I've heard it asked: If salvation is truly justification by faith alone, how come the book of James mentions that “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24)? Doesn't this seem to contradict Romans 8:28, where Paul writes "For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law"? This is a fair question, as both use the Greek word dikaioō for justification.
Many people get confused between Paul's writings and the book of James, as both talk about justification and seemingly contradict at first. Paul addresses the issue of legalism, emphasizing that no one can earn salvation through their works or obedience to the Mosaic Law. His writings focus on how we are made right with God, underscoring that justification is by faith alone, apart from works. James, however, confronts a different issue—professions of faith without evidence of a transformed life. He emphasizes that true, saving faith will be demonstrated by good works. While Paul speaks to the basis of our justification before God, James highlights the evidence of that justification in our actions, showing that faith without works is dead.
Ultimately, they emphasize different aspects of its application. Paul, in passages like Romans 3:28, states, “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law,” referring to our justification before God, who sees our hearts. James, however, speaks of justification as it’s displayed before others. In James 2:24, he highlights that true faith naturally produces works, demonstrating its authenticity to others and pointing them to Christ (Matthew 5:16).
This difference in emphasis doesn’t reflect a contradiction but rather a complementary understanding of faith and works. Paul’s teaching combats the idea that salvation can be earned, firmly establishing that justification before God is entirely a work of grace, accessed through faith. He reminds us that no amount of human effort can achieve righteousness, as “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). James, on the other hand, focuses on the practical outworking of that faith. He challenges believers who claim faith without showing evidence of its transformative power in their lives. This is why he writes, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).
In the same way, works without faith lead nowhere. Many people mistakenly believe they can earn their way to God through good deeds—giving to charity, being kind, or living a moral life. However, a biblical understanding of faith and works teaches that faith produces works, not as a way to earn salvation, but as a natural response to it. Without genuine faith as the foundation, good works are ultimately insufficient to bridge the gap between humanity and God. In Isaiah 64:6, it’s written, “All our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment.” Good works, apart from faith in Christ, lack the power to reconcile us to God, because salvation is a gift of grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
As we reflect on the relationship between faith and works, it’s essential to examine our own lives. Are our actions a genuine reflection of the faith we profess? If we claim to follow Christ, our lives should demonstrate the love, grace, and truth of the gospel through tangible actions. Let us not rely on our good works to save us, but allow our faith in Christ to transform us, prompting us to serve others and glorify God. Through justification by faith alone, made possible through the blood of Christ, we can live a life filled with what God has in store for us.