Faith and Works James 2:14-26

Justification James 2:14-26 Romans 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Romans 4:5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness….

Justification James 2:14-26 James 2:24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Justification James 2:14-26 Martin Luther, writing his preface to the book of James, “[It] contradicts Paul by teaching justification by works.” “St. James Epistle is really an epistle of straw compared to [St. Paul's letters], for it lacks this evangelical character.”

Justification James 2:14-26 Context, context, context Audience Purpose Trials and temptations Under discipline Facing judgment Needing repentance

Justification James 2:14-26 Context, context, context Audience Purpose In need of “salvation” (1:21) Gen 32:30; 1 Sam 19:11; Ezek 18:26-27; Prov 13:3; 16:17-18; 19:16

Justification James 2:14-26 Genesis 32:30 So Jacob named the place Peniel, for he said, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life (soul) has been preserved (saved).”

Justification James 2:14-26 1 Samuel 19:11 Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him, in order to put him to death in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, told him, saying, “If you do not save your life (soul) tonight, tomorrow you will be put to death.”

Justification James 2:14-26 Ezek 18:26-27 "When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies because of it, for his iniquity which he has committed he will die. Again, when a wicked man turns away from his wickedness which he has committed and practices justice and righteousness, he will save his life (soul).”

Justification James 2:14-26 Proverbs 13:3 The one who guards his mouth preserves (saves) his life (soul); The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Justification James 2:14-26 Proverbs 16:17-18 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who watches his way preserves (saves) his life (soul).

Justification James 2:14-26 Prov 19:16 He who keeps the commandment keeps (saves) his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die.

Justification James 2:14-26 Argument of James 2:14-26 Context = judgment One argument stated 5 ways Faith and works are inseparable for salvation from a useless life. One argument illustrated 5 ways

Justification James 2:14-26 Illustrations of James 2:14-26 1. Care for needy Christians (2:15-17) 2. Hypothetical objector (2:18-20) 3. Abraham (2:21-24) 4. Rahab (2:25) 5. A dead body (2:26)

Application Complete assurance Great accountability Perfect power

Begin 18 But someone may well say, “You, James, have faith (only) and I (objector) have (faith and) works;” show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” (You see, faith can be demonstrated with or without works. I will prove it to you, James) 19 You (James) believe that God is one. You do well (2:8; you do good works); the demons also believe, and shudder (they do no good works).” This proves that faith and works can be separated.” 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? 1 NIV 2 NAS 3 Brian Fisher

Relationship between faith and works R. Catholic Reformed Arminian Works help a person become justified Works prove a person is justified Works keep a person justified