1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7 Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; 9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Commentary (preamble)
Chapter two begins with an exhortation against showing partiality, of holding the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. Notice first that it is the Lord's faith, not yours, not mine, but the Lords. And thus we don't get to decide who is acceptable to the Lord and who is not. Certainly not by carnal or fleshly standards, which inevitably carry within them our own biases and or preferences. And so the Lord of glory, to whom all glory and honor belongs has commanded us all through His chosen Apostle James, that we who believe in Him must not hold His faith with partiality. And in context of showing partiality to the rich. Literally, as the word used in the Old Testament indicates we are not too "look upon the face" as it were, as if ones outward appearance, stature, education, social standing, national origin or any other "outward thing" reveals anything about their heart or soul, much less their character or standing with God (consider 1 Sam. 16:7). For as the Scriptures make it abundantly clear God Himself shows partiality to no one, but whatever individual or nation works righteousness is accepted by Him (see Deut. 10:17; Acts 10:34-35). Therefore He commands the same from us, that we not show partiality (Lev. 19:15; Deut. 10:16-19). Lest we distort His Gospel and Word by lifting one up above another (consider Malachi 3:5). For to show partiality to anyone, whether openly as is being rebuked here, or secretly, as can be the case through mankind's craftiness (Job 13:8-10), is only to sin (James 2:9). And so here the Apostle James gives us a glaring example of the sort of unrighteous and unjust conduct that comes from showing partiality. Especially from showing partiality to the rich, honoring them openly, as if their having wealth constitutes showing preferential treatment to them, while putting to an open shame a poor man who is both beloved and chosen of God. And so here the Apostle James makes no room for showing partiality to the rich, as is so often the case in this world. Where all manner of special treatment is so often extended to them that they expect it, and are often offended if not so treated. Yet the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory never received any such treatment. Indeed He was born in a stable, to obscure parents, in an obscure town. And His life here on earth was not spent being pandered to (consider John 13:12-17). But rather He spent His ministry life with the poor, the outcasts, the powerless etc. to whom He preached His Gospel, and to whom God has made heirs of it with Himself (James 2:5).
And so the Apostle James to make his point reaches from the opposite ends of the societal spectrum (just as Jesus Christ draws men and women too Himself from all walks of life) and places them into what would be for us a Sunday morning service as it were. The backdrop appropriately enough then is the local assembly, the church, where we as believers are too clearly exemplify God's truth towards all, by being openly hospitable towards all who seek Him in faith, showing partiality to no one.
Vs. 1-4
1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
And so the Apostle James begins by giving us a scenario where two individuals enter a local assembly. One clearly wealthy and affluent and the other outwardly destitute. And sadly it is the wealthily man who garners the deacons or greeters attention. And so they quickly move towards that person and extend to them not just a cordial greeting, which is what they should do towards all. But rather they offer them a seat of prestige and privilege, saying to them "You sit here in a good place." Before going over to "deal with" the poor man whom they have little patience of love for. And so they say to him, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool”, as if he was someone's dog, or a criminal who must be watched with a hawk eye attentiveness. And so what do you think the Lord thinks of us when we treat people, especially people He has chosen like that? For when we hold the faith with partiality we only pervert the Gospel of Jesus Christ by making unjust distinctions people, esteeming one far better than the other, simply based on their external appearances. And so when anyone does that they are not acting justly. Instead they are only, as the Apostle James says here, being judges with evil thoughts. For look what happens to God's commandments when financial success becomes the measure of ones faith or worth. "love thy neighbor as thyself ", gets tossed for showing partiality to the rich and affluent, and along with it, all empathy towards the poor and needy. Something God Himself would never do (consider Deut. 15:11; Job 5:15-16; Psalm 12:5; 14:6; 22:6; 40:17; 69:33; 72:1-4; 82:1-4; 107:41; 109:14-16; 113:7; 132:15; 140:12; Isaiah 41:17 etc.). Again when an external measure of a person becomes the measure of their faith or their worth as a human being, than you can be sure their will be plenty of injustice and cruelty that will follow and emanate from the mouths and lives of those who hold to such godless values.
