2:14-26 Does this not contradict Paul's teaching that we are justified by faith alone and not by works?
2:14-26 Does this not contradict Paul's teaching that we are justified by faith alone and not by works?
No (CP Ro 3:20, 27-28; 4:1-25; Eph 2:8-9). Paul is referring to initial justifying faith in these scriptures, whereas James is referring to the faith we demonstrate by our works after salvation. Christianity demands works of believers (CP Mt 5:14-16; 16:27; Eph 2:10; 1Ti 6:17-19; 2Ti 3:16-17; Tit 1:15-16; 2:6-7, 11-14).
Christians are not justified by works, but because we are justified by faith, we do the works. This proves our Christian consecration to God's service. There is no contradiction whatever in Paul's and James' teaching. James simply teaches that merely believing in God is no proof that we are justified by faith (CP Jas 2:19).
Even demons believe in God, but they are not justified by faith and going to heaven. Every act of obedience to God's word is an act of faith and works combined to maintain our justification before God. Our works are acts of faith, meaning that they spring from faith or are combined with faith. Faith and works cannot be separated. The works we do flow from our faith (CP Tit 3:8; Jas 2:21-25 with He11:17-19).
Abraham demonstrated his faith by his works. He believed God and he acted on that belief, and proved his faith. Had he not obeyed God it would have demonstrated that he had no faith in God or His word (CP Gen 22:1-18).
Abraham's faith was made perfect in God's sight by his works - being prepared to sacrifice Isaac as an act of obedience to God. God expects the same of everyone of us who say we believe in Him and His word. If we do not act out what we say we believe then we are in fact repudiating God's word (CP Jas 1:22-25).
This teaching, together with Jas 2:14-26, is directed to those in the church who profess faith in Christ and His blood atonement believing that is all that is necessary for salvation. This study clearly highlights the error in that thinking. James teaches that faith such as that is dead and it will produce neither salvation nor anything else that is good (CP Jas 2:14). The answer to the question here of course, is no. The only faith that saves is that which is demonstrated by works, as Jas 1:22 teaches.
This is a very important teaching for the church and carries with it a grim warning we must all heed. It is futile proclaiming faith if our actions mirror unbelief. We are only deluding ourselves if we believe we please God yet are not walking in faith and trusting implicitly in His word (CP Ro 14:23; He 3:12, 19; 4:1-2, 11; 11:6).
See also comments on Ro 3:24-26 (A), 4:3, Eph 2:8-10, He 11:1, Jas 1:22-25.