James 2:21,22 - His faith and his actions were working together

2:21

Was Abraham not “justified” by works? Now this is the statement that makes some say James and Paul have different views on justification. We have seen so far in working through this letter that James and Paul, and the whole Bible for that matter, are in agreement. Saying that this contradicts Paul is a rather silly approach to reading the text. See what the next verse says. Faith and works go together. This is something that Paul, and every other writer in the Bible, fully agrees with. Paul was often addressing the question of being saved by works, in particular circumcision. And the “works” that Paul was arguing against were largely ritual works. James is countering the argument that since we are saved by faith works (meaning here “good works”, such as helping the poor) don’t matter. So James and Paul are addressing different issues, and they are using “works” in a different manner. Abraham’s faith demonstrated itself in his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac. His trust in God was complete, and this led to action.

2:22

“Faith was active along with works, and faith was completed by works”. So just in case anyone was thinking that James did not hold to justification by faith he now makes it clear that he knows full well that faith and works go together. The next verse will state even more explicitly that we are justified by faith. So anyone who takes 2:21 in isolation is a complete numpty, and any theological conclusions they may draw are utterly worthless. Faith and works are inseparable, and that it is the consistent teaching of Paul and of James.

“Faith was completed by works”. We could take this to mean that works shows that faith was complete, was valid. However, it is also the case that they work together. When we obey God out of faith, it also strengthens our faith. Faith and good works are not opposed to each other in the gospel, but work together in a virtuous circle.