This commentary is a work in progress and may be revised as study continues. If you have a question, spot an error, or want to discuss a passage, please reach out.
Chapter Summary
If this chapter, especially verses 14 on, could be summarized in one sentence it could be said that we are “Justified before God by faith (as Paul told us in Romans 4) and justified before men by works (as James tells us here in chapter 2).” Romans and James are in complete harmony once we realized “justified” has more than one meaning in the Greek as discussed below. How will men know we have true faith? By our actions “By their fruits ye shall know them.” So James is asking: How do we know Abraham was justified before God? How can we see or verify that? James knows we can’t see Abraham’s heart, we can only see what he did. On the other hand Paul tells us what is required so that we are justified before God. In direct parallel to James, Jesus told us the same thing, a “good tree bringeth forth good fruit” and a “good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,”.
1"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Some will say that James is addressing fellow Christians with “my brethren” here and thus view every single hearer of this letter is a confirmed saved Christian going to heaven. With this thinking, the false conclusion of faith plus works and working for salvation can come about. But James cannot see the hearts, only God can. Jesus tells us there are tares and wheat and they grow together (Matthew 13:24-30). Jesus says birds (which represent the evil one in the sower parable (Matthew 13:3-9) come and nest in the branches of the church (Matthew 13:32). Paul spoke of false brethren (Galatians 2:4-6). Paul told the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they were saved (2 Corinthians 13:5) yet he called them brethren. Jesus rebuked many of the churches in the first few chapters of Revelation.
James has no way of knowing who is saved, only God sees the hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). He addresses the congregation here questioning their love and thus ultimately their faith. Do they have true faith in Jesus or dead faith. A man can only have confidence another man has faith by looking at their outward works, just as Abraham and Rahab showed us their faith by their works.
2For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
8If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
9But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
11For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
12So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James just got done clarifying in verse 10 above that if we try to be righteous and keep the law and mess up one time we are guilty of all. We are law breakers and no law breaker can enter God’s kingdom therefore when James speaks of works, these are not works we do from our self will to save ourselves or even confirm our salvation, rather, as we shall see, they come as natural fruit produced in us by Jesus that others around us can see (1 John 4:7, John 15:4-5).
There is no ”profit” from this type of faith without works, it helps no one because it is dead. It is a faith in name only but the heart of the person is empty. In other words, it isn’t faith. If Abraham had dead faith, he would have never been the father of many nations, his dead faith would have brought no profit to himself or nations to come after him. The individual is self-deceived and has not realized they need a Savior, thus they have no real fruit and no works, for without Jesus we can do nothing (and will do nothing as James explains below), see Matthew 7:17-18, John 15:5. The biggest “profit” to a faith that is not dead is eternal life.
Many falsely rely on their works to get into heaven. They trust in their self-willed works for salvation and misinterpret this entire passage in James 2 further solidifying their damnation. They will be the ones Jesus speaks of in Matthew 7:21-23 that tell Jesus they did many works for Him. Jesus sees their heart, their outward works won’t fool Him on the day of judgement. They have a version of “Lord” but they don’t have the Savior and reject their need for one by maintaining or keeping their false salvation by trusting in their works. This false religion is exactly what Catholicism, Islam, Judaism and every other false world religion teach: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
We must do the will of the Father, what is His will? John 6:40 tells us: “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”If you believe upon Jesus for your salvation, you have done the Father’s will and will not hear those words.
15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
These are the most basic needs of life: 1 Timothy 6:8 : "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
In the book of first John there is a parallel to this verse saying the same thing in verses 15 and 16 here. This is the key to the whole passage here in James 2, without the love of God in a person, works will be lacking. 1 John 3:17 “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
How do we get God’s love dwelling in us? Simply believing upon Jesus as 1 John 4:15-16 states “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”.
The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love (Galatians 5:22). This fruit is of God’s work in us not of our self will (John 15:5, Romans 5:5) and it will come out naturally if someone is destitute of clothing and food. These are the most basic necessities of life. This isn’t a situation of being stingy with your personal belongings (we should of course love in all situations of course but the fruit may need to grow in us) rather if someone comes to us in a dire state of nakedness and starving for food (could possibly die without food) and the response is God bless you and you don’t help (and you have the means to do so)? As John says, how can God’s love be in you, how can God’s Holy Spirit be in you then? This is a passage of self-examination for someone claiming they are a Christian but perhaps never believed upon Jesus and thus have no fruit, they have no love.
