Justifequation

Here are some simple equations from one of pastor Mike's earlier sermons on Romans. They are given as an illustration to rectify the seemingly incompatible views of faith and works given by Paul and James. I've already talked a little bit about this in this post.


F= faith
W= works
J= justification

F + W --> J ?
false (Paul)

F - W --> J ?
false (James)

J --> F + W ?
TRUE (Paul and James)


I won't comment on these illustrations other than to say this: somehow, somewhere in the Church's history, the understanding of the order of these three elements got switched around in general American Christian doctrine. I'm not sure how, why, or when this happened, but don't you think it's about time we return to the roots of the Gospel?

(edit: 100th post! Woo hoo!)