Paul
and James are often pitted against each other because they addressed the same
issue, but on the surface seem to stating opposing conclusions about the nature
of the relationship between faith and works. Paul says that we are justified by
faith, and James seems to be saying that we are justified by works. However, it
is important to note that these two biblical writers were addressing different
issues. The letter of James was likely one of the first epistles written, he addressed the
practicalities of one’s faith in Jesus. He used common sense to address a
practical issue. Asking a very basic question, if you have faith in Jesus, yet
there is no evidence of that faith in your life (i.e. works), then what’s the
point of your faith? It’s useless. For as Paul wrote in Eph. 2:10, we were
saved for a purpose, that purpose is to live righteously, which means doing
good works.
Paul, who wrote later than James, focused more on the theological aspect of justification. We are
justified on the basis of our faith in Jesus, that He was who He said He was-
Son of God, Messiah, and King; and that we agree with Him about the nature of
sin and our own personal sin. God is holy, we are sinners, therefore we deserve
condemnation, and we are in need of a savior. God has provided us a savior that
is Jesus Christ. The saving action of the savior is Christ’s atoning work on the cross. This is the means for our
salvation, not our own good works. No amount of good works or personal righteousness can put us in God’s
good favor. Our best efforts are like dirty menstrual rags compared to God’s
holiness (Is. 64:6).
We, who have the benefit of studying both
letters, must affirm both messages. We are saved only by the work of Christ, yet
that salvation through Christ has an inbuilt purpose of transforming us into
someone like Jesus. A person motivated to do good works, to live righteously
before God and to love the savior. Faith in Jesus is one of action. James made
the same point in his scenario about the lacking brother or sister (2:15-17).
If our faith does not motivate us to help a brother or sister in need, what
good is it? Why even have faith in Jesus? For true faith in Jesus motivates us
to take action. Faith and works go hand in hand. Faith without works is not the
faith that Jesus offers which that leads to salvation. James went on to discuss the
examples of demons (who have belief without works= not saved), and Abraham and
Rahab (who had faith with works= saved). In fact the relationship between faith and
works is so inseparable, it is comparable to a body detached from the spirit, remove
one from the other and the result is death (2:26).
