James 2:14-26, A verse by verse study

[Beckworth]

Verse 14: “If some one says he has faith but does not have works, can faith save him?” It’s a rhetorical question; and the answer is “no.” This is his premise and the rest of the verses in this chapter support and prove this premise.
Note: the “works” talked about here are works that “save” , works of salvation. “Can works SAVE him?” These are soul saving works, necessary for salvation.

Verses 15-16 - are used as an EXAMPLE. If someone is hungry and cold, you have not helped him if all you do is say be filled and warmed. That doesn’t accomplish anything. That will not suffice,, that is not enough. Thus, therefore, also, in the same way, (verse 17) just having faith alone, without works, will not accomplish salvation. He puts it this way “Faith by itself, if it does not have works , is dead.” Faith without works does not meet the requirements of salvation.

Verse 18: you cannot “see” faith without works; but you can see my faith by the works that accompany my faith.

Verse 19- now he shows the foolishness of having faith apart from works. “Even the DEVILS believe! Demons are BELIEVERS! If just believing “alone” will save you, then the demons will be saved!! They believe so strongly that they tremble! If you believe all you have to do to be saved is believe, how are you any better than the demons? This is his point. You can’t be saved by “faith alone.”

Verse 20- do you not know “oh, foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”

Verse 21- He uses another example—Abraham—to prove his point. Abraham had faith but was justified by his work of obedience when he offered his son as a sacrifice like God told him. That’s when he was saved—not before, when he only had faith and had not offered that sacrifice. “Abraham was justified (saved) by works when he offered Isaac. ..”

Verse 22- HERE IS THE ANSWER TO THIS DEBATE ABOUT FAITH AND WORKS—“ you see that faith was working TOGETHER with his works and by works his faith was made PERFECT!” The answer is it takes BOTH—faith and works Both are necessary for salvation. It’s not one or the other—it’s BOTH!

Verse 23 says Abraham’s faith was accounted to him for righteousness (BECAUSE it was accompanied by works).

Verse 24-He confirms that a man is saved (justified) by WORKS—not works alone—and NOT BY FAITH ALONE. Or faith only. The works he is talking about are ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION; and while they are “proof” of salvation their purpose is not for “evidence” but for the saving of the soul.

Verse 25- another example: Rahab. Rehab did not just believe; she was saved ( justified) by her work when she helped the spies. Another example to show how salvation is NOT by faith alone.

Verse 26- the last example of body and spirit. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” This is the message and premise of James 2:14-26. It teaches one thing: The only way to be saved is to have “faith and works together” but faith only will not save anyone.

The “works” that save are the works that God has commanded us to do—like “repentance”. Acts 17:30- it originated with God not man. It is commanded by God. It is a “work of God” John 6:28-29. But if you believe in “faith only” you have eliminated Repentance as being necessary to salvation. You can’t have it both ways! Faith only means only faith and nothing else. It means nothing but faith is necessary to be saved. And you have eliminated “repentance.” Same for “confession”. Romans 10:10 Confession is necessary for salvation but “the doctrine of “faith only “ removes confession as being necessary. Salvation by faith alone makes repentance and confession unnecessary. So you can just forget them because you are already saved by faith alone. The problem is that you are denying what God says and calling Him a liar. Because if we are saved by faith alone then we will NOT be lost if we don’t repent. And if faith alone saves us then we won’t be lost if we don’t confess Christ and God just lied when He said it was for salvation. Romans 10:10.

The only way to harmonize Acts 17:30, Roman’s 10:10 and James 2:14-26 is to reject salvation by faith alone and accept what James 2:22 says— it takes BOTH, faith and works, working together to produce salvation of our souls.

Hebrews 12:15- Be careful lest anyone FALL SHORT of the grace of God.

 

[Cameron143]

Verse 14: “If some one says he has faith but does not have works, can faith save him?” It’s a rhetorical question; and the answer is “no.” This is his premise and the rest of the verses in this chapter support and prove this premise.
Note: the “works” talked about here are works that “save” , works of salvation. “Can works SAVE him?” These are soul saving works, necessary for salvation.

Verses 15-16 - are used as an EXAMPLE. If someone is hungry and cold, you have not helped him if all you do is say be filled and warmed. That doesn’t accomplish anything. That will not suffice,, that is not enough. Thus, therefore, also, in the same way, (verse 17) just having faith alone, without works, will not accomplish salvation. He puts it this way “Faith by itself, if it does not have works , is dead.” Faith without works does not meet the requirements of salvation.

Verse 18: you cannot “see” faith without works; but you can see my faith by the works that accompany my faith.