And so in many ways that is the way of "the world", which esteems men or women because of their athletic prowess, or beauty, or "success", or "fame", or whatever else brings people into a favorable standing with others, simply because of some sort of external thing, which when applied in the church setting only leads to showing partiality and thus denies everyone's inherent value as an image bearer of God. And so if one esteems wealth (especially if one considers this as a "sure fire" measure of ones Godliness, which it is not) then one will likely be inclined too show deference too the wealthy; or if one esteems athletic prowess then one may be inclined too show partiality to the athletically gifted. Same with intellectual capacities, or external beauty, or whatever else makes one externally "desirable". For all these attributes appeal too the carnal nature, but have no bearing in the eyes of God as too whom He chooses (consider 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31). And thus we as believers must be on guard against showing partiality to anyone. For all these external things are temporary, and reveal nothing about God's calling on ones person or their own faith and lives.
Vs. 5-7 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7 Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; 9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
The very fact that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He promised to those who love Him, should be plenty enough reason too bring an end to showing partiality to the rich. For it's not the rich in their arrogance and self-sufficiency, who are heirs of God's Kingdom (consider Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20-26). Rather it is the poor, the oppressed, the downtrodden etc. In many ways this worlds failures and "castaways", who in our rejected state find God willingly receiving us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior (Matt 9:9-13). And so with an unconditional faith we receive the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done to save us all from our sins, and lift us all out of our poverty and into the everlasting riches of Christ. Rejected by this world according to it's values and standards, yes. But redeemed by the precious love and blood of Jesus Christ. And so the Apostle James says in showing partiality to the rich, (whose trust is in themselves and or their wealth), you have only dishonored the poor man whom God has chosen! For as the Apostle James also says: "Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7 Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? For you won't find the rich man (in his self sufficiency) defending the cause of the poor. No instead as James says he will be the first to drag them into the courts demanding his rightful due. So why honor such a person? Who neither honors God (Luke 12:16-21), nor does he regard the poor and needy, not even when their plight is fully evident to them (consider Luke 16:19-31). Rather in their self-sufficient pride they only blasphemy the Royal Name by which we are called. Blaspheming not only with their tongue, but also with their self-serving lives, which they live with a callous and haughty indifference towards anyone's plight, other than their own. For if there isn't any profit in it for them, then they simply aren't interested.
Vs. 8-9 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; 9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
In stating as much the Apostle James is essentially calling into question anyone who thinks they are obeying God (i.e. fulfilling the royal law) if they show partiality to the rich while despising the poor. That the Apostle James here calls it the royal law, must be harkening back too the emphasis Jesus placed on loving ones neighbor as oneself, as encompassing all of our duty towards our fellow human beings (see Matt. 22:34-40, also consider Matt. 7:12). For in that one command is all of the moral and ethical responsibilities incumbent on us all that are found in the Law of God. And so James says if we really fulfill the royal law, (not just think that we are doing so while we are showing partiality), then we do well. But if not, and we show partiality, whether through the law or anything else, we are not living according too God's royal law. Instead we only sin. And thus we are convicted by the law as transgressors. For God, in both the law and the Gospel, commands us not to show partiality to anyone (Deut. 10:17; 16:18-20; Acts 10:34-35; Col 3:25; 1 Tim 5:21 etc.). Thus we must never hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with partiality towards anyone (James 2:1).
