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Response Paper - Essay Example .., University of..., [Address] Contact: Abstract The question of salvation by faith as opposed to salvation by the deeds have historically bothered Christian theologians of various stripes for centuries, being one of the key doctrinal issues in the Reformation debates. The purpose of this paper is to examine the key tenets of both doctrines, as laid out in respective epistles by Apostles Paul and James the Lord’s Brother, in order to support the author’s own view on this matter. Keywords: Pauline Christianity, salvation, faith, Epistles, James, Paul Salvation by Faith and Salvation by the Deeds: Paul’s and James’ Debate The problem of salvation and the exact requirements thereof have always baffled the Christian theologians and lay people alike. Its significance for the Christian doctrine cannot be overemphasized, because it is this aspect that represents a foundation for a Christian understanding of human connection with the Divine. Therefore any solutio n proposed for the definition of salvation and its requirements is bound to generate a vigorous theological debate. The two approaches to the issue of salvation that are most frequently found in doctrinal tenets of various Christian denominations is that of salvation by faith alone and the one of salvation by the deeds or works. ... As it is well-known, the main point of this Epistle is the one of a contrast between the former sinful ways of the Gentile Christians that used to be Pagans before forming part of the Church (Patzia, 2011). The ‘spiritual death’ that was once their fate before they awakened in Christ is conceived as having been lifted from this new believers by the grace of God alone, as it is affirmed that in the other case their souls would continue to be prey to Satan’s depredations (Patzia, 2011). Consequently, the new life of â€Å"good works† (Ephesians 2:10 New International Version) that the believers were bestowed with by God is not the result of the efforts of their own, but purely a Divine gift to them. Paul seems to proceed from counterpoising the world of flesh and â€Å"the cravings of our flesh† (Ephesians 2:3 New International Version) to the universe of God’s grace and mercy that are alone capable of delivering the believer from the clutches o f Satan, â€Å"the ruler of the kingdom of air† (Ephesians 2:2 New International Version). In this, Paul excludes the possibility of attaining salvation by one’s own works, as human flesh is inextricably bound to the world ruled by Satan and his minions. The famed quotation by Paul, referring to the fact that the salvation is carried out â€Å"by grace, through faith†, without any willful input by the believer, is the most vivid example of such Pauline reasoning. The Apostle apparently gives another reason for such phenomenon with regard to salvation, noting that salvation comes â€Å"not from works, so that no one can boast† (Ephesians 2:8 New International Version). In a more metaphysical sense,