Jam_2:5. - Chosen Because They Were "Rich In Faith"

22. James 2:5. - Chosen Because They Were "Rich In Faith"

"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?" - James 2:5

It taxes the imagination that this verse is used to support the doctrine of "election to salvation", but nevertheless, it is by some.  The context of James 2:1-9 of this chapter is concerning the respect of certain people because of their position.  Notice in James 2:2-3 :

"For if there come into your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; (2) And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:" (3) They were judging a person by their possessions, showing favoritism to the rich and despising the poor.

Notice again James 2:6-7 :

"But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? (6) Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?'' (7) James 2:5 says why He has chosen the poor:

"...Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him."

If these verses were in support of "election to salvation," then all the poor would be saved or else God would be contradicting Himself. Then God would be guilty of the same wrong judgment that He was rebuking some of the Christians for exercising. This would be preposterous! The verse is self-explanatory and in perfect context with James 2:1-9. They were chosen because they were “rich in faith,” and "heirs of the kingdom" which God had promised to those that love Him. God chooses or rejects all humanity depending on their faith. Notice in Hebrews 11:6 :

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Now John says that it is the will of God that all should honor the Son.  Notice John 5:22-23 :

"For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment to the Son: (22) That all men should honour the Son, even as they even as they honour the Father.  He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him." (23)

One of the basic principles of Biblical interpretation is comparing Scripture with Scripture.  When this is done, the doctrine of "election to salvation" quickly vanishes.