James 2:24 – You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

2:24 man justified by works, and not by faith only

Both Paul + James worked together to keep unity of the church (Acts 21:18) =/= disagreement over doctrine.

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1. Pauline Writings

• Romans 3:28 + Ephesians 2:8 – 9 directed to new Christians  > justification before God > faith = gift
• justification (salvation) cannot be earned by doing good works
• justification (salvation) = by accepting, through faith =  work that Christ did on the cross
• No one can earn or win favour with God’s forgiveness <= offered only by God’s grace
• to work for salvation by obeying Law = only fail + become more convinced = he is a sinner
• => No one is able to make himself right. Only God can help him do that.
• Paul warns people about working to achieve a relationship with Christ <= Only faith can be tool bring that.

2. James’ Writings

• James coming from different pastoral position
• writing to those who are already Christians + becoming complacent in their walk
• justification before men, + faith should be genuine
• asserting when one is justified by faith =>new life will = complete change => result in an outpouring of works, worthy of Christ
• life of love + serving > molded > relationship with Christ => show that it is a true faith by demonstrating Christ’s love to other people => belief in Christ => an obedience of good works.

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Paul	James
Concerned with legalists who were striving for sanctification through the law – not through faith	Concerned with libertines who were content with sanctification through belief without action
A person who is justified before God through faith	A person is justified before men through his actions
Eternally justified through faith by grace	Justified through a daily walk by works reflecting Christ.

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• Working together both Paul and James are bringing out the harmony of the Word of God.
• We are saved by faith that then, if genuine should lead to the demonstration of that faith through good works.     

 

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