Problem: James writes, “He must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (Jas. 1:6-8). Does this mean that it is sinful to doubt?
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Problem: James writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (Jas. 1:5). Mormon missionaries argue that this passage supports the notion that prospective converts should pray for direct, spiritual confirmation of the Book of Mormon. In fact, the Book of Mormon itself states, “And when you shall receive these things, I would exhort you that you would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if you shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it to you, by the power of the Holy Ghost 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost you may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:4-5). Should we interpret James 1:5 in this way?
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Problem: Jesus instructed His disciples to pray, “do not lead us into temptation” (Matt. 6:13). But James says here, “count it all joy when you fall into various trials.”
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Problem: The Bible informs us here that Esau “was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.” But why wouldn’t God accept his sincere repentance, when He commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30) and is patiently waiting for people to repent (2 Peter 3:9).
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Problem: Hebrews states, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; 16 that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears” (Heb. 12:15-17). Can we lose our salvation permanently?
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Problem: The author of Hebrews writes, “Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14). Many “holiness preachers” claim that we cannot go to heaven without God’s sanctification. Is this the case?
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Problem: Why should Barak, Samson, and Jephthah be listed among the great men of faith such as Abraham, Moses, and Joseph? After all, they failed in many ways.
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