Ŕ¶Ý®ĘÓƵSalvation in James: Gift and Responsibility
Part 2 of 3
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In this series of posts, we attempt to offer a rich and appreciative reading of James chapter 1 and 2 with an eye to James’ theology of human redemption—a Jacobian soteriology. In the previous post, we considered the function of the “word” and the “law” as God’s gracious gifts for salvation. Here we specifically looked at James 1:18 and 21 and concluded that this “word of truth” and “implanted word” thus is a new character, a new heart’s disposition created in us. It must be received (1:21) and, as the “law of freedom” it must be obeyed (1:22-25). Thus, the “word/law” in James is God’s instrument for salvation—it is both gift and responsibility. In this second post we will focus on James 2:12-13 where “mercy” triumphs over judgment.
Judgment and The Triumph of Mercy: James 2:12-13[1]
From the “word/law” we now turn to the triumph of mercy in 2:12-13: “So speak and so act as those who are about to be judged by the law of freedom. For judgment will be without mercy to the one not practicing mercy; mercy triumphs (boasts) over judgment.”
These verses comprise two of the most important for James’ theology of salvation; however, they are also two of the most allusive verses in James. In order to appreciate James’ understanding of soteriology here we will consider: (1) what “judgment” might be in view (“judgment” in this world, or the world to come?), and (2) whose mercy is it that “triumphs” over judgment (human mercy or divine mercy).
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Judgment by the Law of Freedom: 2:12
The “speak” and “act” of James 2:12 summarize the entire totality of a person’s life, both internal and external. Thus every part of life is to be lived “as those about to be judged by the law of freedom.” And it seems in context, this “law of freedom” places a high priority on the love of neighbor for its fulfillment (2:8). This opens the question of what the “judgment” in James 2:12 might be: does James refer to earthly punishment or to eternal damnation? The confusion is legitimate because much of James focuses on acti