Without a proper method or approach to Bible study and interpretation we will only come to confusion and frustration. The Bible then is a hodgepodge.

In a cursory look at the Bible we might conclude that there are “apparent” contradictions in the Bible, but as we will see in this series of studies, there are no contradictions in the Bible. We must divide truth for one party (such as the Nation Israel) from truth for another party (such as “The body of Christ” today).

We need to recognize the distinctions that God has made in His Word of Truth.

An Example of Contrast, NOT Contradiction:

We should consider the book of James as mail for Israel. Here it’s clear that James is writing to the nation of Israel. “I James… to the twelve tribes (of Israel) which are scattered abroad...” (James 1:1).

      It’s James that then writes; “…FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD” (James 2:26b)

James’ statement that “faith without works is dead” is instruction for Israel under God’s program that required “the works of the Law” (Rom 9:32).

James’ words are not for the members of “the body of Christ” under GRACE. Paul wrote to “the body of Christ”; “…for ye are NOT UNDER THE LAW, but under grace.” (Romans 6:14b)

By contrast, we should note what Paul, “the Apostle to the Gentiles” (Rom 11:13) had to say to the Ephesian “church, which is His (Christ’s) body” (Eph 1:22b-23a).

“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.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Today, under “the dispensation of the grace of God” (Eph 3:2), salvation is received by first hearing the gospel of our salvation (1Cor 1:3-4) and then BELIEVING – not by religious works.

Paul makes clear that works for salvation are not merely unnecessary; works are excluded as the means of salvation (see Rom 11:6).

Salvation is “to him that WORKETH NOT, but BELIEVETH” (Rom. 4:5 below).

Romans 4:3, 5-6 (KJV) For WHAT SAITH THE SCRIPTURE? ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS COUNTED UNTO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

⁵ But to him that WORKETH NOT, but BELIEVETH on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. ⁶ Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom GOD IMPUTETH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITHOUT WORKS,

In time past under “the Law,” before “the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24), “the works of the Law” were required with faith for salvation.

“But NOW the righteousness of God WITHOUT THE LAW is manifested” (Rom. 3:21).

Today we are saved solely by our faith placed in Christ; “being JUSTIFIED FREELY by (God’s) grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 3:24).

We are saved when we hear and believe what Paul calls;

“… the Word of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph. 1:13; 1Cor 15:3-4).

“… Believe on (trust in) the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (Acts 16:31)