The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum James & Peter vs Paul &John

Tonight, we just finished our men's Bible Study in the book of James. I can recollect numerous times where the statement was made that James is writing to Christians whereas Paul is writing to unbelievers. It is just not that well-known verse in chapter 2. but throughout his book James speaks of working out our salvation, or losing it.

Last week, I started reading 1 Peter in my quiet time, and I get the feel that James and Peter writes differently than Paul and John. Ok, start chastising me.

That is quickly and easily shown to be totally false. Just read the first line or two (address) of the Epistles and you will see who the author is writing to.

For example:
Romans: "v.1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,... v.7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."

1Corinthians: "1 Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes [our] brother, 2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:"

Ephesians: v.1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:"

1Thessalonians: "v.1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.... v.4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God."

James: 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;"

Can you give an example where James states that a true believer can lose his salvation? IF you can, and IF you really believe that James does state that salvation can be eternally lost, then you have some serious problems, e.g., the divine inspiration, infallibility and inerrancy of the Bible which cannot allow any contradictions whatsoever, the propositional statements in the Gospels and other Epistles that are perspicuous in teaching the doctrine of the preservation of the saints, the biblical hermeneutical principle of the "Analogy of Faith"; comparing Scripture with Scripture, etc.

I'm not sure why someone mentioned that James is writing to Christians and Paul to unbelievers. I'm certain the person saying that didn't mean it in that way. You are certainly right in that Paul wrote to the churches.

As to losing one's salvation, I do not believe that as I'm a staunch Reformed, Calvinist. When reading the last two verses of the book (James 5:19-20), at first glance it could be read that way. "19 My brothers, if anyone of you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, 20 let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins" (ESV)

Since both James and Paul are writing to Christians. Why is it that when studying James, we keep hearing that we need to be reminded that James is writing to Christians? I realize that all Scripture is God-breathed. but I have a lot easier time in reading Paul and John than with James and Peter. That is what I am trying to get at with the thread.

John

I am confused by your reply to Pilgrim.

What is your problem then?

Are you asking why James keeps reminding his readers that he is writing to Christians? OR, are you asking why someone(s) keeps reminding people that James is writing to Christians? OR, ??

I admit that I got a bit of a chuckle after reading that. Why? Because Peter's wrote by inspiration of the Spirit,

According to God's wisdom given to a believer, which varies over one's lifetime, there are many things in the Bible which are difficult to comprehend. I have concluded that God the Spirit reveals the meaning of that which began as 'clouded' or even 'hidden' and remained so for a little or even a long time are often made very clear at the 'right time' for us to know. And in the process of searching the Scriptures for that understanding, we get to understand many other things which we needed to know but were unaware that we did.