I have always been taught growing up that we are justified before God by faith alone, and not works. However, the more I read James 2, the more I believe the Catholic Church is correct in its soteriology as opposed to Anglican/Lutheran soteriology.
James 2:21 following:
21
Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”[
e] and he was called God’s friend.24
You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
It literally says "...considered righteous by what they (you) do and
not by faith alone".
I've heard that this passage refers to how the Church can tell if one has genuine faith, as opposed to faith/justification before God. Where is this distinction found in the text? It seems that you have to read more into the text than is there to arrive at that conclusion.
Here's a second, even more clear translation:
James 2:24: Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith.
Hi godenver1,
James is a difficult letter, it has been for me, and for many over the years. This is why it truly is important to “rightly divide the word of truth.”
The first thing to notice is who James was written to.
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren... -
James 1:1-2a
So, we can see that James was written to his fellow Jewish believers, “brethren.”
Not to unbelievers/unsaved.
Hence, we can understand that James’ letter was written to those already saved, to encourage, exhort, correct and yes, even chastise when necessary, but not to tell them how to
be saved, as they were
already saved.
In regard to James 2, which so many (myself included) have struggled with, James was indeed chastising these Jews for not living out their faith and loving their brothers and sisters.
As you will notice first, James is abundantly clear that the Law, if one must keep it to be saved, would need to be kept perfectly:
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
So, if the Law is to be kept perfectly, not one part of it can be broken, or the one who does so is guilty of breaking all of it.
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
God has indeed showed us astounding mercy in Christ. And we should speak and act in ways that reflect what a great mercy we have been shown in Christ, who took our judgement and penalty upon Himself as our propitiation.
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
This is one of the verses that most troubles people, as it seems to be saying that faith can’t save a person who has no works.
This is why it is important that we do not form an entire theology from a few select verses, as we know that many Scriptures plainly state that salvation is not of works.
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
If we keep reading, we can hopefully begin to understand that the “profit” James is referring to is the profit or assurance that our brothers and sisters gain when we our live out our faith by helping them when they are in need. Faith that is not lived out neither “profits” any one else around us, nor does it “save” any one else around us in their very real, earthly needs.
Remember, James is writing to already saved, Jewish believers, and these verses are written to chastise them because they, being believers, were not living out their faith in that they were not helping their brothers and sisters.
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
More on what it means when believers do not live out their faith by helping those in need. Explained further as we keep reading.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
James issues a challenge here to these Jewish believers. He challenges them to show faith without works. Well, without works, no one can show their faith, as people cannot see the heart, only God can. People see the outward appearance, the actions of others. And so he states “I will show thee my faith by my works.”
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
And yes they do, but Jesus did not die for them, He is not their Saviour. (Though they do know perfectly well Who He is, and what awaits them.)
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
How do we “see” Abraham’s faith, since we could not see his heart. By his willingness to offer his son Issac.
It’s very important to remember here that Abraham had been declared righteous in the sight of God years before the moment he was prepared to offer up Issac. Abraham had believed God’s promise of a son and descendants and ultimately the Gospel (which Scripture confirms was preached to Abraham) and by his faith in God’s promise, God imputed righteousness to him.
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
And so, by the willingness of faithful Abraham to even offer up the son that God had promised him all of his descendants would come through, (believing that God would remain faithful to His promise and could raise Issac from the dead) Abraham showed his faith.
We should not miss that this is also pointing to Christ, as God Himself provided the sacrifice in that moment.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Yes, we human beings, who cannot see the heart, do indeed “see” another’s faith by their works. Often, people need to see this, as they will very likely doubt if someone says they have faith and then they do nothing to show it, especially when they even neglect to help those in need.
I hope you continue to “search the Scriptures”. It is so important that we seek to understand more difficult passages like this in light of other verses in Scripture that are more clear, because Scripture never contradicts itself.
Also, we must remember who the Scripture was addressed to as we seek to properly understand the context.
