The Soteriology of James 2:14 -- By: Gale Z. Heide

Journal: Grace Theological Journal
Volume: GTJ 12:1 (Spring 1991)
Article: The Soteriology of James 2:14
Author: Gale Z. Heide


The Soteriology of James 2:14

Gale Z. Heide

In the contemporary debate concerning salvific essentials, James 2:14 has served as a focal point for discussion. In the following study, the endeavor is made to allow the context of James to provide the key indicators on how saving faith should here be understood. The eternal ramifications of James 2:14 are most evident when the intent of James is discussed as it relates to the audience he has in mind. James is not merely concerned with some type of temporal blessing in 2:14 . Instead, he is burdened over the very eternal existence of some people who are in his pastoral care.

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In times past, the book of James has become the subject of significant debate (such as in the time of Martin Luther), but by and large, it has been passed over in favor of “more theological” or “more important” books with respect to the Christian faith. This is an unfortunate thing to say of any book, and especially of one so close to the pulse of the early church. There has, however, been an awakening of sorts lately as to the vitality of the book of James. Unfortunately, this awakening is largely due to a theological debate in contemporary evangelical circles that centers in part around the interpretation of one particular passage in James, namely James 2:14. This debate is often called, among other things, the “Lordship salvation” controversy. It relates directly to the understanding of the relationship between salvation and sanctification. Within this debate, there are often appeals made to a given understanding of how James views the relationship, or defines the substance, of salvation and sanctification. Underlying many of these appeals are varying assumptions as to the interpretation of certain passages.

Amidst the many references made to the book of James in the debate, specific exegetical explanation is seldom given for the understanding espoused. Instead, the reader is presumed upon to accept the assumptions that underlie the interpretation being set forth. In light of this, the question must be raised whether the assumptions being made in relation to James 2:14 are in fact valid. It is the intention of this

paper to expose such assumptions and critique them in an endeavor to come to a clearer understanding of just what is the author’s intended meaning in this text.

I. Identification of the Problem

The specific issue to be addressed here centers aroun...

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