Our Glorious Lord Jesus Christ

July 20th, 2026
by Lance Waldie

James 2:1 My brothers, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.

Firstly, we notice in James 2:1 that James is addressing “my brothers.” James being one of the half-brothers of Jesus (cf. Matt. 13:55), and Jesus being from the tribes of Israel, specifically Judah (Matt. 1:1-16), James was Jewish. His “brothers” therefore were the twelve tribes of Israel (Jas. 1:1), more specifically Jewish Christians (1:2, 19; 2:1, 5, 14; 3:1, 10; 4:11; 5:12, 19) and by extension all believers whether Jew or Gentile. Knowing that his audience was Christian—that salvation is by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone (Eph. 2:8-9), James was not content to allow professed Christians to be idle in their faith; he demanded that they put their faith to work. For without works, faith cannot be verified (Jas. 1:22; cf. Eph. 2:10).

Secondly, James speaks of how Christians must “hold” (Gr. echō) their faith in Jesus. The term simply means “have”—how professed Christians continually have, or live, in their saving faith. The point he will make in vv. 1-13 is that true Christians are not partial to one person or group over another; they show no “personal favoritism.” If Jewish, Jews are not favored over Gentile Christians. And if wealthy, the rich do not favor the rich over the poor.

Thirdly, James speaks of the object of our Christian faith: our “glorious Lord Jesus Christ.” In this phrase we see “Jesus” sandwiched between “Lord” and “Christ,” all three terms being modified by “glorious.” First, “glorious” (Gr. doxa) is a term in the NT that means “honor; brightness; splendor”—a term used for deity, or something associated with deity. No one in Scripture except God is “glorious.” Hence, James exalts his half-brother as full deity (Col. 2:9).

Second, James calls Jesus “Lord” (Gr. kurios). Though this term can be translated “master” and “sir” as terms of respect, it is the term that the LXX scholars used for translating the holy name of God (Yahweh). Jesus, being God in flesh (John 1:1-2, 14), is thus called “Lord.”

Third, James refers to Jesus as “Christ” (Gr. Christos), the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew “Messiah,” or anointed one. It refers to the one who delivers. Now since all three terms modify “Jesus” (Gr. Iēsous), the Greek translation for the Hebrew “Joshua,” a name that literally means “Yahweh saves,” it is obvious that Jesus is God. What other conclusion could be drawn?

Jesus is God

…the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true… His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life (1 John 5:20).
The Jews answered Jesus: “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God” (John 10:33).
The high priest said to Jesus, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! (Matt. 26:63–65).
Jesus said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” The scribes and Pharisees said “…who can forgive sins, but God alone?” (Luke 5:20–25)
…you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins (Matt. 1:21).
Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel—God with us (Matt. 1:23).
John the Baptist prepared the way for “Yahweh,” Jesus Himself (Mark 1:1-11).
Jesus: “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58; cf. Ex. 3:14).