James 4:12

There is one Lawgiver,— Dr. Bentley would close the last verse with the words, Thou art not a doer of the law, and begin the present, But there is one Judge—the Lawgiver. Christ is here called the Lawgiver, most probably in opposition to those who were so fond of the law given by Moses, and so severe in censuring those who did not observe that law. Neither the bishop of Rome, nor any single man or synod, have any power to make religious laws which shall be binding upon the consciences of Christians; to assure such of salvation as shall observe them, or to sentence such as will not observe them to everlasting perdition. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge; that is, Christ; who is himself invested with all sufficient power, and who has not delegated that power to any weak, passionate, or fallible man. His laws are in the New Testament; and whoever adds to them, or takes from them, does so far detract from the only Lawgiver in the Christian church. Dr. Heylin renders this verse, There is but one Legislator who hath power to absolve or condemn. Who are you, that usurp his office by judging your neighbour?