JUSTIFICATION BY WORKS

JAMES 2:20–26

You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did

(James 2:22).

In the original text, James uses the very word justify when he writes, “Was not our ancestor Abraham justified for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?” (James 2:21). The Greek word for justify can have different shades of meaning depending on its use in context. We don’t get our theology simply from words, but mainly from the teaching of whole sections of biblical writings. Thus, justify can mean “legal justification before God’s court,” which is how Paul uses it in Romans and Galatians to teach that justification is received by faith alone. In James, justify means “demonstrative justification.” Abraham’s good work demonstrated his justification, completing the legal justification that James, as well as Paul, says that he received by faith (v. 23).

God does not save us in a historical vacuum. As we grow toward spiritual maturity, our faith will necessarily flow out into transformed lives. Our good works complete our faith. On the day of judgment, God will evaluate our works. At the last judgment, as revealed in Matthew 25:31–46, people will be sent to heaven or hell based on their works. To be sure, their faith underlies their works, but what is in focus, at least in this passage, is their works. It is not just a matter of rewards. Anyone who has real faith will grow to have real good works as well. Interestingly, the kind of good works Jesus mentions in Matthew 25—showing kindness to those who are helpless—are the same good works James has been writing about to early believers.

James mentions two other kinds of good works. First, he points to the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham. As Christians, we must be willing to give up the earthly things that are most precious to us. When God takes such things away from us, we must not become bitter; instead, we must trust Him always. We must remember that our treasure is in heaven.

Second, he mentions Rahab, who lied when she concealed the Israelite spies. James says that her good deed was changing sides in the war and identifying herself completely with God’s people, the church—even though doing so might have cost her everything.

CORAM DEO

1 Corinthians 12–14

There are three important tests in today’s lesson. First, have you identified yourself with the church, or are you a Christian who refuses to join a church and come under authority? Next, are you harboring resentment because God has taken something away from you? Finally, are you involved in helping the helpless?

For further study: Heb. 10:19–25 • Job 1:18–22 • Deut. 15:7–11

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