Verse 19- now he shows the foolishness of having faith apart from works. “Even the DEVILS believe! Demons are BELIEVERS! If just believing “alone” will save you, then the demons will be saved!! They believe so strongly that they tremble! If you believe all you have to do to be saved is believe, how are you any better than the demons? This is his point. You can’t be saved by “faith alone.”

Verse 20- do you not know “oh, foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”

Verse 21- He uses another example—Abraham—to prove his point. Abraham had faith but was justified by his work of obedience when he offered his son as a sacrifice like God told him. That’s when he was saved—not before, when he only had faith and had not offered that sacrifice. “Abraham was justified (saved) by works when he offered Isaac. ..”

Verse 22- HERE IS THE ANSWER TO THIS DEBATE ABOUT FAITH AND WORKS—“ you see that faith was working TOGETHER with his works and by works his faith was made PERFECT!” The answer is it takes BOTH—faith and works Both are necessary for salvation. It’s not one or the other—it’s BOTH!

Verse 23 says Abraham’s faith was accounted to him for righteousness (BECAUSE it was accompanied by works).

Verse 24-He confirms that a man is saved (justified) by WORKS—not works alone—and NOT BY FAITH ALONE. Or faith only. The works he is talking about are ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION; and while they are “proof” of salvation their purpose is not for “evidence” but for the saving of the soul.

Verse 25- another example: Rahab. Rehab did not just believe; she was saved ( justified) by her work when she helped the spies. Another example to show how salvation is NOT by faith alone.

Verse 26- the last example of body and spirit. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” This is the message and premise of James 2:14-26. It teaches one thing: The only way to be saved is to have “faith and works together” but faith only will not save anyone.

The “works” that save are the works that God has commanded us to do—like “repentance”. Acts 17:30- it originated with God not man. It is commanded by God. It is a “work of God” John 6:28-29. But if you believe in “faith only” you have eliminated Repentance as being necessary to salvation. You can’t have it both ways! Faith only means only faith and nothing else. It means nothing but faith is necessary to be saved. And you have eliminated “repentance.” Same for “confession”. Romans 10:10 Confession is necessary for salvation but “the doctrine of “faith only “ removes confession as being necessary. Salvation by faith alone makes repentance and confession unnecessary. So you can just forget them because you are already saved by faith alone. The problem is that you are denying what God says and calling Him a liar. Because if we are saved by faith alone then we will NOT be lost if we don’t repent. And if faith alone saves us then we won’t be lost if we don’t confess Christ and God just lied when He said it was for salvation. Romans 10:10.

The only way to harmonize Acts 17:30, Roman’s 10:10 and James 2:14-26 is to reject salvation by faith alone and accept what James 2:22 says— it takes BOTH, faith and works, working together to produce salvation of our souls.

Hebrews 12:15- Be careful lest anyone FALL SHORT of the grace of God.

What are the soul-saving works you believe verse 14 is speaking about?

 

[Magenta]

Ephesians 2:8-9

 

[Beckworth]

What are the soul-saving works you believe verse 14 is speaking about?

What are the soul-saving works you believe verse 14 is speaking about?

I address this question in the 3rd paragraph from the end. Maybe you did not read that far.

 

[Cameron143]

I address this question in the 3rd paragraph from the end. Maybe you did not read that far.

Why do you believe these works are required for salvation and not the results of salvation?

 

[Magenta]

Why do you believe these works are required for salvation and not the results of salvation?

2 Corinthians 7:10 ~ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

 

[Beckworth]

Ephesians 2:8-9

Boastful works are not the kind of works being discussed in James 2. A common mistake is to assume all works are “bad”. Not, so. The Bible talks about at least four or five different kinds of works. Boastful works originate with man—not GOd. That’s why he can boast about them. They are HIS works, that he thought of and not from God. There are also “works” of the old law. Galations 2:16 mentions these. We can’t be saved by these; in fact Paul says if you try to be justified (saved) by these works you are FALLEN FROM GRACE.

But then there are the works talked about in John 6:28-29. The people asked Jesus, “what shall we do that we may WORK the WORKS OF GOD.? So God has HIS works also, and they are NOT the works of Ephesians 2 or Galations 2. Jesus tells us one of them by name. We don’t have to guess. Verse 29 says, “This is the work of God, that you BELIEVE…”. Faith is a work of God, so if “faith” is a work of God, so must be “repentance” Acts 17:30 it is commanded of God; Romans 10:10 is also a work of God associated with salvation. “Confession is unto salvation. One of God’s works. Notice that “works” in James 2 is plural—meaning not just one.
Ephesians 2:8-9 is not talking about the same kind of works that James 2 is talking about.
We need to understand the difference.