17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jesus says a good tree bringeth forth good fruit in Matthew 7:17-18. If you actually have faith, you trusted in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection you are a good tree and you will produce fruit along with works. This is a gaurantee. It may take some time, a person may be carnal and a baby Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1–3 ) for sometime but eventually, as God works in them (Philippians 2:13) and perhaps even chastens them (Hebrews 12:6-11), they will produce. Who does the work? We do partner with Him in this but we see ultimately it is God. He not only saves us but he sanctifies us too:
Titus 2:14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Before expounding on this verse, we must first establish the clear teaching of scripture. The following scriptures all state that salvation is a “gift” from God received by simply believing: John 4:10, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:20, Acts 10:45, Acts 11:17, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:15-18, Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 9:15, Ephesians 4:7.
The Bible says a truth is established by the mouth of two or three witnesses. We have many scriptures to witness this truth of salvation. A gift is received not earned. It is the definition of the word grace. A reward is earned. If we have to earn or maintain a gift, it is no longer a gift.
At first glance this can seem to contradict Paul’s teaching on justification in Romans but once we understand the context of justification in James 2 is before man and not God, realize Paul and James agreed on how salvation worked (Galatians 2:2,9) and lastly go into the Greek we can see there is harmony. The comparison here is being made to another man. This isn’t being “justified” before God but rather “proven right” or “justified” before another man. This is exactly what Paul said in Romans 4:2 “glory; but not before God”, we have glory before men with our works. We always think of “justified” in the Bible as “to be made righteous” but it actually has three different uses. The word “justified“ here is Strong's G1344 - hdikaioō and is used Biblical under the following definitions:
“to render righteous or such he ought to be”
”to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered”.
“to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be”
In context here we can see it means the second definition. There is a man to man comparison going on in verses 18-20. Only God can see our hearts and what we truly believe but man sees the outward works. We can“show our faith by our works” as James says here to the other man. Similar to how Jesus says “by your fruit you shall know them” (Matthew 7:16-20).
The book of Titus parallel's this whole discussion of faith and works in James. We can see that Titus says “they profess that they know God” just like James here says “Thou hast faith”but Titus then says“in works they deny him”just like James says here “ I will shew thee my faith by my works”. Titus 1:16. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Faith will produce good works, whereas no faith, or dead faith will produce works that deny faith.
It will be different for everyone but salvation will naturally bring a change in a person, some large, some small, some may appear carnal for sometimes (baby Christians 1 Corinthians 3:1) depending on how they grow and rely on the Spirit. So of course even here in Titus, Paul is saying outwardly in works they deny God but they could still be saved for only God knows the heart.
19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
This verse is wrongly used by some to teach we must do works or stop sinning to be saved. They say “see, belief in Jesus is not enough for salvation for even the demons believe” but the problem is that the verse specifically says “believing there is one God”, it never mentions believing upon Jesus. Believing there is one God or even trembling at Him won’t get you into heaven. Salvation is only through believing upon Jesus (John 14:6). Furthermore, Jesus was fully man and died in substitution for us, He did not die for demons. To even insinuate that demons can believe or that Jesus died for them could be considered blasphemy. Of course they know His death and resurrection is true but this sacrifice was not for them they are not humans. They have already made their choice denying God. Every human will also come to a point once they die that they will be solidified in their choice, believing upon Jesus will no longer save them.
A better way to understand this verse is thinking of someone like a Muslim who believes there is one God. In fact, so much so they reject Jesus as being God because they think that means there would be two gods then. A Muslim believes in one God but rejects Jesus the only way to God. The discussion here starting at verse 14 describes a made up conversation between two individuals which is key to understanding “justified” in this chapter. Viewing the conversation as between a Muslim and a Christian seems to fit this passage well but it can also fit any self claiming Christian that is sadly a tare. Many call themselves Christians but never see themselves as sinners in need of forgiveness or they think they must do something else besides trust in Jesus alone so they never receive and trust in Jesus and trust in their own righteousness and performance before God.
