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Religion

2008-04-01 12:10:00

Are these Bible passages contradictory?

Question: In several passages of the New Testament (e.g. Matthew 16:27 and Romans 2:6), it is stated that man is justified by his works, and they should shine like a light before men. Yet, in other passages (e.g. Ephesians 2:8), it is stated that salvation is through faith and grace, not by works. In the Gospel (Matthew 6) Jesus advises to keep our good works secret. Is the Bible contradictory in this regard?

Answer: Being the Word of God and inspired by the Holy Spirit of Truth, the Bible cannot contradict itself. However, it is possible for a reader to lift out of context any words or statements that might suit his/her agenda. We need to read and understand each part of the Bible in its proper context. The Church can help us in this matter. Martin Luther made a great mistake in attempting to read a contradiction in the above cited texts, and he set in opposition grace & faith vs good works. When he found that the Epistle of St. James (chapter 2) refuted his opinion, Luther who did not appreciate being contradicted in his opinions, threw that epistle out of the Bible, calling it an “epistle of straw.” Today most Christians, including the majority of Lutherans, recognize that epistle as part of the original authentic New Testament, realizing that Luther often acted from strong emotions, using intemperate speech. In his epistle St. James writes: “My brother, what good is it to profess faith without practicing it? Such faith has no power to save one, has it? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and no food for the day, and you say to them: ‘Good-bye and good luck! Keep warm and well fed.’ But do not meet their bodily needs, what good is that? So it is with the faith that does nothing in practice. It is dead. To such a person one might say: ‘You have faith and I have works – is that it?’ Show me your faith without works, and I will show you the faith that underlies my works! You must perceive that a person is justified by his works and not by faith alone... Be assured that faith without works is as dead as a body without breath” (James 2:14-18, 24, 26). Now I address each of the specifics in the question. Matthew 16:27 says: “When the Son of Man comes, he will repay each man according to his works.” Here the term “works” means: human actions undertaken in a spirit of faith, or without faith. Most good human works are inspired, at least implicitly, by some kind of faith. Most sinful actions are done in ignorance or neglect or defiance of faith. And so each person will be repaid “according to his works.” In Romans 2:6-9, the Apostle says: “When the just judgment of God will be revealed, he will repay every man for what he has done: eternal life for those who strive for glory and honor and immortality by patiently doing right, wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and follow wickedness. Yes, affliction and anguish will come upon every man who has done evil.” It is clear that “those who strive for glory and honor and immortality” are living by faith, while those who do evil are ignoring faith, which comes from God. Those latter just don’t care.. Ephesians 2:8 states that “it is owing to God’s grace that salvation is yours through faith. It is not your own doing, it is God’s gift.” But this gift presupposes active faith, as St. James has described above. The advice of Jesus in Matthew 6 warns against doing good works in order to be seen and admired by others (like hypocrites), rather than striving through faith to please God. Jesus says that the hypocrites have already received their reward, namely human admiration and praise or publicity, just as they desired. Jesus (God) wishes us to perform good works in view of pleasing him, without regard to human opinion. If someone observes our good works, without our intending such observation, then we have furnished them good example and also pleased God. Here the motivation for such good works comes from faith in God and faith-inspired concern for helping our neighbor. There is no contradiction between true faith and authentic good works! Each presupposes the other, inspires, and guides the other. Luther was wrong when he rejected good works in favor of strong faith. In a passionate sermon, Dr. Luther said: “Sin strongly, but believe even stronger.” In that same speech, Luther mentions that his bowels have not been able to function for several days. Perhaps that physical necessity prompted his exaggerated words. Luther was a brilliant theologian, but also a master of contradictions. When Luther urged the peasants of Germany to revolt against their masters, he told them to forget their faith and pursue the good works of killing their overlords in the name of Christian freedom. Shortly thereafter, seeing the anarchy he had caused, Luther urged the lords of Germany to put down the revolt without regard for the Christian faith of the peasants. Luther’s life demonstrates numerous examples of contradictions, not only regarding faith and good works, but also between good and evil.