In Luke 9:50, Jesus Christ declares, He that is not against us is on our side. In Luke 11:23, He states, He who is not with Me is against Me. A superficial reading of these statements, both tied to the casting out of demons, might suggest a contradiction in Scripture. However, understanding the audience and context of each account resolves any apparent conflict. In the first account, Christ speaks in an intimate setting among His disciples, responding to John's concern about someone casting out demons in His name without being part of their group. Jesus instructs them not to forbid such a person, emphasizing that those not working against them should not be discouraged or treated as enemies. In the second account, Christ addresses a hostile crowd, including Pharisees who accuse Him of casting out demons by the power of the ruler of demons. He counters their accusation with logic, asserting that in the battle between the Kingdom of God and satan, there is no neutral ground, and thus, anyone not with Him is against Him. These two statements of Jesus Christ are not in conflict. When considered together, they reveal a harmony, teaching that while there is no middle ground in the spiritual battle, caution must be exercised in judging others' actions to discern the spirit motivating them.

Every single word, phrase, sentence, and paragraph written in God's Word, the Holy Bible, is important. Some compare passages like Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that salvation comes by grace through faith and not by works, with James 2:14-26, which emphasizes that faith without works is dead, and declare that the Bible contradicts itself. They question how it can be the inspired Word of God if such contradictions exist. True spiritual understanding, however, reveals that the Bible does not contradict itself on the subject of faith and works, nor anywhere else. There is no contradiction between the opinions of Paul and James on this matter. Paul, in Ephesians 2:8, says that faith is required, and in verse 10, states that good works are also required, as God has prepared us to walk in them. James, in the second chapter of his epistle, asserts that faith and works are inseparable, illustrating that faith apart from works is barren, unproductive, and ineffective. Thus, both faith and works are essential; faith without works is dead, while faith with works leads to eternal life.

There is no contradiction in Scripture! The assertion that faith and works are at odds is a misunderstanding. Scripture reveals that faith without works is dead, as James 2:20 states, emphasizing that a dead faith cannot save a soul. James further illustrates this with Abraham, who was justified by works when he offered Isaac, showing that faith wrought with works, and by works, faith is made perfect (James 2:21-24). We are saved by faith, but it is a living faith, one that is completed through works. The purpose of the law is not to justify or cleanse, but to provide the knowledge of sin, as Romans 3:20 explains. By the law, we understand what sin is, for sin is the transgression of the law (I John 3:4). The law acts as a spiritual mirror, revealing the dirt on our hearts, but only the blood of Christ can wash it away. Thus, there is no contradiction in the teaching that we are not justified by the deeds of the law, but by faith in Christ, while still being called to obey the law through faith. Some argue that it is impossible to keep the commandments, claiming faith voids the law. Yet, Scripture counters this deception with Romans 3:31, declaring that faith does not make void the law, but establishes it. Jesus Himself taught that to enter into life, one must keep the commandments (Matthew 19:17). While with men this is impossible, with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:25-26). It takes faith in the power of God to make obedience possible, showing that a living faith and perfect obedience go hand in hand. The notion that one can believe in Christ and worship Him while disregarding His commandments is also addressed. Christ warns that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father (Matthew 7:21). He further states that worship is in vain when it is based on the commandments of men rather than God's law (Mark 7:7-8). Such a dead faith, devoid of obedience, cannot save, proving again that there is no contradiction in Scripture's call to both faith and works.