James 2:24 is pointing to the example of our father, Abraham and making clear that the faith that justifies is a living faith that manifests itself in good works. Abraham was justified by faith – his faith was reckoned to him for righteousness (Gen. 15:6). He was justified THEN by faith alone but faith was not alone. For what followed was a life of trust and obedience to the word of God and the God of the word. James is making clear a bare and empty faith which merely acknowledges God in Christ is not the faith in Christ which saves – for even the devils believe and tremble but not unto salvation. That is why in a previous post I sought to point out that the grace of faith includes not only credence but also conviction and commitment. Now I’m sure you would concur (hope at least) that scripture interprets scripture. James is not contradicting Paul as some (didn’t say you) think. For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due (Rom.4:2-4).
Posted on: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 17:22:58 +0000
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