; 4) Genesis 22—shows he is for real

Principles of faith

1) You can’t believe without something to believe

2) Faith must be preceded with teaching

3) The total value of faith depends on the validity of the content on which it rests

4) Faith is created and sustained by content

5) Faith is an act that is explicitly non-meritorious

6) Faith is the only means of appropriation that harmonizes with grace, Romans 4:16

7) Faith is the only act that eliminates pride, Romans 3:27

8) Faith is that which brings greatest of all blessings, Romans 5:1-2

Man’s Conditions (additions that come from human mentality). These are erroneous:

• We must believe to be saved and in addition repent to be saved (repent means to change your mind).

• To believe means to commit.

• Believe means to make Christ Lord.

Synonyms for faith

• Drinking, John 4:13-14

• Eating, John 6:54

• Believe suggests appropriation (not commitment), Numbers 21:6-9, John 3:14-15