I use to think the big lie...er heresy was “Bible Alone” but no, it’s
“Faith Alone.”
Non-Catholic Christians believe “Faith Alone” does everything, there is no cooperation on our part. Messes them up on all matters of faith.
James 2:24
Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only?
Funny it seems Catholics think they are saved by faith in Rome alone.
Sola Ecclesia Romanus Only the Church of Rome is the Rule of Faith
.Given the choice I will place my faith were the Bible tells me..Jesus Christ
Now perhaps, if you can rightly divide the word of God you might want to look at James again
If one believes he is saved or damned by his works , then one comforts oneself with the idea that "I am not as bad as my neighbor"
The Bible tells us "ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." That is the inspired word of God . It does not say that some have fallen short and some are "close"
May I quote James to you?
Jam 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one [point], he is guilty of all.
So the thief is also a murder in Gods eyes.
No where does Jesus say or imply that one is saved by works.
The book of James was written to a converted church , not heathens seeking salvation . It tells them how their conversion is seen by the unsaved world . It is not about becoming saved or being saved. It is about the fruit of your salvation.
Jam 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jam 2:18 Yea, a man may say,/B> Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
This is an amplification of the teaching of Jesus that we know a tree by the fruit it bears. It is how we know the saved from the unsaved. It does not declare that the man has faith ...but that he SAYS he has faith.
This addresses a hollow profession of faith , not a saving one
.Can a hollow profession save him? NO, any more than works can save.This scripture says to the church that this faith is non existent , it is dead.
The bible is clear that it is God that gives the faith and it is God that ordains the works of the saved
Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Hbr 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Phl 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.