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Problem: James writes, “Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (Jas. 5:14). What is the point of anointing a sick person with oil?
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Problem: This and many other verses (cf. Hosea 4:2; Matt. 5:33–37) condemn oath-taking. In James’ words, “Above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath.” Jesus had said the same thing, namely, “Do not swear at all: neither by heaven … nor by the earth” (Matt. 5:34–35). On the other hand, there are many places in the Bible where oaths were taken and blessed by God (cf. Gen. 21:24; Deut. 6:13). Indeed, angels took oaths (Rev. 10:5–6), as did God Himself (Heb. 6:13).
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Problem: Solomon lauded riches as a blessing from God, saying, “In the house of the righteous there is much treasure” (Prov. 15:6; cf. Ps. 112:3). However, James warned the rich to “weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!” (5:1). Which is it?
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Problem: James writes, “Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: ‘He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us’?” (Jas. 4:5). However, this quotation is found nowhere in the OT. What is James citing here?
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Problem: James makes reference to the “course of nature,” which has been translated “wheel of beginning.” Some take this to be a reference to reincarnation, since they believe life goes around in cycles of birth, death, and rebirth (into another body). Is this a correct interpretation of the passage?
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