The Dilemma Paul Poses

Have you ever struggled to reconcile the words of Paul to the words of Jesus?

Does Jesus' message that the publican who confesses his sin goes home justified cause you conflict when reading Paul's words? Jesus says the one who thinks he is already one of the elect and thus does not repent from sin goes home unjustified. However, Paul is understood to teach that repentance from sin is a work, and cannot be tied to justification. Salvation is not of works (Eph. 2:8-9; Romans 4:4). Repentance at most deals with sanctification, so Paul is understood to say.

Thus, Jesus' message that repentance is tied to justification (not sanctification) is ignored. Paul is used to negate Jesus' words.

Or what about Jesus' message that among those sent to hell are ones whom Jesus calls goats in the parable of the sheep and the goats. (Matt. 25:31 et seq.) The goats called Jesus Lord but did not clothe the naked and feed the poor. Jesus says they go to hell. But Paul says that if you confess Jesus is Lord and believe Jesus rose from the dead, you shall be saved. (Romans 10:9.)

Thus, Jesus is adding works to the salvation formula. In fact, the works that Jesus insists upon are identical to what James 2:14-17 says is necessary for salvation. James says if you fail to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, etc., "Can such faith save you?" It is a rhetorical question. It calls for a negative answer. No, you are not saved if you fail to clothe the naked and feed the poor. James' point is the same as Jesus' point in the parable of the sheep and the goats.

However, Paul would call Jesus and James heretics because they clearly add works to the salvation formula.

Does this trouble you as it does me?

Then my book Jesus' Words Only should help you resolve the conflict.