James: an Introduction

In 1517, Martin Luther literally shocked the entire religious world by writing ninety-five declarations regarding baptism and forgiveness of sins.  Thus was the beginning of the Reformation Movement where the church split into Protestant and Catholic.  Martin Luther challenged the thoughts of faith, religion, and salvation during his time and ours.  In fact, he was so adamant about salvation through faith alone that it affected his reading of some of the book of Scripture that had been included in the Bible for centuries.

The book of James was such an area where Luther had his issues.  He felt that the book of James was good for Christian teaching but was not inspired scripture.  Below are two translated quotes from around 1530.

The book of James “is flatly against St. Paul and all the rest of Scripture in ascribing justification to works” and “its purpose is to teach Christians, but in all this long teaching it does not once mention the Passion, the resurrection, or the Spirit of Christ.”

Luther certainly makes some good points, but is he right?  Does James really not talk about the salvation of Christ?  Does James talk about salvation by works and not faith alone?  Is what is found in the book of James mainly good for teaching Christian living?  How should this affect our own reading of James and the rest of Scripture?

One of the issues that arose in Luther’s time had to do with his desire to translate the Bible into the language of the people.  This was so that the common believer could read the truth of God’s Words for themselves.  So let us study God’s Word for ourselves by opening the book of James together.  This Sunday will be a simple introduction to the book of James but though simple may still be deeply relevant to us as believers today.  As we make our way through James may God open His truth to us as His Church and apply that truth to our lives.  May we be prayerfully prepared to have the Holy Spirit move in our hearts and lives through His Word.