This was a very enjoyable read. Thank you for taking the time, and doing the research, to put it together! Something I think we(Christians) take for granted is church history itself. We have the unique advantage of seeing what the church fathers toiled over to give us the most precise(and concise) version of Scripture possible. It's a gift really to have their findings at our finger-tips. Second only to the actual readilly availble Word itself.
I do have a question: you mentioned James 2 and the workless-faith argument. What would you say about those who hold the idea that James 2 is not strictly saying that faith alone cannot save, but rather our works are evidence of our saving faith? Just curious.
To me, I think works are evidence of saving faith, while they don't save us, they show the transformative work of Christ through the Spirit in our lives.
Regarding the perceived contradiction between Matthew 5 and Romans 8, I think reading Romans 7 should help those confused understand how the two chapters actually complement rather than contradict each other. The problem isn't God's law but sin. Without the former, the latter cannot be defined nor punished. This, however, means that we are condemned by the Law of God unless we repent of our sins and turn to Christ.
Did our Savior abolish His Father's law through His death on the cross contra what He is recorded as saying during His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17-19)? No, but He did resolve its condemning capacity toward those who follow Him (Romans 8:1-2) "in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:4, ESV).
This is a fantastic essay, brother!
Appreciate it bro!
What a wonderfully thoughtful and excellent read!
Thanks Daniella!
This was a very enjoyable read. Thank you for taking the time, and doing the research, to put it together! Something I think we(Christians) take for granted is church history itself. We have the unique advantage of seeing what the church fathers toiled over to give us the most precise(and concise) version of Scripture possible. It's a gift really to have their findings at our finger-tips. Second only to the actual readilly availble Word itself.
I do have a question: you mentioned James 2 and the workless-faith argument. What would you say about those who hold the idea that James 2 is not strictly saying that faith alone cannot save, but rather our works are evidence of our saving faith? Just curious.
Thank you!
To me, I think works are evidence of saving faith, while they don't save us, they show the transformative work of Christ through the Spirit in our lives.
Agreed. Thank you for taking time to reply. Enjoy your Lord's day.
Regarding the perceived contradiction between Matthew 5 and Romans 8, I think reading Romans 7 should help those confused understand how the two chapters actually complement rather than contradict each other. The problem isn't God's law but sin. Without the former, the latter cannot be defined nor punished. This, however, means that we are condemned by the Law of God unless we repent of our sins and turn to Christ.
Did our Savior abolish His Father's law through His death on the cross contra what He is recorded as saying during His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17-19)? No, but He did resolve its condemning capacity toward those who follow Him (Romans 8:1-2) "in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit" (Romans 8:4, ESV).
Thanks for adding to the conversation.