Just some James citations this week, but with proof that James’ epistle jives with Lutheran theology.

James 1:17-27

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
— James 1:17

Verse 17 is twice quoted in Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration. The first time is a partial quote in Article 2: Free Will (FC, SD 2.26) in a paragraph of biblical quotes showing that is the Holy Spirit that changes people. Here, the particular quote here is, “every good gift is from above.” This is more in line with Luther’s translation than the NRSV, but you can see the connection with, “every perfect gift, is from above.”

The second quote is another instance of being more in line with Luther’s translation, but in Article 8: Person of Christ (FC, SD 8.49) the quotes of verse 17 is, “no change.” This quote sets up the response to the argument that what the human nature of Christ can do should be discerned so as to not confuse Jesus’ two natures. The theologians of the Augsburg Confession say, “Listen to Jesus.”

In [God’s] word [Jesus] has revealed as much as is necessary for us to know in this life. In this case we have the clear, certain testimonies in the Scripture, which we should simply believe and to which we should not raise any objections—as if the human nature in Christ was not capable of certain things.
— Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration,
Article 8: Person of Christ, Line 53

Here is a case where identifying the mystery is more important than trying to solve the mystery.

In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
— James 1:18

Verse 18 is quoted by Melanchthon in Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article 4: Justification (AP 4.247) to show that we are saved by faith. Yes, it is possible Lutherans to read James and see that his argument is faith saves us! Melanchthon even states it: “James does not, therefore, hold that we are reborn though our works.” Boom.

TheoThru

What you do does matter, but why you do what you do matters more. Trying to find God at work in the world? Look for any good gift. There is God at work. Trying to figure out exactly how Jesus is both fully divine and fully human? Why? Wondering about the role of works and faith? Believe and do!

From this week’s gospel reading, the issue raised by the Pharisees and scribes is washing your hands. Except the issue is washing your hands, its why you wash your hands. Is it a good idea to wash your hands before you eat? Yes. Will you go to hell if you don’t wash your hands before you eat? No.

Jesus calls each of us to look at our motivations. Why are you doing what you are doing? No particular action is in and of itself sinful. Sin comes from our intentions, not our actions.