Examining a Recent Roman Catholic Vs Protestant Debate

Candace Owens’ husband George Farmer, recently quoted 1 Bible verse, which he believes is a knock-down argument in a debate in Roman Catholic Vs Protestant debates.

Farmer’s Biblical Reference

He said,

“you are not saved by faith alone right that is literally what the Bible says that is literally what the letter of James says you must have faith you must have works right to exemplify the faith that you have right”

The Importance of Farmer’s Statement

This is important for 2 reasons.

#1 This is a question about salvation and where you spend eternity.

#2 Something Candace said, moments after George quotes this verse.

Candace Owens’ Response

“yeah I mean there’s Biblical support that is not by faith alone of”

And this is the problem.

The Context of James’ Letter

James is speaking in a specific context, which is important to understand. He mentions who several times in his book he’s writing to his brothers.

James’ Address to Believers

In verse 1 of James chapter 2 he says,

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.”

He’s writing to his brothers who believe in Jesus.

They are saved already.

The Example of Providing for the Needy

Leading up to what George quoted, James gives an example of someone in need of food.

He says,

“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, [16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be [ye] warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what [doth it] profit?

If you just wish them well and say “The Lord Bless” you, without providing things necessary for them, James says it’s pointless.

And this is why James says next in 2:17-18

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. [18] Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”

And then in :24, after mentioning Abraham offering Isaac in Genesis 22 he says:

“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”

Understanding James’ and Paul’s Messages

When George said it, it sounded like a knock-down argument.

But Paul in Romans 4 says the opposite.

And Paul uses the exact same word “justified”

Paul uses the same example “Abraham”

But the key to understanding this was in :18.

Once you see this, it makes understanding both passages easy.

Let’s look at :18, and then I’ll show you how Paul is in agreement with James, NOT contradicting him.

:18 says,

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”

Displaying Faith through Works & God’s Knowledge of Faith

The way I know you are saved is by your works. And you know I’m saved by my works.

And this is because you and I are not all-knowing and perfect.

It makes sense for us to work before others, to show our faith.

But God knows you are saved by your faith.

The moment you believe.

Because He can see your heart and does not need to see any actions.

Paul’s Perspective in Romans 4

In Romans 4:1 notice what Paul says:

“What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?”

What did Abraham gain on a natural level is what Paul is asking.

He continues in :2,

“For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God.”

Justification before God and Men

You see, Abraham could glory in his works according to the flesh. His works justified him in the sight of others, but did not in any way justify him before God.

Both James and Paul are both speaking about works justifying you before men.

But Paul is also speaking about justification before men,

Which can only be done by faith. And this is why he continues in :4-5 by saying,

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.”

That’s fulfilling the law to be saved, which we obviously cannot do.

“But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

No work, but faith. Justification before God by faith.

Candace Owens’ Struggles with Protestantism

Candace did say she was struggling as a protestant because of one thing her Husband said to her, and that is something we need to take seriously. And I mention that here.

Take care Bible Master,

God Bless.