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.
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-works-from 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).