20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Jesus said that if you have good soil, you hear the word and receive Him you will bear something, there will be a change: Matthew 13:24 “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
As stated above, the word “justified” here is Strong’s G1344 — dikaioō, and as discussed, it has three biblical uses. The second definition is: “to show, exhibit, or demonstrate someone to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered.” In the context of this passage, especially when read alongside verse 18, it is clear that this second definition is the one being used.
Only God can see the heart and know what a person truly believes; and God had already declared Abraham righteous many years earlier in Genesis 15:6, long before Isaac was even born. Therefore, the “justification” here is before men. In this passage it refers to an outward demonstration of Abraham’s righteousness something visible to onlookers in his time and to anyone who reads the historical account of his life.
The key point is recognizing that Scripture does not say, “Abraham was justified by works before God.” The phrase “before God” is crucial for determining whether works are required for salvation. If the text said that Abraham was justified by works before God, then works would indeed be required for salvation. But Scripture teaches the opposite.
Romans 4:2 “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.”
Furthermore, when does James say Abraham was made righteous? In verse 23 we see it was when “Abraham believed God” which again was declared in Genesis 15:6 years before Issac was even born.
22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Since Abraham’s faith was real, it produced something in his life. Much of 1 John is similar, a litmus test for a confessing believer. Not only him but those around him. The concept is simple, if I say that I love my wife and never do anything that shows these words to be true in my mind/heart everyone will know I am lying and just providing lip service to the people round me. Jesus said we can know false prophets by their fruit. They may deceive us with words but by their fruit we will know them. The same applies to a relationship with God. When God’s power enters your heart you will change in some manor and people around you will notice a change especially if you were in great darkness. Works don’t save but some work or fruit will show up when resurrection power enters your body Romans 8:11.
In Luke 7:50 Jesus says “And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”. Did the woman’s action of washing Jesus’s feet save her? No, it was her belief that saved her. Her faith was shown by washing His feet. Jesus knew her heart and saw her faith and He tells her she is saved. Truth faith produces some sort of change. We are never to look at our works for assurance for Matthew 7:21-23 makes it clear they won’t save us, rather just believe the gospel. Again, James 2 is showing outward justification, a man talking to a man. Likewise, we wouldn’t know this woman in Luke believed but then, seeing her actions, we can see, wow, she really loves the Lord.
When it says Abraham’s “faith made perfect” his actions aligned outwardly to what was a reality inwardly. The word “perfect” is Strong's G5048 - teleioō and it means to complete, accomplish or bring to an end. The inward faith produced what it should outwardly. Why? Because he actually had inward faith. Paul says we believed therefore we spoke (2 Corinthains 4:12). Jesus said what is in the heart comes out of the mouth (Luke 6:45). Essentially, what is inside comes out eventually.
23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
This verse is key in clarifying that Abraham was not saved by his works (Ephesians 2:8-9) but rather his faith. If this verse was not here James might appear to contradict justification by faith alone. It shows there is harmony between Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6-8 and here in James showing their is no contradiction on how we are actually saved. A truth is established by two or three witnesses and we can see the following two verses in addition to this one clearly articulate we are justified by faith and not works:
Romans 4:3 “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”
Galatians 3:6-8 “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith”
24Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
First thing to establish here is that justification before God is not of works but rather faith in Jesus. Therefore it is impossible for this verse to mean before God as works are involved. As stated above, this “by works a man is justified” can mean before men, like when our fellow Christians can visibly see our lives changed. Real faith with God’s Spirit in us will produce a change in our lives if you are in Him, you will produce fruit and “much fruit” at that John 15:5 says.
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” Romans 3:28
“that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:26
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28
“And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Act 13:39
If we were justified by works as some think James 2 is saying, we could boast but Paul makes it clear in Romans 3:27 “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.” that boasting is excluded if justification is by faith. In fact, Paul says justification before men does give us glory in Romans 4:2.
True faith in Jesus sproduces works naturally. A new creation is foundationally different with a new heart and new desires Ezekiel 36:26. A preacher once said you can’t show up late to a meeting and then tell people that you were hit by a semi truck going 60mph without showing up with some visible signs. No one would believe you. A life lived from true faith, resting in Jesus alone for salvation will naturally produces fruit (John 15:5). The Holy Spirit resides in a true believer and He produces the fruit in us Jesus says. See also Phillipians 1:6, Phillipians 2:13, Romans 8:11.
