A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

e. The prophetic caste of the book harks back to the prophetic ministry of our Lord and his pronounce ments through his teaching on the Kingdom. (1) Authentic faith will demonstrate itself in visible works, (chs. 1.-2); cf. James 2.20 with Matt. 7.16-20 – You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? [17] So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. [18] A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. [19] Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. (2) Authentic faith will express itself in control of the tongue, (ch. 3); cf. James 3.2 with Matt. 7.1-2 – Judge not, that you be not judged. [2] For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. John 17.14-16 – I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. [15] I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. (4) Authentic faith will be careful of the false confidence and foundation of fleeting riches, (ch. 5), cf. James 5.1 with Matt. 19.23-24 – And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the Kingdom of heaven. [24] Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God.” (3) Authentic faith will reject the authority and false morality of the world, (ch. 4), cf. James 4.4 with