A Study of James 2:14-26

In this Scripture, James is clarifying the role of works for a believer.

Heavenly Father, I ask for Your wisdom and for Your understanding as I study Your word. Speak to my heart and soul, so that I may know You better. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen

Verse 14

James is posing the question to other believers, can someone have faith and not produce works of that faith? Roman Catholicism and others will try and use this and the following verses to back up their claims of works-based salvation. However, as we will learn James is not saying that at all, in fact he is revealing the truth on the matter.

Verses 15-17

James uses the example of a fellow servant of Christ in need of human essentials to illustrate that just saying you are a Christian does not equal a saving faith. A saving faith produces a God-given change of heart and that heart produces good works (or good fruit) that validates that faith.

Verses 18-20

Here we see that simply believing the basic truths about Jesus does not equal salvation. Even the devil and fallen angels know who Jesus is and tremble, and yet they are not saved. Like a healthy tree, those who truly love Jesus produce good fruit in season. False converts produce bad or no fruit in any season. They tout the name of God, while living a life solely for themselves, wrought with sin, unwilling to deny themselves and trust Jesus. Their fruit is death and the light of life is not found in them.

Verses 21-23

God told Abraham to take his son Isaac to the altar for sacrifice. God’s intent was never for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, but He was testing Abraham’s faith. Abraham obeyed and because of his full trust in God he was credited with righteousness. Abraham taking Isaac to the altar and raising the knife was a work of his faith and justified his faith. (See Genesis 22)

Verses 24-26

God’s grace, applied through our full faith in Jesus Christ is how were are saved. When you come to Him, He changes you into a “new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17) to reflect His love, mercy, compassion and kindness, and gives you a heart for Him. Faith without works is dead because it reveals a heart that has not been changed by God.

Final Words:

The argument of 'grace by faith vs. faith + works' has been going on for centuries and was at the heart of the Protestant Reformation. As humans we like to over complicate things, including the gospel message of Christ. This could be due to a desire to control others and pick and choose who has access. James is very clear in this passage of Scripture, that a saving faith in Christ produces good works. And that good works in themselves do not bring salvation. Likewise, professing Christ yet living a life mastered by sin is also a warning for a non-saving faith (Romans 6:14). It is the heart that’s been truly changed by God, that will show true love, the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23) and desire for Him. Which in turn fuels the good works that God has laid out for each one of us to do in our lives.