A Biblical Commentary on James

Authentic Christianity begins with authentic faith! James directs his readers to a picture of what true saving faith looks like. The born again Christian will live a life that is characterized by good works, such as showing mercy (v. 13), that stem from his vital faith in Christ. Many people see tension, and sometimes even a contradiction, between Paul and James regarding the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Paul’s emphasis is that the believer is justified solely on the basis of faith, apart from any human performance of good deeds (Ro 5:1). James’ emphasis focuses on the results of justification by faith; namely a lifestyle of good works. Once justified by faith, good works will be evident in the convert’s life. Good deeds are a characteristic of those who possess real saving faith. The two, saving faith and good works are inseparably linked together!

It is interesting to note that James concluded the previous section by speaking of God’s judgment. One with faith that produces no good works will not stand up under the scrutiny of the Almighty’s judgment!

The Question About Saving Faith, (2:14)

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? (2:14)

James poses two questions to his audience regarding the nature of true saving faith. The first question asks “what good it is to claim having faith but no good works”? The answer is that it is worthless and pays no dividends to its owner whatsoever. The second question is “can such faith save him”? The Greek construction expects the no answer. Faith that produces no good works has no efficacy to save the person in possession of that type of faith. True saving faith will result in a lifestyle of good works. If there are no good deeds present in a person’s life, his faith is worthless, and it can’t save him.

An Example of Dead Faith, (2:15-17)

Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? (2:15-16)

This is a hypothetical situation, but one that was probably somewhat common given the circumstances his readers were facing. They were enduring harsh economic times and many people were just barely getting by. When a fellow brother or sister (meaning a fellow Christian) comes across your path with obvious physical needs, we are obligated to help him out, especially if we have the means available to us. By wishing him well and “blowing him off” this person testifies to his superficial faith and his hypocrisy! True saving faith will move one to reach out to the needy and lend whatever assistance they can. Doing nothing to alleviate their physical needs serves no benefit to the one in need, or to the one who could potentially help the distressed individual out.

The apostle John said something similar to James: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him (1 John 3:17)?” John sees the unwillingness of the person to lend assistance as a problem of the heart. Where’s the love of God! James, on the other hand, sees the unwillingness of the person to render help being a problem of faith. Either way, true saving faith propels the person to action, causing him to lend a helping hand to those who are distressed.

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. (2:17)

The words spoken above to the needy person (2:16) don’t cut it with God! True faith will lend itself to action, not empty words of insincerity. Pronouncing a blessing, saying prayers for the hurting, wishing someone well without taking any action, indicates that person’s faith is sterile. If true saving faith was in the speaker (2:16), mercy would have kicked in and led the man to action. The fact that it didn’t indicates that his faith is dead, incapable of saving him.

But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. (2:18)

James shows us the futility of trying to separate faith from works, as if they are two distinct qualities, existing independently of each other. Faith and works are two links in a chain that can’t be separated, as if one believer can just have faith, and the other can just have deeds. James asks the one who has faith to “show me your faith without deeds.” In other words, James is saying prove you have faith; back it up! Put your money where your mouth is! Without works to support the man’s profession of faith, he can’t prove his faith in Jesus is genuine! He can boast about his faith all day, but in the absence of any works he can’t prove his faith is real. The burden of proof will not be lifted from his shoulders until he can produce good works!

On the other hand, the one whose lifestyle consists of good deeds is showing everyone his faith is genuine by the good works he is doing. This believer can back up his profession of faith, because his lifestyle of good works bears witness to the profession of faith in Christ. The point James is making is that faith and works go hand-in-hand and are inseparable.

Faith Isn’t Just Correct Theology, (2:19)

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. (2:19)

James is going to give us three examples of saving faith. The first (v. 19) is a negative example regarding the faith of demons, which is followed by two positive examples of faith from the patriarch Abraham, then the prostitute Rahab.

Another characteristic of authentic saving faith is that it involves more than a comprehension of correct doctrine, confessional statements, creeds, Scripture memory, and so forth. The belief that there is one God (monotheism) is central to Judaism and Christianity. Having a congregation that believes the essential doctrines of the Bible, and has a grasp of theology would make any pastor proud of his flock. James says this is good! However, the demons believe in monotheism and that doesn’t do them much good! The demonic realm, and Satan himself, understands the doctrines of the Bible, and theology better than most of God’s people, but they obviously don’t have saving faith. They believe in God but shudder in fear, rather than bowing to the Lord Jesus in worship and obedience.

Of course, Jesus didn’t die to redeem fallen angels he died to redeem mankind. There is no evidence in Scripture that suggests the fallen condition of angels is reversible through faith in Christ. Once the angels fell from their position of grace through their rebellion, they remain where they are in an unredeemable place for all eternity.