The Epistle Of James Part II

JAMES 2:1-25 

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD.

My Brethren, have not faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory, with respect of persons.  For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come also a poor man in vile raiment; and you have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or Sit thou here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in myourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts ? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him ?

But you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before judgement seats ? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by which you are called ?  If you fulfil the royal law according to scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: but if ye have respect to persons, you commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.  For he shall have judgement without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgement.

What doth it profit my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works ? can faith save him ? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; not withstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit ? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead