The Church Of Heavy Metal

Matthew Henry-

The writer of this epistle was not James the son of Zebedee; for he was put to death by Herod (Acts 12:1, 2) before Christianity had gained so much ground among the Jews of the dispersion as is here implied. But it was the other James, the son of Alpheus, who was cousin-german to Christ, and one of the twelve apostles, Matt. 10:3. He is called a pillar (Gal. 2:9), and this epistle of his cannot be disputed, without loosening a foundation-stone. It is called a general epistle, because (as some think) not directed to any particular person or church, but such a one as we call a circular letter. Others think it is called general, or catholic, to distinguish it from the epistles of Ignatius, Barnabas, Polycarp, and others who were noted in the primitive times, but not generally received in the church, and on that account not canonical, as this is. Eusebius tells us that this epistle was “generally read in the churches with the other catholic epistles.” His. Eccles. page 53. Ed. Val. Anno 1678. James, our author, was called the just, for his great piety. He was an eminent example of those graces which he presses upon others. He was so exceedingly revered for his justice, temperance, and devotion, that Josephus the Jewish historian records it as one of the causes of the destruction of Jerusalem, “That St. James was martyred in it.” This is mentioned in hopes of procuring the greater regard to what is penned by so holy and excellent a man. The time when this epistle was written is uncertain. The design of it is to reprove Christians for their great degeneracy both in faith and manners, and to prevent the spreading of those libertine doctrines which threatened the destruction of all practical godliness. It was also a special intention of the author of this epistle to awaken the Jewish nation to a sense of the greatness and nearness of those judgments which were coming upon them; and to support all true Christians in the way of their duty, under the calamities and persecutions they might meet with. The truths laid down are very momentous, and necessary to be maintained; and the rules for practice, as here stated, are such as ought to be observed in our times as well as in preceding ages.

12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has [m]been approved, he will receive the crown of life

This verse seems to be saying that only when we persevere through a trial will we receive life. Is this passage talking about salvation? If it is, it sounds like we have to earn salvation as it will only be granted once we have been tested.

There is something that I have been worrying about that this passage brings to mind. I was wondering about Christians who are threatened with their life to renounce. If a Christian is threatened to renounce or die and he renounces, only with his words and not his heart, will he be saved? Maybe most people will say that because he renounced that he has not earned the crown of life because he denied the son, and therefore will be denied by God. That is a scary thought, and I think I am someone who would renounce to save my own life. Also, what if someone were tortured until they renounced. At which point would it be okay for them to renounce and still be saved, if at all? The problem with this thinking is that it is focusing on our works, so I think that if someone verbally renounces but believes in his heart, he will be saved.

Thanks Chris P I didn't know the distinction of different crowns