In the book of Romans, we find a bold statement that seems to clearly conclude that salvation is by faith alone. Reading in Romans 4:1-5  What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?  (2)  For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.  (3)  For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.  (4)  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.  (5)  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. There is another such clear statement in another one of Paul’s letters to the Ephesian church. Reading in Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  (9)  Not of works, lest any man should boast. But then we read in the Book of James something that seems to completely contradict Romans and Ephesians. Reading in James 2:17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. A simple comparison of these scriptures would seem to show an obvious contradiction and this should unsettle us. True faith will also bear works of fruit. 

Now regarding Romans and Ephesians, it is very obvious that in the context in which we find these passages is definitely related to how a person gets right with God. How a person’s soul is saved. How a person can have their sins forgiven. It is a gift of grace received by faith and not something earned. So let’s examine the Book of James in an attempt to understand what he is talking about.

In chapter one of James, we find that the letter was written to Jewish background people that profess faith in Christ. We also find in the first chapter that the people being addressed seem to have a problem of being double minded. Meaning they were saying one thing but doing something completely different. In fact, James more at the end of the letters seems to be wondering if some of the people he is writing to are even born again. He says in James 4:7-8  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  (8)  Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. By this passage we could conclude that a person with no fruit is more likely not saved and needs to get right with God. We would not tell this person, it’s good that you believe but you also need to have good works in order to get to heaven.

Now before we look at what James means by “faith without works is dead”, I want to also point out that when we see the word “saved”, it is not always talking about “having our sins forgiven, being adopted by God, or the receiving of eternal life”. We will see that when we look more closely at the context.

So, reading in James 2:1  My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. You see here two this double mindedness? They profess faith but live completely contrary to faith? If we continue to read, we see that they were literally giving the wealthy in the midst of the meeting the best seat but then suggesting to the poor that they were only good for laying on the floor and being a footstool! In verse nine James says that this extreme form of partiality was revealing them to be still sinners. James then challenges his readers with the ten commandments to prove they are indeed sinners and by this concluding they need to get right with God. 

As we continue to read in James 2:14  What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? What is this “can faith save him”? What does “save” mean and who is the “him”? Let’s continue to read…James 2:15-17  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?  (17)  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. So in this passage what is the “faith”? Is it not clearly talking about the statement “depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled”? Who is the “him” that needs saving? Is it not the person naked and hungry? Is “saving” not clearly referring to helping the person in this horrible situation? Continuing to read in…James 2:19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Notice here that James is acknowledging again that his readers profess faith and acknowledges that it is good but reminds them that devils also believe and even tremble which is more than what they seem to be doing. No godly fear, reverence or trembling before a holy God. 

James continues the teaching by referencing Abraham. But before we look at this, I would like to remind the reader that the word “justify” literally means to be declared or rendered innocent. I would also like to remind us that man can only look at the outward but God looks at the heart. Therefore, when a person turns their heart to God in believing and trusting Christ for salvation, God sees the reality of this at the instant that faith occurs. But we on the other hand need proof. Normally this is a believers baptism and fruits of the spirit. Remember how we read that “before God” or in the “eyes of God” Abraham was justified by faith? The instant God saw that Abraham believed the promise, God justified or in other words declared Abraham to be righteous. But regarding his fellow man, they cannot see faith alone. Faith in the heart is Godward but outward works on manward. Reading in…James 2:21-22  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? We see here then that the works of Abraham revealed the faith to be real. 
So we conclude that, justification before God is connected to faith alone while being justified by fellow man will only happen when they see the fruit. Also, James was not telling us that faith in God is a good start but if we want our salvation to be complete, we had better do good works as well. In closing I would like to read one more passage. Reading in…Romans 6:20-23  For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.  (21)  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.  (22)  But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  (23)  For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.