Faith and Works

Faith and Works

Faith and Works – James chapter 2, verses 14 to 26

Faith and Works

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works…?

James 2:21 English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
  • “What! Abraham was justified by works?” How can James say that? Isn’t it opposite to what Paul says?
    • James was concerned that some Jewish Christians were not living according to the faith they claimed.
  • Genuine faith produces good works (James 2:14-19)26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.”
  • Faith and works bring justification (James 2:20-26) 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works”
  • Paul and James use 2 different meanings for the word “works”
    • Paul – “we can’t boast in our works”. Works ALONE cannot save us.
    • James – “works are the evidence of real faith

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