Vs. 10-13 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
The Apostle James' here is drawing an analogy from the Law. And so just as the Law does not justify anyone who stumbles in it. Neither does the royal Law justify (in the sense of doing what is right) those who show partiality in it. And thus we cannot show partiality and think we are actually obeying the royal law of God. Now as James also makes it clear, the Law does not justify anyone by their own obedience, for too stumble in one point, is too be guilty of all of it (also see Gal. 3:10-14). And so we don't look to the law for our justification before God, (as if our own obedience could save us). Instead we look only to Jesus Christ crucified in our place and His Righteousness imputed to us when we believe in Him (2 Cor 5:21). Thus in commanding our obedience to the royal law, to love our neighbors as ourselves, the Apostle James is not putting us back under the Law of God (see Rom. 3:19-26; 6:14; 7:6 etc.). Instead he is warning us not to be self-deceived, and think our behavior justifiable if we are showing partiality. For if we show partiality, as the Old Covenant priests were rebuked by God for doing so through the Law (Malachi 2:7-9), then we only sin. Therefore instead of being judges with evil thoughts, as the Apostle James first warned us about (James 2:4); and thus judging and despising the poor for their less than tidy outward appearances, (as if righteousness before God comes by outward appearances). We ought rather "So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Vs. 12-13
And so we must as children of God so speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. Which does not come by observing the self imposed religious ideals of man (see Rom 14; Col 2:20-22). Instead the law of liberty comes by holding to justification by faith in Jesus Christ's Person alone (Rom 10:3-4). Thus not "faith plus works" as a formula for salvation. But faith alone, through God's grace alone, which justifies and liberates every soul from the unfulfillable requirements of the Law of God (consider Acts 15:8-11 and the Apostle Peters defense of God justifying by His Spirit within those who believe in Jesus, of both Jews and Gentiles). And thus we do not look to our "obedience" to Law of God to be justified before God, but only the Lord Jesus Christ crucified in our place, for our sins remission. And so we are to speak and judge as those who will be judged by the law of liberty, not the ceremonial law of God, nor the preferences of man. But by the Law of liberty! For to now judge by outward appearances believers who have been both cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ and justified by the Spirit of God, and thus under the New Covenant, is a very precarious thing for anyone to do. For as the Apostle James concludes here "judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Therefore when we see the poor, the oppressed, the afflicted, the downtrodden, the sinner who is broken in heart and spirit (Luke 18:9-14) let us neither despise, nor judge them as "failures" and "castaways", rather as God has shown us mercy in our time of need, let us also be people of mercy! For mercy triumphs over judgment!
Scripture Citations
Word Studies
Partiality: Str. 4382; GK 4721, 4724; LN 88.238; TDNT 6.779; TDNTA 950
Commentary (preamble)
Chapter two begins with an exhortation against showing partiality, of holding the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. Notice first that it is the Lord's faith, not yours, not mine, but the Lords. And thus we don't get to decide who is acceptable to the Lord and who is not. Certainly not by carnal or fleshly standards, which inevitably carry within them our own biases and or preferences. And so the Lord of glory, to whom all glory and honor belongs has commanded us all through His chosen Apostle James, that we who believe in Him must not hold His faith with partiality. And in context of showing partiality to the rich. Literally, as the word used in the Old Testament indicates we are not too "look upon the face" as it were, as if ones outward appearance, stature, education, social standing, national origin or any other "outward thing" reveals anything about their heart or soul, much less their character or standing with God (consider 1 Sam. 16:7). For as the Scriptures make it abundantly clear God Himself shows partiality to no one, but whatever individual or nation works righteousness is accepted by Him (see Deut. 10:17; Acts 10:34-35). Therefore He commands the same from us, that we not show partiality (Lev. 19:15; Deut. 10:16-19). Lest we distort His Gospel and Word by lifting one up above another (consider Malachi 3:5). For to show partiality to anyone, whether openly as is being rebuked here, or secretly, as can be the case through mankind's craftiness (Job 13:8-10), is only to sin (James 2:9). And so here the Apostle James gives us a glaring example of the sort of unrighteous and unjust conduct that comes from showing partiality. Especially from showing partiality to the rich, honoring them openly, as if their having wealth constitutes showing preferential treatment to them, while putting to an open shame a poor man who is both beloved and chosen of God. And so here the Apostle James makes no room for showing partiality to the rich, as is so often the case in this world. Where all manner of special treatment is so often extended to them that they expect it, and are often offended if not so treated. Yet the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory never received any such treatment. Indeed He was born in a stable, to obscure parents, in an obscure town. And His life here on earth was not spent being pandered to (consider John 13:12-17). But rather He spent His ministry life with the poor, the outcasts, the powerless etc. to whom He preached His Gospel, and to whom God has made heirs of it with Himself (James 2:5).