 

[glf]

Faith is that form of believing that is authored by Jesus, increased by illuminated scripture, and is always accompanied by works appropiate to repentance in those who have it.

 

[Magenta]

A common mistake is to assume all works are “bad”.

Ephesians 2:10

 

[Beckworth]

Why do you believe these works are required for salvation and not the results of salvation?

CD C V. Bc yea qqqq

2 Corinthians 7:10 ~ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Why do you believe these works are required for salvation and not the results of salvation?

For several reasons: (1). James is talking about the kind of works that “save”, justify a man. That is totally different than works that are just “evidence” of salvation. Verse 21 in the example of Abraham, he was “Saved”, “Justified by the works he did. Verse 24 plainly says a man is SAVED by works. Therefore, these are works of salvation. That makes them necessary to one’s salvation. Again, in verse 25 in the example of Rahab, Rahab was SAVED by her works. It was the works themselves that saved her. It does not even mention her faith. These are soul saving works—not just “evidence”. Of salvation. See the difference?

(2). John 6:28-29. The people asked Jesus what they should do to WORK THE WORKS OF GOD?” This tells me that God has certain works that are described as His, and they are something we should do. Jesus’s answer is even more interesting. He said, “This is the work of God that you believe. By this verse I know that faith is a work—and not just any work—it is one of the works of God. 1 Thess. 1:3 also tells us that faith is a work. Paul says, “ Your WORK of faith..”. Again in 2 Thess. 1:11 Paul again talks about your “work of faith.”.

(3) There are other “works” that are associated with salvation in the New Testament. If the work originated with God, not man, and if it is commanded by God, and if it is associated with salvation, then these are all indicators that it is a work of God and necessary for salvation along with our faith which is also a work of God. Acts 17:30 God COMMANDS “repentance.” Jesus also said if we don’t “repent” we will perish Luke 13:3, 5. Also, in Acts 2:38, when the Jews asked Peter what they needed to do to be saved, he didn’t say “believe”., he said “repent.” Most people believe that repentance is necessary for salvation. This would be one of the “works of God.” that is associated with salvation. in Roman’s 10:10, Paul says that “confession” is necessary for salvation. Jesus even says that if you don’t confess Him He will not confess you to the Father. Matthew 10:32. This makes “confession” a necessary work of God. But it all starts with faith. Because without faith, no one would ever “repent” and “confess.” But His point is that we are not saved by faith only or faith alone. God has other works that we must do , that are necessary to our salvation. They are His works that He has commanded.

 

[Kroogz]

Verse 14: “If some one says he has faith but does not have works, can faith save him?” It’s a rhetorical question; and the answer is “no.” This is his premise and the rest of the verses in this chapter support and prove this premise.
Note: the “works” talked about here are works that “save” , works of salvation. “Can works SAVE him?” These are soul saving works, necessary for salvation.

James is not talking about our eternal life. He is talking about our daily walk.....Physical life.

I hope you catch the point here. Remember the joke about the pastor who saw the warning for local flooding and was warned to evacuate?

He prayed to God to keep him safe and stayed in his home. The flood reached street level and firefighters came in big fire trucks to save him. He told the fire fighters he was staying and he had faith God would save him. The flood overcame his first floor and rescuers came by boat to save him. He told the rescuers that he had faith God will save him. The flood overcame his second floor and he climbed to the roof . rescuers flew in by helicopter to save him. He again denied their help and told them He had faith God would save him.

Well the flood overtook his roof, swept him away and he perished. Once in heaven, the pastor asked God why He didn't save him! God said," I tried 3 times but you wouldn't go with the help I sent."

 

[GWH]

Verse 14: “If some one says he has faith but does not have works, can faith save him?” It’s a rhetorical question; and the answer is “no.” This is his premise and the rest of the verses in this chapter support and prove this premise.
Note: the “works” talked about here are works that “save” , works of salvation. “Can works SAVE him?” These are soul saving works, necessary for salvation.

Verses 15-16 - are used as an EXAMPLE. If someone is hungry and cold, you have not helped him if all you do is say be filled and warmed. That doesn’t accomplish anything. That will not suffice,, that is not enough. Thus, therefore, also, in the same way, (verse 17) just having faith alone, without works, will not accomplish salvation. He puts it this way “Faith by itself, if it does not have works , is dead.” Faith without works does not meet the requirements of salvation.

Verse 18: you cannot “see” faith without works; but you can see my faith by the works that accompany my faith.

