Originally Posted by AC.
actually rereading your post I think I get it, it seems Paul and that whole verse is speaking of the results of saving faith and how we are justified by faith not the moment of justification....

so would you say we make a distinction between the doctrines of 'justification by faith' and justification (the moment a sinner is absolved of sin)???
1. Paul is building the case for justification being based upon the work of Christ and given to those who believe and not work.

2. Abraham is held out as the paradigm of one who did NOT work, but simply believed God and His promise(s).

3. Paul specifically references Gen 15 and says that at THAT TIME God imputed Christ's righteousness to believing Abraham.

4. Everything following Gen 15 exemplifies Abraham as a justified sinner which is what James focuses upon.

I don't quite understand your question, re: a distinction between the doctrines of 'justification by faith' and justification (the moment a sinner is absolved of sin). Care to expand on that a bit so this old brain can grasp it? grin

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simul iustus et peccator

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