Titus 3:5 clearly says we are not saved by our works.“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
Ephesians 2:8-9 also clearly states we are not saved by our works or even anything we do. ”For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Romans 11:6 makes the distinction that you can’t have salvation by grace and works. It is either one or the other.“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”See also Romans 4:5
Many more times Paul makes it clear that works do not save us throughout Romans see chapters 3,4 and 5.
25Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Rahab had the fear of God grip her and she realized who was the true living God. In faith, she believed upon the God of heaven and earth. Her faith spurred her on to do a work of hidden God’s servants which she could actually get in trouble for but since she had true faith it showed in her actions. The king requested her to bring these men to him but instead she served God by disobeying this king. In other words her faith was proven to be true or “justified”as James says here: Joshua 2:11 “And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”
As already stated, man can only see the outward, God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). We can know Rahab had true faith by reading about what she did for these Israelite's. She was “justified” now in our sight reading this historical account.
Hebrews 11:31 states she had faith, unlike those with her who did not believe “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”
Just like how we discussed in verse 22 above, the woman of Luke 7:50 parallels Rahab here. Both women were very sinful, they believed and their lives displayed their faith.
26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
In conclusion, dead faith is not saving faith because in reality it is not real faith at all. It is someone claiming they are a Christian but are self deceived (1 John 2:9-11, 1 John 4:20). When the spirit is in the body, the body moves. When the spirit leaves the body and is absent the body cannot move, there is no such thing as a “dead spirit” but rather just a body absent of a spirit.
When faith is alive or real it produces changes in a life (John 7:38, Romans 8:10-11, 1 John 4:7-8). When faith is dead or absent there are no works, there are no changes there is no difference between an unbeliever and a person claiming they have faith but it is dead faith. Works do not save, trusting in works do not save as Jesus makes clear in Matthew 7:21-23 but true faith will have some sort of evidence at some point as God moves in us (Ezekiel 36:27, Philippians 2:13).
2
James 2 — Forever Word commentary
King James VersionThis commentary is a work in progress and may be revised as study continues. If you have a question, spot an error, or want to discuss a passage, please reach out.
If this chapter, especially verses 14 on, could be summarized in one sentence it could be said that we are “Justified before God by faith (as Paul told us in Romans 4) and justified before men by works (as James tells us here in chapter 2).” Romans and James are in complete harmony once we realized “justified” has more than one meaning in the Greek as discussed below. How will men know we have true faith? By our actions “By their fruits ye shall know them.” So James is asking: How do we know Abraham was justified before God? How can we see or verify that? James knows we can’t see Abraham’s heart, we can only see what he did. On the other hand Paul tells us what is required so that we are justified before God. In direct parallel to James, Jesus told us the same thing, a “good tree bringeth forth good fruit” and a “good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,”.
1"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Some will say that James is addressing fellow Christians with “my brethren” here and thus view every single hearer of this letter is a confirmed saved Christian going to heaven. With this thinking, the false conclusion of faith plus works and working for salvation can come about. But James cannot see the hearts, only God can. Jesus tells us there are tares and wheat and they grow together (Matthew 13:24-30). Jesus says birds (which represent the evil one in the sower parable (Matthew 13:3-9) come and nest in the branches of the church (Matthew 13:32). Paul spoke of false brethren (Galatians 2:4-6). Paul told the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they were saved (2 Corinthians 13:5) yet he called them brethren. Jesus rebuked many of the churches in the first few chapters of Revelation.
James has no way of knowing who is saved, only God sees the hearts (1 Samuel 16:7). He addresses the congregation here questioning their love and thus ultimately their faith. Do they have true faith in Jesus or dead faith. A man can only have confidence another man has faith by looking at their outward works, just as Abraham and Rahab showed us their faith by their works.
2For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
8If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
9But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
10For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
11For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
12So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James just got done clarifying in verse 10 above that if we try to be righteous and keep the law and mess up one time we are guilty of all. We are law breakers and no law breaker can enter God’s kingdom therefore when James speaks of works, these are not works we do from our self will to save ourselves or even confirm our salvation, rather, as we shall see, they come as natural fruit produced in us by Jesus that others around us can see (1 John 4:7, John 15:4-5).
