In Chapter 16, Schreiner jumps off the rails. He says mental assent is worthless. That Paul and James speak in the same sense. He uses the fallacy of equivocation throughout.
He says, (Page 191) that merely saying one believes is not the same thing as saving faith. Of course, this is why it is a credible profession of faith. This does not mean saving faith is something more than assent to the saving proposition of the gospel. If its something more then what is it? Is it love? Our obedience? If its such as these then we cant be saved by Christ alone.
Schreiner, instead of removing the Paradox, teaches that James and Paul spoke in the same way. James and Paul both mean the same thing when they use the words "justify" and "save" (Page 192). He even disregards those who argue that Paul and James were not talking of the same thing (Page 192).
This is why we distinguish the Law and gospel. For the believer, those who are saved by Christ alone, the law serves to be used as a rule of life. It isnt used to attain heaven. It is used to show gratitude and thanksgiving, gratefulness, love and help to ones neighbor. It isnt for salvation
The question to be asked is if James and Paul can contradict? Paul says no one is justified by the works of the law. James says we are justified by faith and works. Are they speaking the same thing or saying the same thing? Schreiner says yes. Even when he says sola fide, he really includes works of love, of perseverance in the mix (Page 193).
Schreiner also struggles by equivocation. He is talking about works being necessary for salvation, as if God does not know the heart, and yet he also says that "their faith is demonstrated in ther actions" (Page 193). The question is demonstrated to who? Does God need your good works?
I'm not done with this chapter.
No comments:
Post a Comment