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The argument that would deduce from James 2: 10-12 that James taught justification
by the works of law, must deduce the same from Rom. 13: 8-10 which, as Euclid says,
"is absurd". Further, it has been repeatedly observed by students, that the teaching of the
epistle of James is an application of the Sermon on the Mount. Shall we say that anyone,
writing to the dispersion during the Pentecostal dispensation, was "thus preparing the
way for their repudiation by God"? The question seems too fantastic for consideration,
yet this is accepted by some as the last word on the subject!
The teaching of James.
The teaching of the Lord.
(Matthew).
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you
into divers temptations" (1: 2).
. . . . . Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for
great is your reward in heaven" (5: 11, 12).
"Let patience have her perfect work" (1: 4).
"Be ye therefore perfect" (5: 48).
"What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord,
say he hath faith, and have not works, can that
Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven"
faith save him?" (2: 14, R.V.).
(7: 21).
"Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the
"No man can serve two masters" (6: 24).
world is the enemy of God" (4: 4).
"Your riches are corrupted, and your
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon
earth where moth and rust doth corrupt, and
garments motheaten" (5: 2).
where thieves break through and steal" (6: 19).
"But above all things, my brethren, swear
"But I say unto you, Swear not at all;
not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth,
neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor
neither by any other oath; but let your yea be
by earth; for it is His footstool . . . . . but let
yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into
your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay:
condemnation" (5: 12).
for whatsoever is more than these cometh of
evil" (5: 34-37).
These parallels lie on the surface: doubtless, the earnest student could double their
number.
Rightly understood, the Sermon on the Mount is, to believers of the Kingdom, what
Philippians is to the dispensation of the Mystery, Hebrews, to the "holy brethren,
partakers of the heavenly calling", and James, to the dispersion during the Pentecostal
administration.
We have found that there is a correspondence between the Sermon on the Mount and
James; let us once more put truth into the balance, and see the correspondence that exists
between Philippians and the Sermon on the Mount.
Philippians.
Matthew 5: - 7:
"Look not every man on his own things but
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God" (6: 33).
every man also on the things of others" (2: 4).
"Some indeed preach Christ even of envy
"Blessed are ye when men shall revile you,
and strife . . . . . What then? . . . . . Christ is
and persecute you, and shall say all manner of
preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and
evil against you falsely, for My name's sake.
will rejoice" (1: 15, 18).
Rejoice and be exceeding glad" (5: 11, 12).
"Let us therefore, as many as would be
"Be ye therefore perfect" (5: 48).
perfect, be thus minded" (3: 15).