A Moral Life

Though we agree with Catholics that Abraham was justified by works, both Eastern and Western, we disagree on the implications and application. They as well as Luther have argued that Abraham is an example of purity after our initial salvation. They have taught that justification is not finalized until death. The idea of on going justification is a worthy doctrine.

Abraham cared for the poor before being justified, even with all of his moral acts he wasn't justified until offering Isaac, proof of his belief God could fulfill his promise by resurrection.

Being good and doing good doesn't save without specific faith.

Thus the need for good works after initial salvation in their view. Though James 2 does apply works to helping others and condemns those who lack mercy because of social prejudice, their idea was that Abraham was a precedent for living a moral life as a Christian, faith bringing forth righteous fruit, but this act wasn't moral but a faith based offering. It was different than bringing forth fruits through faith after being saved. It was to be justified.

James 2 shows both types of righteousness, the mercy of feeding the needy (being merciful being a Godly and righteous trait), and the faith to work against nature through the resurrection.(faith being its own type of righteousness)

It was justification through obedience to a figure, the works occurred before justification, not good works after justification. It was also different because Abraham was taking a life as a sacrifice, not preserving life by feeding the hungry.

Sometimes a man is known for a singular event that adequately represents the embodiment of his life.