James v. Paul: Works v. Faith, alone?

James teaches that saving faith, once established by faith in Jesus as Messiah, will demonstrate its legitimacy through the production of divine fruit that is produced via obedience to the indwelling Holy Spirit gifted to all who believe that Jesus is Messiah (Ephesians 1:13-14; John 15:8; Galatians 5:16-23). New Covenant Relationship with the Father through faith in Jesus as Messiah is established first, works or the production of divine fruit that follows divine relationship verifies the legitimacy of one’s faith.

Paul via the Spirit’s inspiration, teaches that salvation, righteousness, or a right standing with the Father, are NOT acquired through works or human effort but by faith alone (Romans 4:4-5). Paul is NOT suggesting that obedience or works that follow salvation are irrelevant but that relationship through faith must be established first then the works done through the Spirit will follow.

No one is saved from the 2nd death in Hell by works or self righteous efforts to please the Father (Galatians 2:16); only the imputed, gifted, righteousness of Jesus over your life by faith in Him as your Messiah will allow you to enter into New Covenant forgiveness with the Father (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 14:6; Hebrews 8:12).

Jesus provides an example,

Jesus emphasized the divine relevance of “relationship” with the Father through faith in the Son, FIRST, in Matthew 7:21-23. The works of those condemned in Jesus’ teaching were not evil but the honorable works were rejected and the workers condemned because the workers had not first established “New Covenant” relationship with the Father by faith in the Son. The works done were done through human effort, the flesh, and were therefore rejected as a filthy garment (Isaiah 64:6). Jesus likewise responded “Depart from me you workers of iniquity, I never knew you.” Our works are meaningless lest we are members of the Father’s family first through faith in the Son, Jesus our Messiah!