Well said
(media.greatawakening.win)
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What does faith without works being dead mean?
That's nowhere near as unequivocal a statement as something like Romans 10:9 or Ephesians 2:8-9
read james ch 2:13-17. james isn't talking about washing away sin (salvation). the word in v14 for saved is greek "sozo". it means, "healed, delivered, protected, preserved, made whole, kept safe and sound". verse 15-16 clarifies, james is referring to physical destitution, infirmity, poverty. specifically calling out believers for not engaging the poor and the destitute - by faith - and changing the poverty stricken people. you first believe what God says, then faith comes and compels you to act on what you believe. Faith comes before works. You believe, build faith (get saved earlier by being born again) then the holy spirit works in you to do things. The things you do are often works as seen in v15. James is calling out those who sit on their butt, he's wondering what's wrong with them, faith doesnt seem to be driving them forward. The kingdom of God is attained by those who are born again (jn 3:3). Rom10:9 is initiation, Believe jesus was raised from the dead for the purpose stated in Rom 6:7, but do Rom 6:4-6. I can't tell you what a train wreck the sinners prayer is (based solely on Rom 10:9) 90% who do that shortly walk away. They say the phrase.. feel good for awhile, fall back into sin, get discouraged and walk away. Sin wasn't dealt with and... no works due to their growing faith. reconcile these verses together. many denominations mess them up and don't achieve the best outcomes.
Thank you for the detailed response.
I fully agree that works are important, and don't like the "sin doesn't matter since you're saved!" junk. It's lukewarm and doesn't really show any connection to God outside of a stated belief. But I do believe salvation is through faith alone.
Your explanation is pretty much my understanding of it.