There is no ”profit” from this type of faith without works, it helps no one because it is dead. It is a faith in name only but the heart of the person is empty. In other words, it isn’t faith. If Abraham had dead faith, he would have never been the father of many nations, his dead faith would have brought no profit to himself or nations to come after him. The individual is self-deceived and has not realized they need a Savior, thus they have no real fruit and no works, for without Jesus we can do nothing (and will do nothing as James explains below), see Matthew 7:17-18, John 15:5. The biggest “profit” to a faith that is not dead is eternal life.
Many falsely rely on their works to get into heaven. They trust in their self-willed works for salvation and misinterpret this entire passage in James 2 further solidifying their damnation. They will be the ones Jesus speaks of in Matthew 7:21-23 that tell Jesus they did many works for Him. Jesus sees their heart, their outward works won’t fool Him on the day of judgement. They have a version of “Lord” but they don’t have the Savior and reject their need for one by maintaining or keeping their false salvation by trusting in their works. This false religion is exactly what Catholicism, Islam, Judaism and every other false world religion teach: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
We must do the will of the Father, what is His will? John 6:40 tells us: “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” If you believe upon Jesus for your salvation, you have done the Father’s will and will not hear those words.
15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
These are the most basic needs of life: 1 Timothy 6:8 : "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
In the book of first John there is a parallel to this verse saying the same thing in verses 15 and 16 here. This is the key to the whole passage here in James 2, without the love of God in a person, works will be lacking. 1 John 3:17 “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
How do we get God’s love dwelling in us? Simply believing upon Jesus as 1 John 4:15-16 states “Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.”.
The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love (Galatians 5:22). This fruit is of God’s work in us not of our self will (John 15:5, Romans 5:5) and it will come out naturally if someone is destitute of clothing and food. These are the most basic necessities of life. This isn’t a situation of being stingy with your personal belongings (we should of course love in all situations of course but the fruit may need to grow in us) rather if someone comes to us in a dire state of nakedness and starving for food (could possibly die without food) and the response is God bless you and you don’t help (and you have the means to do so)? As John says, how can God’s love be in you, how can God’s Holy Spirit be in you then? This is a passage of self-examination for someone claiming they are a Christian but perhaps never believed upon Jesus and thus have no fruit, they have no love.
17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Jesus says a good tree bringeth forth good fruit in Matthew 7:17-18. If you actually have faith, you trusted in Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection you are a good tree and you will produce fruit along with works. This is a gaurantee. It may take some time, a person may be carnal and a baby Christians (1 Corinthians 3:1–3 ) for sometime but eventually, as God works in them (Philippians 2:13) and perhaps even chastens them (Hebrews 12:6-11), they will produce. Who does the work? We do partner with Him in this but we see ultimately it is God. He not only saves us but he sanctifies us too:
Titus 2:14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Before expounding on this verse, we must first establish the clear teaching of scripture. The following scriptures all state that salvation is a “gift” from God received by simply believing: John 4:10, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:20, Acts 10:45, Acts 11:17, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:15-18, Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 9:15, Ephesians 4:7.
The Bible says a truth is established by the mouth of two or three witnesses. We have many scriptures to witness this truth of salvation. A gift is received not earned. It is the definition of the word grace. A reward is earned. If we have to earn or maintain a gift, it is no longer a gift.
At first glance this can seem to contradict Paul’s teaching on justification in Romans but once we understand the context of justification in James 2 is before man and not God, realize Paul and James agreed on how salvation worked (Galatians 2:2,9) and lastly go into the Greek we can see there is harmony. The comparison here is being made to another man. This isn’t being “justified” before God but rather “proven right” or “justified” before another man. This is exactly what Paul said in Romans 4:2 “glory; but not before God”, we have glory before men with our works. We always think of “justified” in the Bible as “to be made righteous” but it actually has three different uses. The word “justified“ here is Strong's G1344 - hdikaioō and is used Biblical under the following definitions:
“to render righteous or such he ought to be”
”to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered”.
“to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be”
In context here we can see it means the second definition. There is a man to man comparison going on in verses 18-20. Only God can see our hearts and what we truly believe but man sees the outward works. We can “show our faith by our works” as James says here to the other man. Similar to how Jesus says “by your fruit you shall know them” (Matthew 7:16-20).
