Paul vs. James?: Justified by Faith Alone with R.C. Sproul

What role do our good works play in our salvation? In Romans 3:28, the Apostle Paul teaches that “one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” But James says that “faith apart from works is dead” (James 2:26). Can these seemingly contradictory passages of Scripture be reconciled? In this message, R.C. Sproul examines the writings of Paul and James in context to help us understand the relationship between faith and good works in the life of a Christian.

[sarahpierre]

Paul teaches how you are saved and James teaches how a saved person lives.
Our works are the visible manifestations of faith. Faith is the inward motivation for works.

[Hendrix]

Dr. Sproul was such a tremendous gift to the church. I look forward to personally saying thank you to him in glory.

[christiandehlinger]

God blessed us so much through Dr Sproul. It is so wonderful to still have him with us through the recorded video medium.

[christiandehlinger]

At the end of the video, this doctrine of regeneration; is such a truth to me. I believed I was called from earliest memories but ran from God or more so, the church. There was that moment in my sinful existence, where God presented to me the horribleness of my sin. At that moment, I did not know Christ and knew no theology. But I knew what I was doing was wrong and tried to clean up my act. It did not work as life was just not right. I came away from that moment with the thought that I did not have a solid answer, for who this person Jesus is. I did not understand why this was important. Then, a year or so later buying a bible on a lawn sale changed my life as God had worked upon me, though I did not realize this and did not even understand this doctrine until my coming to reformed theology, after nearly 20 years in an independent Christian church. Amazing God. May His grace pour out.

[ericmontgomery]

What a blessed teacher! R.C. has left us a treasure trove of great teaching. Thank you Ligonier for keeping these available!

[rickm]

No not one is worthy. Grace be to you.

[TheBroSted]

Dr Sproul makes this easy to understand while providing the necessary depth a topic like this requires. He was a master teacher

[johntapscott]

Brilliant explanation. This is why I keep returning again and again to Dr. Sproul’s teaching.

[negishgela]

If any one has ever taught me well from his grave, he is RC Sproul. Rest in eternal peace, man of limitless wisdom!!

[truthprevail]

So far as i came to know this man explanation gives much more sense. All faith are not same, there are dead and alive faiths.

[williamjayaraj]

It is very much essential to understand the concept of justification by faith for all beievers.The explanation to it given by Dr . R.C Scroll clears the point. When one stands before God it is not necessary to prove ones faith to Him. Becauss God knows the heart of the man who stands before Him.But to prove the same in front of a man it is essential to prove it by works. Thanks to Ligonair ministry for this wonderful video and also to dear Dr. R.C Scroll though he is not with us.

[ricardoc.]

I'm so glad I came across this video.
Such a Bible-centered, clear and objective message on the real meaning of the Gospel and how there's no living saving faith which is not followed by fruits of righteousness.

[blakeclarkson]

Glad to hear you recognise that its not us who works, but rather the spirit who works through us and its God who is the founder and perfecter of our faith! So do not fear! Have faith which God has provided and let the spirit work in you and through you. Not under pressure, but rather from the heart!

[Modphysique]

I miss you brother Sproul! Thank you Lord for all you did through RC 🙏🏻

[gt]

A man with a great mind, R.C. was one of the best.

[mikebrown]

“NO man can come to Me, except the Father which has sent Me Draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day”(John 6:44).

[hamtramckchronicles]

Dr. Sproul NAILS IT! I miss him every day!

[bereal]

God sees the heart, our true intentions.

[JesusBelieverDiane]

Thank you so much. I just finished the book of James and I was really stuck on faith vs works, although I knew there was an answer.

I can attest to your explanation of faith preceding justification and this faith is given not of ourselves but from God. When I was reborn I had no idea of any of this and had not read the Bible. But I noticed a change in my spirit when I was reborn again, like I was awakened from a spiritual death. I never take credit for it happening and now that I am reading the Bible it’s amazing that everything that has happened and is happening to me, is explained in the Bible.

[JasonLeonPike]

Thankful for RC’s life and the preservation of his words. I’m richer for having heard it.