Part 6 of 8 – The Rule of Thumb

This Article is part of a multi-part Study Series called Distinction Marks Paul's Epistles.

Here, by these verses below, we can establish a distinguishing rule of thumb for the books and epistles written by James, Peter and John, as Apostles of Jesus of Nazareth. Once we know the 'rule of thumb' for discerning the books of the Bible as to what dispensation they apply, we can discriminate between that which applies to the Gentile body of Christ today verses that which does not.

Now recall Jesus’ explicit instruction for "these twelve (Apostles)" was to confine their ministry to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel (the circumcision)." 

Matthew 10:5-8 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, GO NOT into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go RATHER TO THE LOST SHEEP OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL (THE CIRCUMCISION).

Galatians 2:9 And when James, Cephas (Peter), and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me (Paul) and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we (Paul and Barnabas) should go unto the heathen (Gentiles), and THEY (the twelve) UNTO THE CIRCUMCISION.

The Epistle of James:

This rule of thumb is quite notable in this epistle of James. It is explicitly written to "the circumcision (Israel)" called "the twelve tribes" in the very first verse.

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, TO THE TWELVE TRIBES (of Israel) which are scattered abroad, greeting.  

We today can be thankful for this distinction as the doctrine in James is so blatantly opposite of Paul’s "gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24). James’ epistle enforces a works requirement for justification with God for salvation. Note these comparative verses below.

James writes:

James 2:24 Ye see then how that BY WORKS A MAN IS JUSTIFIED, and NOT BY FAITH ONLY.

BY CONTRAST, Paul writes:

Romans 4:4-5 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that WORKETH NOT, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

James also writes:

James 2:20, 26 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

BY CONTRAST, Paul writes:

Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast. Romans 11:6b … But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

I would say there is a massive contrast seen in these verses that no man can rationalize as if they could make these verses complementary and apply under Paul’s grace gospel to the body of Christ. This contrast makes Israel’s books in the Bible quite "distinctive" from those applying to "the body of Christ."

Search as you will and you will not find the words blood, cross, justification, or redemption in James; and faith is linked to a requirement of works.