Problem: Paul clearly teaches that we are justified by faith and not by works (Rom. 1:17). He declared, “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness” (Rom. 4:5). It is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5). For “by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2:8–9).
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Problem: According to the Bible, all that is necessary to be saved is to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 16:31), for “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Paul said salvation comes “to him who does not work but believes on Him” (Rom. 4:5). If this is so, then why are not the demons saved, since the Bible admits that “even the demons believe” (v. 19).
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Problem: Paul quotes Genesis 15:6, and he explains that this passage about Abraham explains faith alone (Gal. 3:6). But James quotes Genesis 15:6, and he concludes that this supports faith and works (Jas. 2:23). Roman Catholic apologists Kreeft and Tacelli write, “The Protestant doctrine of sola fide, salvation by faith alone, is not taught in Scripture. In fact, it is explicitly contradicted in Scripture. James 2:24 says that ‘a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.’”[1] To their credit, James does write, “A man is justified by works and not by faith alone” (Jas. 2:24). Does this passage contradict justification by faith alone?
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Problem: By James’ account, the law of God brings liberty into the Christian’s life, since he describes it here as the “law of liberty.” This appears to be in direct conflict with the Apostle Paul’s contention that the Law of Moses “gives birth to bondage” (Gal. 4:24).
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Problem: The Bible says “God tempted Abraham” (Gen. 22:1, kjv), and Jesus taught His disciples to pray to God, “do not lead us into temptation” (Matt. 6:13). How then can James say of God, “nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (James 1:13).
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Problem:

Does God tempt people? There are different ways to understand temptation. God tested Abraham, but did not tempt him with sin. One person can offer a temptation to a second person, but the second person is not tempted. For example, I have no interest in sports whatsoever. If someone were to tempt me with tickets to a football game instead of going out to dinner at my wife, they’ve offered a temptation, but I’m not actually tempted. So, it can be understood differently.
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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?

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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Problem:

Did Jacob worship at the head of the bed or leaning on a staff? Genesis says that Israel bowed to worship God “at the head of the bed.” The Book of Hebrews, however, while citing the same story, says that he did so “leaning on the top of his staff.” Is this a contradiction?
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Problem: Hebrews mentions that Jacob died worshiping, “leaning on the top of his staff” (11:21). Yet Genesis 47:31 mentions Jacob “bowed himself on the head of the bed.” How do we reconcile this apparent contradiction?
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