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"Save a soul from death..."

Text: James 5:20

THE GREAT WORK OF SOUL-SAVING

James concluded his epistle on a strong and worthy note. He had written to address many problems that challenged the lives of believers. He now urged his readers to reach out to people so that they might be engaged in noble soul-saving work as well.

“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth,
and someone turns him back, let him know that he who
turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul
from death and cover a multitude of sins.”
James 5:19-20

1. “Brethren”

a) This was an appeal to the church community.

b) James urged them to consider the ministry that he presents before them.

2. “If anyone among you wanders from the truth”

a) This person may be an interested inquirer, sincere and earnest.

b) Or this person may have professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

c) But he wanders from the truth, that is, he goes astray from the truth.

3. “And someone turns him back”

a) This individual is somehow able to help “the wanderer” to turn around.

b) He is able to “convert” the sinner.

4. “Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way”

a) This was a vital ministry that James and the other apostles were engaged in.

b) They sought to deal with the problem of sin that may appear in myriad forms.

c) Sin and error go hand in hand.

d) They must be repented of and then can there be true conversion.

e) Compromise is never the solution.

5. “Will save a soul from death”

a) This ministry is about “soul-saving”.

b) Death (spiritual) awaits the person who will not turn away from his sins and errors.

6. “And cover a multitude of sins”

a) Sins do not come singly.

b) They are numbered in multitudes! But they can be covered through salvation in Christ Jesus!