James 2:26 - "faith without works is dead"

by leaving_quietly 40 Replies latest watchtower bible

• 

  leaving_quietly

  I was contemplating this verse this morning... what did James mean by "works"? And it hit me like a bolt of lightning.

  Now, WTS would have us believe these "works" are preaching and meetings. However, could that be what James was referring to? No. In fact, in all five chapters of James, not one reference is made to the need to preach. Just the opposite, actually. The very next verse, James 3:1 says, "Not many of YOU should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment."

  So, then, what are these works? Paul made reference to works. At Gal 5:19-21, he described the "works of the flesh". Then, he followed that with the "fruitage of the spirit". The Greek word for "fruitage" is karpos (Strong's 2590) which has the literal definition of fruit, but metaphorically, an effect of a deed or action. One could say, then that the "effect of the spirit" are those things listed.

  To further this a little, James talks about works and fruit in James 3:13-18, which is similar in tone to Pauls words.

  What do you think?
• 

  tec

  I think you have the right of ut.

  For one, faith without works (love)... is dead. Because they go hand in hand. If you have faith in Christ, you also love Him. If you love Him, then you will do as He taught... and you will also love those He loves.

  Works include things such as forgiveness, showing mercy, not judging, giving to the poor, kindness and compassion toward others. Doing the things that Christ taught.

  But each person does according to what has been given to him, and according to his abilities. There is to be no comparing oneself to others. God doesn't work that way. He looks at the person, according to what they are capable. If it is love, then give love to others freely and with joy. If it is forgiveness, then forgive freely and with joy. If it is compassion, then do so. If it is healing, then do so freely with joy. Etc, etc.

  Peace to you,

  tammy
• 

  Pterist

  Works OF salvation NOT works FOR salvation. .!!!!

  The WBTS have a works FOR salvation system, based on performance and adherence to a legalistic code for preaching, dress, grooming and virtually every aspect of life.......

  Works of salvation come from a changed heart that produce the attitude of kindness, and all that you mentioned as fruit of the spirit that guide us in our spirit filled life. This proves we are in a saved state, the fruits are seen in ones life and direct people to Christ, that caused that change.... NOT a living advertisement in a suit that direct people to a church or an organisation.

  Shalom
• 

  wolfman85

  We can have an idea of some of those works.

  James 2:15-18

  New International Version (NIV)

  15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
• 

  Farkel

  This matter is easily resolved once you understand that the Bible doesn't mean what it actually says, but it means what it doesn't say.

  You see, "Jehovah" wanted a book that would clearly tell us what we need to do to please Him, so "Jehovah" gave us a book that we should not ever do what it actually says we should do. Once you understand that, the Bible is simple to understand.

  Bible: "works" = helping those less privileged, the sick, the widows, the old and the orphans.

  WTS: "works" = buy books and give us the money and then sell those books and give us the money.

  Hope that helps.

  Farkel
• 

  transhuman68

  You see, "Jehovah" wanted a book that would clearly tell us what we need to do to please Him, so "Jehovah" gave us a book that we should not ever do what it actually says we should do.

  LOL, true. Watchtower printed 'Commentary on the letter of James' in 1979, but in the book they completely ignore what James actually said; and instead comment on verses from other parts of the Bible. Like all WTS books, it's all about reinforcing existing doctrine, rather than focusing on the subject of the book.
• 

  Pickler

  Oh leaving........What are you doing reading the bible without the WTBTS there to guide you?

  The WTBTS loves you so much, that it even tells you what question to ask...... and you've already read the answer in the paragraph!

  See...so much more relaxing!
• 

  mP

  What qualifies as work ? For some people $5 to the salvation army once a year might qualify as works. Im not saying thats me, but you need to be a bit more specific when writing guidelines that are taken as law. Its a bit like drive safely, for a drunk driver, hes perfectly fine while for everyone else hes not. You cant let people assume how they want to apply any law or statement, there must be specifics.
• 

  FingersCrossed

  Marking
• 

  leaving_quietly

  Pickler

  Oh leaving........What are you doing reading the bible without the WTBTS there to guide you?

  LOL!