Bible Discussion Thread

(Verse 10) "A person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as the person who has broken all of God's laws.") This is a parabolic statement. James is showing us how impossible it is for a sinful man to live up to God's perfect standards. Because even if you think you kept nine perfectly (which nobody has), you are still missing the mark because you missed out on one.

But the fact is, nobody has kept even one. Just thinking about breaking a law is the same as doing it. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." That's why Jesus said to the self righteous Jews, "None of you obey the law of Moses! In fact, you are trying to kill me."

Too, James is showing us that breaking any one law shows your intent to break all God's laws, and to over rule God in everything. "We will not have this man to rule over us." ( Luke 19:14) This is what Adam intended when he broke God's very first command. In other words, inclusive in any one command is God's intent and purpose for all his commands.

This is why God saves us by faith. That is, if we depend on our ability to keep the law, no one will ever be saved.