The main thing is a shambles, that is the aim of those who would like to distract people from the essence of the Gospel and lead them astray. The apostle James is also the focus. He didn’t understand Jesus’ message at all.
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Distraction from the essentials
As if there wasn’t enough confusion surrounding the gospel, it doesn’t seem to be enough. New theses and focuses are constantly emerging that only serve to distract people from the core message. Just like the first words of Jesus Christ at the beginning of His work of salvation after His baptism, “Repent!” was, this also applies today. Repentance of what? Of the sins committed. But even sin was simply redefined, and of all things, by the (formerly) Protestant churches (Info).
Some wild theories
There is actually an uproar over the name “Jesus.” According to these theories, this is completely wrong, inappropriate, even blasphemous. In Hebrew He was called “Yashua.” There are even derivations from the pagan “god” Zeus of the Greeks, which is believed to be the origin of the name “Jesus”. Such and similar nonsense is doing the rounds. It was the authors of the New Testament themselves, i.e. Luke, Matthew, John, Mark, Paul, etc., who wrote their eyewitness reports, sometimes even as companions of Jesus Christ, in Greek and used the name “Iesous”.
As if this actually matters. But it’s just suitable for discussions about nothing, so that people get caught up in this kind of nonsense instead of doing what they’re asked to do. Repent, confess to Jesus Christ and let yourself be transformed by Him or by the Holy Spirit in order to be able to do God’s will.
Then Paul is at the center of the attacks. Questions arise about whether one followed Jesus or Paul. As if both of them and their messages were opposite each other. Here too, the motive is clear. Paul speaks a lot about the law and righteousness of God. Of course, that shouldn’t happen in this day and age of the “cuddle gospel”. Love yes, justice no.
A loving God does not punish and that is why everyone will end up in the kingdom of heaven, so the claim goes. Of course, Paul’s messages get in the way here. The laws (10 commandments) of God are eternally valid, just as God’s justice is unchangeable for all time (Info).
Jakobus also a target
To top it off, Jakobus is now also the focus of the attacks. He did not understand the gospel, such a bold claim. James is even referred to as “Jesus’ brother”. All Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16), but James was simply too stupid to understand the gospel. This is spread by people who call themselves pastors. Paul and James tell opposite statements according to their teachings. One is righteousness by faith and the other is righteousness by works.
Whether such claims are a cherished error or intentional misleading remains to be seen. However, it is clear that Paul and James do not contradict each other. Both simply place a different emphasis on the same connection.
Supposed contradictions
According to Paul, no one becomes righteous through works or observance of the law. That’s right. According to James, no one is justified by faith alone, but by works. Standing alone, it actually looks contradictory at first glance. But it’s not if you just look at the context.
The Bible is crystal clear here
In addition, good works performed through faith do not come from human power, but through Jesus Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ accomplishes this work in the believing person, but only if the faith is true. The following Bible verses describe it very precisely:
Colossians 1:29:
“Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.”
Ephesians 3:7:
“Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.”
Ephesians 3:20:
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,“
Galatians 5:6:
“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.“
Philippians 2:13:
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.“
Once these facts are taken into account, the supposed contradiction between the statements of Paul and James completely disappears.
Completely unnecessary
Therefore, such discussions about the correct pronunciation of our Savior’s name, supposed contradictions between the teachings of Jesus and the teachings of Paul, and the obtuseness attributed to James are as superfluous as goiter. Anyone who puts forward such theses has a real problem with faith. They may call themselves Christians, but they lack conviction.
Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2 Timothy 3:5
Bible verses from King James Version (1611)