The book of Titus parallel's this whole discussion of faith and works in James. We can see that Titus says “they profess that they know God” just like James here says “Thou hast faith” but Titus then says “in works they deny him” just like James says here “ I will shew thee my faith by my works”. Titus 1:16. “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Faith will produce good works, whereas no faith, or dead faith will produce works that deny faith.
It will be different for everyone but salvation will naturally bring a change in a person, some large, some small, some may appear carnal for sometimes (baby Christians 1 Corinthians 3:1) depending on how they grow and rely on the Spirit. So of course even here in Titus, Paul is saying outwardly in works they deny God but they could still be saved for only God knows the heart.
19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
This verse is wrongly used by some to teach we must do works or stop sinning to be saved. They say “see, belief in Jesus is not enough for salvation for even the demons believe” but the problem is that the verse specifically says “believing there is one God”, it never mentions believing upon Jesus. Believing there is one God or even trembling at Him won’t get you into heaven. Salvation is only through believing upon Jesus (John 14:6). Furthermore, Jesus was fully man and died in substitution for us, He did not die for demons. To even insinuate that demons can believe or that Jesus died for them could be considered blasphemy. Of course they know His death and resurrection is true but this sacrifice was not for them they are not humans. They have already made their choice denying God. Every human will also come to a point once they die that they will be solidified in their choice, believing upon Jesus will no longer save them.
A better way to understand this verse is thinking of someone like a Muslim who believes there is one God. In fact, so much so they reject Jesus as being God because they think that means there would be two gods then. A Muslim believes in one God but rejects Jesus the only way to God. The discussion here starting at verse 14 describes a made up conversation between two individuals which is key to understanding “justified” in this chapter. Viewing the conversation as between a Muslim and a Christian seems to fit this passage well but it can also fit any self claiming Christian that is sadly a tare. Many call themselves Christians but never see themselves as sinners in need of forgiveness or they think they must do something else besides trust in Jesus alone so they never receive and trust in Jesus and trust in their own righteousness and performance before God.
20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Jesus said that if you have good soil, you hear the word and receive Him you will bear something, there will be a change: Matthew 13:24 “But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
As stated above, the word “justified” here is Strong’s G1344 — dikaioō, and as discussed, it has three biblical uses. The second definition is: “to show, exhibit, or demonstrate someone to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered.” In the context of this passage, especially when read alongside verse 18, it is clear that this second definition is the one being used.
Only God can see the heart and know what a person truly believes; and God had already declared Abraham righteous many years earlier in Genesis 15:6, long before Isaac was even born. Therefore, the “justification” here is before men. In this passage it refers to an outward demonstration of Abraham’s righteousness something visible to onlookers in his time and to anyone who reads the historical account of his life.
The key point is recognizing that Scripture does not say, “Abraham was justified by works before God.” The phrase “before God” is crucial for determining whether works are required for salvation. If the text said that Abraham was justified by works before God, then works would indeed be required for salvation. But Scripture teaches the opposite.
Romans 4:2 “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.”
Furthermore, when does James say Abraham was made righteous? In verse 23 we see it was when “Abraham believed God” which again was declared in Genesis 15:6 years before Issac was even born.
22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Since Abraham’s faith was real, it produced something in his life. Much of 1 John is similar, a litmus test for a confessing believer. Not only him but those around him. The concept is simple, if I say that I love my wife and never do anything that shows these words to be true in my mind/heart everyone will know I am lying and just providing lip service to the people round me. Jesus said we can know false prophets by their fruit. They may deceive us with words but by their fruit we will know them. The same applies to a relationship with God. When God’s power enters your heart you will change in some manor and people around you will notice a change especially if you were in great darkness. Works don’t save but some work or fruit will show up when resurrection power enters your body Romans 8:11.
In Luke 7:50 Jesus says “And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”. Did the woman’s action of washing Jesus’s feet save her? No, it was her belief that saved her. Her faith was shown by washing His feet. Jesus knew her heart and saw her faith and He tells her she is saved. Truth faith produces some sort of change. We are never to look at our works for assurance for Matthew 7:21-23 makes it clear they won’t save us, rather just believe the gospel. Again, James 2 is showing outward justification, a man talking to a man. Likewise, we wouldn’t know this woman in Luke believed but then, seeing her actions, we can see, wow, she really loves the Lord.
