James 2:14-17

v14: James is not contradicting Paul when he writes about the necessity of works. When Paul says that we are justified by faith, without the deeds of the law, “he is clearly speaking of a kind of work that is different from the one James is speaking about.” He is “speaking of works performed in obedience to the law of Moses, and before people’s acceptance of the faith of the Gospel.” James, however, “is speaking of works done in obedience to the Gospel, and as the proper and necessary effects and fruits of a sound faith in Christ Jesus.” They both agree that we are saved by faith, but James is reminding us, that good works “are the fruit of faith.”

v15-17: “To say one has faith and actually to have it are two different things.” It is faith alone in Christ that saves us, but this saving faith is never without works. You cannot say that you have faith while the “attitude and the whole direction of your life” is “completely inconsistent” with the faith you profess. Faith that doesn’t show itself in “works of godliness and obedience” is dead.