Renewing Your Mind Paul vs. James?
8 snips
Oct 31, 2025 
R.C. Sproul, the founder of Ligonier Ministries and a noted theologian, dives into the reconciliation of seemingly contradictory messages in Romans and James regarding justification. He explores how Paul and James address different questions about faith and works, arguing they are not irreconcilable. Sproul emphasizes that genuine faith is evidenced by good works while clarifying that saving faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit. His insights on Abraham's examples and the logical order of salvation make for an intriguing discussion on the depths of Reformed theology.
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The Core Paul–James Tension
- James explicitly writes, "a man is justified by works and not by faith only," creating the surface tension with Paul's teaching.
- R.C. Sproul highlights this as the core textual challenge the Reformers faced.
Same Word, Different Contexts
- Both Paul and James use the same Greek word dikaiosune and cite Abraham as their example, increasing apparent contradiction.
- Sproul notes Paul points to Genesis 15 while James points to Genesis 22, separating contexts.
Justify Can Mean 'Demonstrate'
- The Greek word for justify can mean 'demonstrate' as in Jesus' phrase, "wisdom is justified by her children."
- Sproul uses this to argue James often speaks of vindication or demonstration before men, not forensic acquittal before God.
