Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only? (James 2:24)6 Who will render to every man according to his works. 7 To them indeed, who according to patience in good work, seek glory and honour and incorruption, eternal life: 8 But to them that are contentious, and who obey not the truth, but give credit to iniquity, wrath and indignation. (Romans 2)
continue on through Romans to Chapter 3, particularly verses 20-31. Pay particular attention to verses 27-28
20 Because by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified before him. For by the law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now without the law the justice of God is made manifest, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. 22 Even the justice of God, by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe in him: for there is no distinction: 23 For all have sinned, and do need the glory of God. 24 Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption, that is in Christ Jesus, 25 Whom God hath proposed to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to the showing of his justice, for the remission of former sins, 26 Through the forbearance of God, for the showing of his justice in this time; that he himself may be just, and the justifier of him, who is of the faith of Jesus Christ. 27 Where is then thy boasting? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we account a man to be justified by faith, without the works of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also. 30 For it is one God, that justifieth circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. (Romans 3)
nothing un-Catholic here: indeed, the works of the Hebrew law, or even any other law, are not salvific. What is salvific is works of charity (Matthew 25, as well as Romans 2, already quoted).
That’s NOT in context — couched in the whole, James is teaching that works are a result of faith — if we’re cherry-picking, let’s look a little farther up in the chapter:
James 2:18 “But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”
Faith is evidenced by works.
You started with Romans 2:6. Try backing up to the first verse; Paul is addressing the issue of judgment. The scripture says nothing about works of any sort being salvific. There is NO salvation apart from saving faith in Jesus Christ. You can do all the good works you want to do — as often as you desire — and they mean not one whit in terms of your salvation.
One of Paul’s points in Romans is that the Law is there to point to our need of Christ and his saving grace; we cannot uphold the law in any way. So, if upholding the Law can’t save us, how can works? They cannot. But, because we are saved, our hearts are changed and we want to do things (works) that are pleasing to the Lord. Evidence of faith. Not salvation in works themselves.
Again, re-read all of chapter 3.
Did Abraham’s works save him? No, his faith did (see chapter 4). Chapter 5 talks of peace with God through faith... I don’t see anything about works causing us to be saved.
Down in Romans 10 we find:
vv.8-12 : “But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.”
If given the choice between God’s Word and the teaching of the Catholic Church, I will also go with God each and every time.
Hoss