And so the Apostle James to make his point reaches from the opposite ends of the societal spectrum (just as Jesus Christ draws men and women too Himself from all walks of life) and places them into what would be for us a Sunday morning service as it were. The backdrop appropriately enough then is the local assembly, the church, where we as believers are too clearly exemplify God's truth towards all, by being openly hospitable towards all who seek Him in faith, showing partiality to no one.
Vs. 1-4
1 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3 and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” 4 have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
And so the Apostle James begins by giving us a scenario where two individuals enter a local assembly. One clearly wealthy and affluent and the other outwardly destitute. And sadly it is the wealthily man who garners the deacons or greeters attention. And so they quickly move towards that person and extend to them not just a cordial greeting, which is what they should do towards all. But rather they offer them a seat of prestige and privilege, saying to them "You sit here in a good place." Before going over to "deal with" the poor man whom they have little patience of love for. And so they say to him, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool”, as if he was someone's dog, or a criminal who must be watched with a hawk eye attentiveness. And so what do you think the Lord thinks of us when we treat people, especially people He has chosen like that? For when we hold the faith with partiality we only pervert the Gospel of Jesus Christ by making unjust distinctions people, esteeming one far better than the other, simply based on their external appearances. And so when anyone does that they are not acting justly. Instead they are only, as the Apostle James says here, being judges with evil thoughts. For look what happens to God's commandments when financial success becomes the measure of ones faith or worth. "love thy neighbor as thyself ", gets tossed for showing partiality to the rich and affluent, and along with it, all empathy towards the poor and needy. Something God Himself would never do (consider Deut. 15:11; Job 5:15-16; Psalm 12:5; 14:6; 22:6; 40:17; 69:33; 72:1-4; 82:1-4; 107:41; 109:14-16; 113:7; 132:15; 140:12; Isaiah 41:17 etc.). Again when an external measure of a person becomes the measure of their faith or their worth as a human being, than you can be sure their will be plenty of injustice and cruelty that will follow and emanate from the mouths and lives of those who hold to such godless values.
And so in many ways that is the way of "the world", which esteems men or women because of their athletic prowess, or beauty, or "success", or "fame", or whatever else brings people into a favorable standing with others, simply because of some sort of external thing, which when applied in the church setting only leads to showing partiality and thus denies everyone's inherent value as an image bearer of God. And so if one esteems wealth (especially if one considers this as a "sure fire" measure of ones Godliness, which it is not) then one will likely be inclined too show deference too the wealthy; or if one esteems athletic prowess then one may be inclined too show partiality to the athletically gifted. Same with intellectual capacities, or external beauty, or whatever else makes one externally "desirable". For all these attributes appeal too the carnal nature, but have no bearing in the eyes of God as too whom He chooses (consider 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31). And thus we as believers must be on guard against showing partiality to anyone. For all these external things are temporary, and reveal nothing about God's calling on ones person or their own faith and lives.
Vs. 5-7 5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7 Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; 9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
The very fact that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom which He promised to those who love Him, should be plenty enough reason too bring an end to showing partiality to the rich. For it's not the rich in their arrogance and self-sufficiency, who are heirs of God's Kingdom (consider Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20-26). Rather it is the poor, the oppressed, the downtrodden etc. In many ways this worlds failures and "castaways", who in our rejected state find God willingly receiving us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior (Matt 9:9-13). And so with an unconditional faith we receive the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done to save us all from our sins, and lift us all out of our poverty and into the everlasting riches of Christ. Rejected by this world according to it's values and standards, yes. But redeemed by the precious love and blood of Jesus Christ. And so the Apostle James says in showing partiality to the rich, (whose trust is in themselves and or their wealth), you have only dishonored the poor man whom God has chosen! For as the Apostle James also says: "Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? 7 Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? For you won't find the rich man (in his self sufficiency) defending the cause of the poor. No instead as James says he will be the first to drag them into the courts demanding his rightful due. So why honor such a person? Who neither honors God (Luke 12:16-21), nor does he regard the poor and needy, not even when their plight is fully evident to them (consider Luke 16:19-31). Rather in their self-sufficient pride they only blasphemy the Royal Name by which we are called. Blaspheming not only with their tongue, but also with their self-serving lives, which they live with a callous and haughty indifference towards anyone's plight, other than their own. For if there isn't any profit in it for them, then they simply aren't interested.