Verse 19- now he shows the foolishness of having faith apart from works. “Even the DEVILS believe! Demons are BELIEVERS! If just believing “alone” will save you, then the demons will be saved!! They believe so strongly that they tremble! If you believe all you have to do to be saved is believe, how are you any better than the demons? This is his point. You can’t be saved by “faith alone.”

Verse 20- do you not know “oh, foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”

Verse 21- He uses another example—Abraham—to prove his point. Abraham had faith but was justified by his work of obedience when he offered his son as a sacrifice like God told him. That’s when he was saved—not before, when he only had faith and had not offered that sacrifice. “Abraham was justified (saved) by works when he offered Isaac. ..”

Verse 22- HERE IS THE ANSWER TO THIS DEBATE ABOUT FAITH AND WORKS—“ you see that faith was working TOGETHER with his works and by works his faith was made PERFECT!” The answer is it takes BOTH—faith and works Both are necessary for salvation. It’s not one or the other—it’s BOTH!

Verse 23 says Abraham’s faith was accounted to him for righteousness (BECAUSE it was accompanied by works).

Verse 24-He confirms that a man is saved (justified) by WORKS—not works alone—and NOT BY FAITH ALONE. Or faith only. The works he is talking about are ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION; and while they are “proof” of salvation their purpose is not for “evidence” but for the saving of the soul.

Verse 25- another example: Rahab. Rehab did not just believe; she was saved ( justified) by her work when she helped the spies. Another example to show how salvation is NOT by faith alone.

Verse 26- the last example of body and spirit. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” This is the message and premise of James 2:14-26. It teaches one thing: The only way to be saved is to have “faith and works together” but faith only will not save anyone.

The “works” that save are the works that God has commanded us to do—like “repentance”. Acts 17:30- it originated with God not man. It is commanded by God. It is a “work of God” John 6:28-29. But if you believe in “faith only” you have eliminated Repentance as being necessary to salvation. You can’t have it both ways! Faith only means only faith and nothing else. It means nothing but faith is necessary to be saved. And you have eliminated “repentance.” Same for “confession”. Romans 10:10 Confession is necessary for salvation but “the doctrine of “faith only “ removes confession as being necessary. Salvation by faith alone makes repentance and confession unnecessary. So you can just forget them because you are already saved by faith alone. The problem is that you are denying what God says and calling Him a liar. Because if we are saved by faith alone then we will NOT be lost if we don’t repent. And if faith alone saves us then we won’t be lost if we don’t confess Christ and God just lied when He said it was for salvation. Romans 10:10.

The only way to harmonize Acts 17:30, Roman’s 10:10 and James 2:14-26 is to reject salvation by faith alone and accept what James 2:22 says— it takes BOTH, faith and works, working together to produce salvation of our souls.

Hebrews 12:15- Be careful lest anyone FALL SHORT of the grace of God.

In JN 13:34-35 Jesus specified the work that accompanies saving faith in Him: Love. (Cf. MT 22:37-40,

Thus, this thread title should have included JM 2:8, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing right." (Cf. GL 5:6, 1CR 13)

 

[Cameron143]

CD C V. Bc yea qqqq




For several reasons: (1). James is talking about the kind of works that “save”, justify a man. That is totally different than works that are just “evidence” of salvation. Verse 21 in the example of Abraham, he was “Saved”, “Justified by the works he did. Verse 24 plainly says a man is SAVED by works. Therefore, these are works of salvation. That makes them necessary to one’s salvation. Again, in verse 25 in the example of Rahab, Rahab was SAVED by her works. It was the works themselves that saved her. It does not even mention her faith. These are soul saving works—not just “evidence”. Of salvation. See the difference?

(2). John 6:28-29. The people asked Jesus what they should do to WORK THE WORKS OF GOD?” This tells me that God has certain works that are described as His, and they are something we should do. Jesus’s answer is even more interesting. He said, “This is the work of God that you believe. By this verse I know that faith is a work—and not just any work—it is one of the works of God. 1 Thess. 1:3 also tells us that faith is a work. Paul says, “ Your WORK of faith..”. Again in 2 Thess. 1:11 Paul again talks about your “work of faith.”.

(3) There are other “works” that are associated with salvation in the New Testament. If the work originated with God, not man, and if it is commanded by God, and if it is associated with salvation, then these are all indicators that it is a work of God and necessary for salvation along with our faith which is also a work of God. Acts 17:30 God COMMANDS “repentance.” Jesus also said if we don’t “repent” we will perish Luke 13:3, 5. Also, in Acts 2:38, when the Jews asked Peter what they needed to do to be saved, he didn’t say “believe”., he said “repent.” Most people believe that repentance is necessary for salvation. This would be one of the “works of God.” that is associated with salvation. in Roman’s 10:10, Paul says that “confession” is necessary for salvation. Jesus even says that if you don’t confess Him He will not confess you to the Father. Matthew 10:32. This makes “confession” a necessary work of God. But it all starts with faith. Because without faith, no one would ever “repent” and “confess.” But His point is that we are not saved by faith only or faith alone. God has other works that we must do , that are necessary to our salvation. They are His works that He has commanded.

