Faith Without Works
A Dead Faith
Js 2:14 "What good is it my brothers..." James confronts those who make the claim to have faith in Christ, but there is no evidence of that faith in their lives. "Can that faith save him?" First, we need to identify what this faith is. It is a faith without works. It is words without action.
Js 2:15, 16 This faith without action is illustrated with a man who sees someone poorly clothed and without food, and tells them “Go in peace, be warmed and filled", but does nothing to actually meet those needs is just like one who has the word faith in his active vocabulary but not in his active life. The question is pointedly asked, "What good is that?" Answer: None, whatsoever.
Js 2:17 The faith of this person, if it is there and not just his words, is dead. His faith is lifeless and inactive. Can this faith save him? No, for the simple reason that his faith is not genuine. Genuine faith is beyond claiming to believe. It's more than intellectually agreeing with a given thought.
A key thought is that not all who claim to be believers actually are. Jesus illustrates that Himself in Mt. 7:21. Any declaration of faith that does not result in a changed life and good works is a false declaration. -Wiersbe (Also note his quote of Calvin, which I believe is extremely accurate.)
A Useless Faith
James goes from discussing a faith that is dead because it isn't genuine to a faith that is useless.
James 2:18–20 gives us a possible argument that someone may use.
Due to Greek not having quotation marks, most translations disagree in what is actually being said by this individual, but I believe that from the grammar used the quote should include verses 18b-19, thereby reading, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. " The Bible Knowledge Commentary discusses the briefly.
The attitude of this individual is almost to the point of thinking that faith is worthless and only works truly matter. He is correct in believing that works are important, but not at the expense of faith.
This individual tries to further his point by saying that even demons have faith and it causes them to tremble. This is quite accurate. Demons probably have better doctrine than many of the churches existing today, but this faith and knowledge is not something that can save them. It may even have an emotional response, but emotions based on knowledge cannot save either. However, this individual's argument is proven invalid in that faith works with works.
A Working Faith
James, great at illustrating his points, gives two illustrations showing faith working with works. In both instances faith came first, then was proven by the actions taken.
The first illustration is that of Abraham sacrificing Isaac. Faith was first. Abraham believed that God would keep His promise that God would make of Abraham a great nation through Isaac. If God asked him to sacrifice his son, Abraham would do it. God would keep His promise somehow. Perhaps by raising Isaac from the dead. (Hebrews 11:17, 18) Was Abraham justified by his works? Yes, but only in that his works were the fruit of his faith and that his faith was proven to be true by his works.
The second illustration is that of Rahab at Jericho. Her faith in God was shown in her protecting the spies at the possible expense of her life. Again, her faith came first and was proven by her actions.
In these, and our, actions our faith is made complete. Anything that is missing from faith is made whole when our actions are shown. What good would it have done for Abraham to claim belief, but then to say, "but there is no way I'm sacrificing my son." Is that faith? No, it is the same dead faith discussed earlier.
Does this contradict Paul and salvation by faith alone? Absolutely not! In fact, salvation by faith alone is enhanced by showing us true faith. True faith is an active faith. It is absolute trust. In salvation, that faith is shown in your trusting Christ alone for salvation. True faith does not say, "I'm trusting in Christ for my salvation, but I'm going to keep doing good works just in case."