Vs. 8-9 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; 9 but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
In stating as much the Apostle James is essentially calling into question anyone who thinks they are obeying God (i.e. fulfilling the royal law) if they show partiality to the rich while despising the poor. That the Apostle James here calls it the royal law, must be harkening back too the emphasis Jesus placed on loving ones neighbor as oneself, as encompassing all of our duty towards our fellow human beings (see Matt. 22:34-40, also consider Matt. 7:12). For in that one command is all of the moral and ethical responsibilities incumbent on us all that are found in the Law of God. And so James says if we really fulfill the royal law, (not just think that we are doing so while we are showing partiality), then we do well. But if not, and we show partiality, whether through the law or anything else, we are not living according too God's royal law. Instead we only sin. And thus we are convicted by the law as transgressors. For God, in both the law and the Gospel, commands us not to show partiality to anyone (Deut. 10:17; 16:18-20; Acts 10:34-35; Col 3:25; 1 Tim 5:21 etc.). Thus we must never hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with partiality towards anyone (James 2:1).
Vs. 10-13 10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
The Apostle James' here is drawing an analogy from the Law. And so just as the Law does not justify anyone who stumbles in it. Neither does the royal Law justify (in the sense of doing what is right) those who show partiality in it. And thus we cannot show partiality and think we are actually obeying the royal law of God. Now as James also makes it clear, the Law does not justify anyone by their own obedience, for too stumble in one point, is too be guilty of all of it (also see Gal. 3:10-14). And so we don't look to the law for our justification before God, (as if our own obedience could save us). Instead we look only to Jesus Christ crucified in our place and His Righteousness imputed to us when we believe in Him (2 Cor 5:21). Thus in commanding our obedience to the royal law, to love our neighbors as ourselves, the Apostle James is not putting us back under the Law of God (see Rom. 3:19-26; 6:14; 7:6 etc.). Instead he is warning us not to be self-deceived, and think our behavior justifiable if we are showing partiality. For if we show partiality, as the Old Covenant priests were rebuked by God for doing so through the Law (Malachi 2:7-9), then we only sin. Therefore instead of being judges with evil thoughts, as the Apostle James first warned us about (James 2:4); and thus judging and despising the poor for their less than tidy outward appearances, (as if righteousness before God comes by outward appearances). We ought rather "So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Vs. 12-13
And so we must as children of God so speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. Which does not come by observing the self imposed religious ideals of man (see Rom 14; Col 2:20-22). Instead the law of liberty comes by holding to justification by faith in Jesus Christ's Person alone (Rom 10:3-4). Thus not "faith plus works" as a formula for salvation. But faith alone, through God's grace alone, which justifies and liberates every soul from the unfulfillable requirements of the Law of God (consider Acts 15:8-11 and the Apostle Peters defense of God justifying by His Spirit within those who believe in Jesus, of both Jews and Gentiles). And thus we do not look to our "obedience" to Law of God to be justified before God, but only the Lord Jesus Christ crucified in our place, for our sins remission. And so we are to speak and judge as those who will be judged by the law of liberty, not the ceremonial law of God, nor the preferences of man. But by the Law of liberty! For to now judge by outward appearances believers who have been both cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ and justified by the Spirit of God, and thus under the New Covenant, is a very precarious thing for anyone to do. For as the Apostle James concludes here "judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Therefore when we see the poor, the oppressed, the afflicted, the downtrodden, the sinner who is broken in heart and spirit (Luke 18:9-14) let us neither despise, nor judge them as "failures" and "castaways", rather as God has shown us mercy in our time of need, let us also be people of mercy! For mercy triumphs over judgment!
Scripture Citations
Word Studies
Partiality: Str. 4382; GK 4721, 4724; LN 88.238; TDNT 6.779; TDNTA 950
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