> In fact, James is pulling the OT law into the new 
> covenant... we play right into the CTer's objection if we 
> dismiss James 2 as nothing more than a "guide".

Dear Chad,

I don't agree that James is pulling OT law into the new 
covenant. He is speaking about love and faith in our 
glorious Lord Jesus Christ. Love for all, not dishonoring 
anyone no matter what they look like or what appearances 
they give. We are all sinners saved by the grace of God. 
They were showing partiality to the rich, the very ones who 
oppressed the poor ( James 5) and blaspheme the name by 
which we are called..

. Their thinking was sinful. Jesus ministered to tax 
collectors and prostitutes.... and me.

James explains what the Royal Law is: Loving your neighbor 
as yourself. By not following the Royal law they were 
showing partiality and are convicted of trangression. 
Deuteronomy 10:17-18 shows that God does not show 
partiality to any person because of status or position. He 
executes justice and shows favor to orphans, widows, and 
aliens.  (We also see this in His choice of the Nation 
Israel.)

Leviticus 19: 15 You shall do no injustice in judgment; you 
shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, 
but you are to judge your neighbor fairly. 18 You shall not 
take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of 
your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; 
I am the LORD.

By violating the Royal law sin is committed. Whoever is 
born of God does not pratice sin (1John). Transgression 
against one law is transgression against all law, according 
to the character of God. In my mind James is bringing it 
all together in the Law of Christ, the law of liberty by 
which we will be judged.

The Holy Spirit enables us to follow the commandments of 
Jesus Christ so we can love even the unlovely, no matter 
how hard of a time we have with it. This shows our faith 
through our works of  kindness and love.

We are saved by faith through the grace of Jesus Christ 
alone. Evidence of that salvation is a life of love, living 
the Law of Christ. Judgement will be merciless to to those 
who show no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgement 
(Matt.25:31-46) We will be judged by the law of Liberty. .

Yeah, there is enough law to go around but  I  agree with 
Terry that we can't worry about playing into anyone's 
objections. We need to speak biblically and let the Lord do 
His work through His word.

Maz

PS the new covenant debate is over my head. I can't follow 
all the names and theological data the rat is putting out. 
I guess that's why he's called the data rat :>)