Understanding Luther Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Understanding Luther - Essay Example Understanding Luther Luther tried also to point that James considered the perfect law as a way to liberate men from bondages (James 1:25), However, Luther believed that Paul considered the law as the law of slavery, wrath, death and sin. In this ground, Luther was confident in his stand that James opposed Paul and the scriptures and whatever the apostles were able to accomplish by stimulating people to love. It is therefore evident that Luther was comparing both James and Paul’s epistle on the ground of faith and work. His stand was evident on Paul’s writing and he used this as his basis to consider James’ stand between faith and work as completely contradictory. Paul’s teaching about works and faith in Galatians Paul’s teachings about works and faith in Galatians are evident. His very example was the faith of Abraham which was considered righteousness before God. He would offer his son, by believing in God and that certain faith moved the hands of God on him. In this e xample, Paul pointed out that Abraham had faith and because of that, he would be willing to offer his son, as God commanded him. Paul depicted that real faith certainly would result to action that would justify it, just like what Abraham did. In the same way, Paul pointed out that it is only by faith we are justified in Christ. ... it is an act considered by Paul which results to having its fruit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). Therefore, Paul was clear about its message that having faith in Jesus is about living in righteousness guided by the Spirit. Thus, there is an act involved in here to be initiated by man, combining the real essence and power of both faith and work. James’ teaching about works and faith in James James was also bold and clear about his stand on faith and works. ‘You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless (dead)?’ (James 2:20). James wanted to emphasize that faith is made complete by what the person does (James 2:22). Abraham was made righteous and was remarkably remembered of his faith because of his ability to obey God to the fullest even if it would mean the life of his dear son. James just wanted to emphasize that a genuine faith would result to doing great things, no matter how hard they might be for as long as it is pleasing before God and in accordance to His will. Evaluating Luther Luther was exactly missing the real point of what righteousness is all about. He did not consider the fact that faith and works are interrelated which was elaborately shown by the epistles of Paul and James. However, compared to Paul, James was very bold in saying that genuine faith results to works that are acceptable and pleasing to God. Luther had a point believing that works cannot justify a person before God. It is absolutely true because the scripture is clear about it. ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, Luther is