No, you are right, He doesn’t. He says that those who are saved will be rewarded for the things they have done for Him as indicated in Romans 2.
Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
How faithful was that person in believing? Did they ever falter. Of course he also told us that those who dedicate their lives to helping others and teaching others would be rewarded for that service and faithfulness to the needs of His “little children”.
>>in James 2:24— where it is rejected as a description of how we are justified<<
Ok, let’s look at James 2 but let’s include the previous verses and our understanding of what the description of what works was meant.
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Here they are asking about being justified by works, thinking that works meant some action of doing something. 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?Here they are asking if it was the works (Abraham physically taking his son to sacrifice him) that made Abrahams faith perfect. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.In this verse we get the answer to that question. It says that “Abraham believed God”. It was the belief that justified the faith. Abrahams belief was so strong and true that he acted but it wasn’t the action that justified, it was the belief. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.Now from this verse we can begin to understand the following verses from John 6. “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:28-29
Now you can put the two passages into better perspective. Jesus explained that the “works” God was talking about was a strong belief that would generate action. It isn’t the action that is rewarded but the belief that cause the action.
Now we can go back up to the top and understand that Jesus said the reward will be for the deeds that were because of belief but it was the belief that justified.
I pray this helps.
Another excellent analysis in which you have correctly used scripture to interpret scripture, instead of using your human interpretations as many are apt to do.
God Bless
But how do we know the belief, the faith is true?
By works.
What would have happened if all the Apostles and disciples decided that since they were saved, all the need do is sit back and wait for Christ to come back and get them?
No, the had to do works. They had to do something. Their faith was not just belief but action.
Both/And
But how do we know the belief, the faith is true?
By works.
What would have happened if all the Apostles and disciples decided that since they were saved, all they need do is sit back and wait for Christ to come back and get them?
No, they had to do works. They had to do something. Their faith was not just belief but action.
Both/And