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The Book of James: An 'Epistle of Straw'?

Martin Luther, founder of the Protestant Reformation, referred to the book of James as an "epistle of straw." Frustrated by religious leaders who claimed this book supported their mistaken ideas that people could buy their salvation through monetary gifts to the church, Luther uttered his ill-advised phrase. Consumed in the debate, he went beyond a proper understanding of the Scriptures and dismissed James's statements that works are a necessary evidence of faith.
Many people today misapply Luther's words, not understanding the circumstances behind them. Martin Luther's life was one of dedication and chaste behavior. But his zealous words and arguments are sometimes taken out of historical context to excuse undisciplined lifestyles.
Jesus Christ expects actions -- worksñfrom us: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).
At the same time Jesus is also described as our merciful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17). Works and grace go together. James, a younger half brother of Jesus, wrote his epistle in harmony with Jesus' teachings and instructions. He not only wrote about works (James 2:14-26) but addressed grace (James 4:6) and Christ's "compassionate and merciful" nature (James 5:11).
The Bible is consistent and plain in its teaching that salvation is a gift from God. But, even though it is a gift, something we cannot earn, we are expected to obey God if we are to receive that gift.
Paul wrote, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith," and we are "created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:8, New International Version). James summarized this concept simply and concisely, telling us that "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20).

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Table of Contents that includes "The Book of James: An 'Epistle of Straw'?"

Luther, Martin:

• Changes in Christian Scholars' Perspective on God's Law

• Did Jesus Really Die and Live Again?
• Jesus' Family Connections
• Profiles of Faith: James: Half Brother of Jesus
• Surprising Archaeological Find: Proof of Jesus' Existence?

• The Working Energy of Faith
• What Is Faith?
• In-Depth Answers to Crucial Questions
• What Does God Require for Eternal Life?

• Circumcision vs. a 'New Creation' in Christ
• How Paul Put the Law on 'Firmer Footing'
• Rightly Understanding 'Justification' and 'Righteousness'
• Grace, Works and Obedience
• Grace, Faith and Law
• God's Grace and Forgiveness

• How Does Justification Relate to Salvation?
• The Mission and Responsibility of the Church
• The Church of God Today
• Are Some Tortured Forever in a Lake of Fire?
• Growing in Faith
• Promises to Abraham
• The Gospel of Jesus Christ: Salvation in the Kingdom
• How You Can Enter the Kingdom
• Partaking of the Divine Nature
• Grace: How God Interacts With Us
• The Meaning of the Name 'Jesus Christ'
• The Wave-Sheaf Offering
• The Hope of Glory
• Are You Putting Off Your Salvation?
• Questions and Answers - May/Jun 2005

• We Read to Know We Are Not Alone
• Your Date With Destiny: Meeting the Real Jesus
• Jesus' Teaching on God's Law
• Jesus Christ: The Real Story - Introduction
• The Messiah's Misunderstood Mission
• What Did Paul Mean by 'Christ Is the End of the Law'?
• A New Covenant for Transforming the Heart
• Confusion Over Legalism: What It Is and Isn't
• The 'New' Part of Jesus Christ's 'New Commandment'
• Jesus' Teaching on God's Law
• Follow Jesus Christ's Example of Commandment Keeping
• The Word of God
• The Good News of the Kingdom of God
• The Feast of Unleavened Bread: The Lesson of Leaving Sin
• Lazarus and the Rich man: Proof of Heaven and Hell?
• Was God's Law Abolished in the New Testament?
• Truth as a Way of Life
• Chapter 1: Preaching the Gospel
• This is the United Church of God
• Daniel the Prophet
• The Fascinating Nature of God's Revelation
• Jesus Christ's Profound Example of Suffering
• Christ's Parables and the Kingdom
• A New Creation in Christ
• Which Commandments Did Jesus Break?
• Jesus Christ and the Sabbath
• The Real Gospel of Jesus Christ
• The Lesson of Foot-Washing
• Should You Keep the Festivals Jesus Observed?
• The Global Economy and Jesus Christ's Return
• Why People Don't Understand the Kingdom of God
• Profiles of Faith: Mary and Martha: Lessons From Two Sisters
• Could Jesus Christ Be Elected to the White House?
• What Is the Gospel Jesus Christ Taught?
• America's Tragedies: What Would Jesus Christ Say?
• Christianity Isn't For Wimps
• What Religious Days Did Jesus Observe?
• Questions and Answers - May/Jun 2004
• Could Jesus Christ Be Elected President?
• Did Jesus Do Away With the Law?
• Do You Know the Real Secret?
• The Humor of Jesus Christ
• What Did Jesus Look Like?