James 4:8
What is written? (ESV)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
What does it say?
If sinners draw near to God, He will near to them, and requires cleansing themselves (spiritually) and being single-minded in their focus to serve and obey God.
What is its immediate context?
James practical words to Christians on how to live faithfully. In chapter four, he focuses on humility and single-mindedness.
How James 4:8 is applied across Bible answers
Can our free moral agency be lost?
James describes the single-minded focus that's required for a sinner to turn to God and remain obedient.
He has just chastised them for being "adulterous people" and reminds them that they can't be "friends" with both the world and God (vs 4). It's one or the other!
What is required to understand the Bible?
God will draw near to those who seek him with a desire and single-mindedness of heart.
