James Chapter Two, Part 6

 

James 2:24 You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

James points the reader to the illustration given in verses 21 through 23. Abraham was held up as an exemplar of what faith practically lived looks like. The entire epistle is sewn with the care of an apostle that is scrutinizing how the outward actions of the saints reflect their inward confession. Chapter two summarizes the apostle’s point. Faith alone, of itself, is dead. Let it be stressed that James’ is not accusing his readers of being spiritually dead. Rather he is inciting them to a fervor for works that accompany salvation, Hebrews 6:9-12. In James 1:2, 2:1, and 2:14 he refers to his readers as “my brethren.” He is instructing fellow Christians whose dead faith will lead to grave consequences when at last they meet their Lord. Nor is James inferring that works are requisite for one’s salvation. Refer back to verse 18. “But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” The idea presented is justification of one’s confession of faith before men. As noted, the Bible makes it clear that God does not need our works, but sees the heart. We are justified before God through faith alone, Mark 16:16; John 3:16, 18; Acts 16:31; Romans 4:5, etc.

In fact, Paul writes, “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness,” Romans 4:2-3. Citing the same passage in Genesis, Paul speaks about justification in the sight of God. No man can boast of the salvation freely given in Christ, for the Son earned salvation for us when He died to sin on our behalf, paying the price God’s justice demanded. Paul’s argument stems from clearing us of any notion on our part that salvation is something we can contribute to before a holy God. James is inspired by the Holy Spirit to encourage his readers and all the saints to walk worthy of our calling so that our conduct justifies us in the sight of our fellow man. What Christian, having been purchased with the precious blood of Christ, wants a life of dead faith that produces nothing of value? Rather, our motivation should be derived from the love such a sacrifice demonstrated. “We love Him because He first loved us,” 1 John 4:19. If we consider this passage, God is not asking of us more than He already gave. Empty are the words of someone who says, “I love you,” but treats you with indifference, or worse, contempt. But God’s love was clearly demonstrated to mankind by Christ’s death as payment for sin, to buy us back and give us the blessing of conformity to His image and service as His saints. We have been adopted into the household of faith, and our Lord will use us (as we are willing) to proclaim the gospel and be glorified through us, 2 Timothy 2:19-21.

James 2:25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? [26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

 

The parallel passage for James 2:25 lies in Hebrews. We read, “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she received the spies with peace,” Hebrews 11:31. What was the root of her work? The anonymous writer of Hebrews informs us that Rahab acted in faith, contrasting her against the residents of Jericho that did not believe. Having heard of Israel’s God, Rahab trusted in Him, and her faith led her to help the Jewish spies. Unlike the impotent Christians in verse 16, Rahab showed her faith by her actions. Her works, done through trust in the living God, revealed what God already knew to be there. Now the spies knew it as well, and because of this the Jewish army under Joshua spared her life. Not only that, but this remarkable woman became a part of the bloodline that would bring the Christ into the world, Matthew 1:5. John, writing in agreement with James over the matter, says, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth,” 1 John 3:17, 18.

 

At last we are left with an analogy. We know that people are spirits housed in bodies as we sojourn through our temporary stay in this world. When the body dies our spirit moves on to one of two destinations. Putting that aside, the body that is left is useless. Something that is dead can no longer act; it is incapable of doing anything useful. So too, it would seem, is the Christian that refuses to yield to the Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification. Verse 17 elucidates this point, that faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. God is neither glorified, nor are others benefited from such a barren faith. If we look at the word “believe” which is used 124 times in the New Testament, it is most often the Greek word “pisteuo.” It hails from “faith,” which is the Greek “pistis.” “Believe” is defined: “be persuaded of; and hence, to place confidence in, and signifies in this sense of the word reliance upon, not mere credence (acceptance).” It is, I think, a good idea to pause and consider. Is this my faith? Is my belief in Jesus Christ as my Savior something that fellow Christians and the unsaved world would justify or condemn? Are we the forgetful hearers of the word, or the effectual doers? This is a very sobering chapter of the Bible, and my prayer is that anyone reading will reflect and benefit from the message James is conveying to us.