59) The Book of James

JAMES records doctrinal and practical truths that are generally aimed at the Jews of the last days (1:1 ; 5:3). The religious basis of the letter is the religion of Judaism. The words religion and religious occur three times in the letter of their seven occurrences throughout the Bible. The law of the Mosaic Covenant is quoted and some similarities to the Sermon on the Mount are evident. Christians may receive spiritual instructions from the letter, but the Epistles of the Apostle Paul provide the doctrinal standard for the Body of Christ. The Epistle of James gives insights into the trials and tribulations of the Hebrews as they will be scattered throughout the world during the Tribulation (Deut. 28:64; Isa. 11:11-12; Zech. 7:14; James 1:1; Rev, 7:4-8).

James of Zebedee appears to be the author of the letter. The epistle was written prior to the completed revelation and understanding of salvation by grace through faith (Acts 15). It is addressed to Jews, not Christians. The addressees may be saved or lost (1:21; 5:19-20), but the examples of salvation reveal a faith and works system (2:14-26; Rev. 14:12). The believer is exhorted to endure to the end by the example of Job (5:7-11). James prophesied of the evil methods of theft by the rich during the Tribulation (Ps. 58:1-5; 64:1-6; James 2:5-6; 5:1-6). The rich are doomed to hell throughout the letter because they would have to receive the mark of the beast in order to attain wealth during the Tribulation (Rev. 13:16-18; 19:20). The letter contains 5 chapters and 108 verses.