Henry Krabbendam - James - World Evangelical Alliance

Clearly the stakes are high. In fact, they are extremely high. Incidentally,
these very stakes for a large part prompted James to write his letter. They also
must become the dynamics in the life of his readers, just as in the life of Paul,
who exhorted the congregation day and nigh under tears (Acts 14:22; 20:31).
Apparently it takes this kind of commitment, dedication, and involvement to
keep the Church of Christ on an even keel. Failure to exhort daily (Heb. 3:13)
quickly will show its disintegrating and destructive effects. History is there to
prove it. Of course, it may not be done in a judgmental fashion (Mt. 7:1-2;
Jam. 4:11-12). Neither may it be done in a proud manner (1 Cor. 10:12). It
must be done in a Gospel mode with a view to Gospel holiness, rather than
legal obedience, and may therefore never deteriorate into legalism. But it is a
Scriptural injunction. So it must be done (Grünzweig, 178-179). There are always
members of the Christian community who are in the snare of the devil
(2 Tim. 2:26) and must be snatched from the fire (Jude 22-23) (Maier, 119).
Incidentally, the requirements for a properly executed admonition are
twofold, first, an abundance of “goodness” (Rom. 15:14; Col. 3:16), and then
a similar abundance of “wisdom” (Col. 3:16). Admonishing is not an easy
matter. However, it may not be absent in a congregation. Its very health is at
stake! For a splendid illustration, remember once again the textbook case of
Joshua 22. Those who admonish have their full passionate say, while those
who are admonished hear them out. After that, the tables are turned. Those
who were admonished have the full defensive say, and now those who admonished
hear them out. In the process the admonition appeared to have no
merit. This was acknowledged, and the case was closed. In fact, the fellowship
was strengthened. In Galatians 2:11 Paul’s admonition to Peter did have
merit. In such scenario one should expect repentance, restoration, and once
again a strengthening of fellowship (Lk. 17:1ff). This, in fact, did take place
in Galatians 2 (2 Pet. 3:15). In case biblical admonitions are not heeded the
ground rules of Matthew 18:15ff must be followed. The net effect of the refusal
to repent will be excommunication!
The connection of sin and eternal death is an unmistakable truth (Deut.
30:19; Job 8:13; Ps. 1:6; 2:12; Prov. 2:18; 12:28; 14:12; Jer. 23:12; Rom.
5:17, 21; 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:56; Jude 22-23) (Johnson, 338). “The jaws of hell
snap shut on air as the believer once again walks the way of life” (PHDavids,
200) (Ezek. 3:21).
For the second time the results are credited to the account of the instruments
(see also Rom. 11:14; 1 Tim. 4:16). In reality, of course, it is God himself
who saves from death. “By the grace of God I am what I am, and his
grace to me was not without effect. No, I labored harder than all of them--yet
not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Cor. 15:10). Still James’
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