When it says Abraham’s “faith made perfect” his actions aligned outwardly to what was a reality inwardly. The word “perfect” is Strong's G5048 - teleioō and it means to complete, accomplish or bring to an end. The inward faith produced what it should outwardly. Why? Because he actually had inward faith. Paul says we believed therefore we spoke (2 Corinthains 4:12). Jesus said what is in the heart comes out of the mouth (Luke 6:45). Essentially, what is inside comes out eventually.
23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
This verse is key in clarifying that Abraham was not saved by his works (Ephesians 2:8-9) but rather his faith. If this verse was not here James might appear to contradict justification by faith alone. It shows there is harmony between Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6-8 and here in James showing their is no contradiction on how we are actually saved. A truth is established by two or three witnesses and we can see the following two verses in addition to this one clearly articulate we are justified by faith and not works:
Romans 4:3 “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”
Galatians 3:6-8 “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith”
24Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
First thing to establish here is that justification before God is not of works but rather faith in Jesus. Therefore it is impossible for this verse to mean before God as works are involved. As stated above, this “by works a man is justified” can mean before men, like when our fellow Christians can visibly see our lives changed. Real faith with God’s Spirit in us will produce a change in our lives if you are in Him, you will produce fruit and “much fruit” at that John 15:5 says.
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” Romans 3:28
“that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:26
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:28
“And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Act 13:39
If we were justified by works as some think James 2 is saying, we could boast but Paul makes it clear in Romans 3:27 “Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.” that boasting is excluded if justification is by faith. In fact, Paul says justification before men does give us glory in Romans 4:2.
True faith in Jesus sproduces works naturally. A new creation is foundationally different with a new heart and new desires Ezekiel 36:26. A preacher once said you can’t show up late to a meeting and then tell people that you were hit by a semi truck going 60mph without showing up with some visible signs. No one would believe you. A life lived from true faith, resting in Jesus alone for salvation will naturally produces fruit (John 15:5). The Holy Spirit resides in a true believer and He produces the fruit in us Jesus says. See also Phillipians 1:6, Phillipians 2:13, Romans 8:11.
Titus 3:5 clearly says we are not saved by our works.“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
Ephesians 2:8-9 also clearly states we are not saved by our works or even anything we do. ”For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Romans 11:6 makes the distinction that you can’t have salvation by grace and works. It is either one or the other. “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” See also Romans 4:5
Many more times Paul makes it clear that works do not save us throughout Romans see chapters 3,4 and 5.
25Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Rahab had the fear of God grip her and she realized who was the true living God. In faith, she believed upon the God of heaven and earth. Her faith spurred her on to do a work of hidden God’s servants which she could actually get in trouble for but since she had true faith it showed in her actions. The king requested her to bring these men to him but instead she served God by disobeying this king. In other words her faith was proven to be true or “justified” as James says here: Joshua 2:11 “And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”
As already stated, man can only see the outward, God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). We can know Rahab had true faith by reading about what she did for these Israelite's. She was “justified” now in our sight reading this historical account.
Hebrews 11:31 states she had faith, unlike those with her who did not believe “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”
Just like how we discussed in verse 22 above, the woman of Luke 7:50 parallels Rahab here. Both women were very sinful, they believed and their lives displayed their faith.
26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
In conclusion, dead faith is not saving faith because in reality it is not real faith at all. It is someone claiming they are a Christian but are self deceived (1 John 2:9-11, 1 John 4:20). When the spirit is in the body, the body moves. When the spirit leaves the body and is absent the body cannot move, there is no such thing as a “dead spirit” but rather just a body absent of a spirit.
When faith is alive or real it produces changes in a life (John 7:38, Romans 8:10-11, 1 John 4:7-8). When faith is dead or absent there are no works, there are no changes there is no difference between an unbeliever and a person claiming they have faith but it is dead faith. Works do not save, trusting in works do not save as Jesus makes clear in Matthew 7:21-23 but true faith will have some sort of evidence at some point as God moves in us (Ezekiel 36:27, Philippians 2:13).