If James 2:24 means that works are necessary for salvation, the verse contradicts Ephesians 2:8-9. How do you reconcile the verses?

 

[John146]

Verse 14: “If some one says he has faith but does not have works, can faith save him?” It’s a rhetorical question; and the answer is “no.” This is his premise and the rest of the verses in this chapter support and prove this premise.
Note: the “works” talked about here are works that “save” , works of salvation. “Can works SAVE him?” These are soul saving works, necessary for salvation.

Verses 15-16 - are used as an EXAMPLE. If someone is hungry and cold, you have not helped him if all you do is say be filled and warmed. That doesn’t accomplish anything. That will not suffice,, that is not enough. Thus, therefore, also, in the same way, (verse 17) just having faith alone, without works, will not accomplish salvation. He puts it this way “Faith by itself, if it does not have works , is dead.” Faith without works does not meet the requirements of salvation.

Verse 18: you cannot “see” faith without works; but you can see my faith by the works that accompany my faith.

Verse 19- now he shows the foolishness of having faith apart from works. “Even the DEVILS believe! Demons are BELIEVERS! If just believing “alone” will save you, then the demons will be saved!! They believe so strongly that they tremble! If you believe all you have to do to be saved is believe, how are you any better than the demons? This is his point. You can’t be saved by “faith alone.”

Verse 20- do you not know “oh, foolish man, that faith without works is dead?”

Verse 21- He uses another example—Abraham—to prove his point. Abraham had faith but was justified by his work of obedience when he offered his son as a sacrifice like God told him. That’s when he was saved—not before, when he only had faith and had not offered that sacrifice. “Abraham was justified (saved) by works when he offered Isaac. ..”

Verse 22- HERE IS THE ANSWER TO THIS DEBATE ABOUT FAITH AND WORKS—“ you see that faith was working TOGETHER with his works and by works his faith was made PERFECT!” The answer is it takes BOTH—faith and works Both are necessary for salvation. It’s not one or the other—it’s BOTH!

Verse 23 says Abraham’s faith was accounted to him for righteousness (BECAUSE it was accompanied by works).

Verse 24-He confirms that a man is saved (justified) by WORKS—not works alone—and NOT BY FAITH ALONE. Or faith only. The works he is talking about are ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION; and while they are “proof” of salvation their purpose is not for “evidence” but for the saving of the soul.

Verse 25- another example: Rahab. Rehab did not just believe; she was saved ( justified) by her work when she helped the spies. Another example to show how salvation is NOT by faith alone.

Verse 26- the last example of body and spirit. “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” This is the message and premise of James 2:14-26. It teaches one thing: The only way to be saved is to have “faith and works together” but faith only will not save anyone.

The “works” that save are the works that God has commanded us to do—like “repentance”. Acts 17:30- it originated with God not man. It is commanded by God. It is a “work of God” John 6:28-29. But if you believe in “faith only” you have eliminated Repentance as being necessary to salvation. You can’t have it both ways! Faith only means only faith and nothing else. It means nothing but faith is necessary to be saved. And you have eliminated “repentance.” Same for “confession”. Romans 10:10 Confession is necessary for salvation but “the doctrine of “faith only “ removes confession as being necessary. Salvation by faith alone makes repentance and confession unnecessary. So you can just forget them because you are already saved by faith alone. The problem is that you are denying what God says and calling Him a liar. Because if we are saved by faith alone then we will NOT be lost if we don’t repent. And if faith alone saves us then we won’t be lost if we don’t confess Christ and God just lied when He said it was for salvation. Romans 10:10.

The only way to harmonize Acts 17:30, Roman’s 10:10 and James 2:14-26 is to reject salvation by faith alone and accept what James 2:22 says— it takes BOTH, faith and works, working together to produce salvation of our souls.

Hebrews 12:15- Be careful lest anyone FALL SHORT of the grace of God.

Make sure you include the audience: to the twelve tribes scattered abroad. James is not a doctrinal book to the body of Christ.

 

[John146]

If James 2:24 means that works are necessary for salvation, the verse contradicts Ephesians 2:8-9. How do you reconcile the verses?

Different audiences....the body of Christ vs the 12 tribes scattered abroad (tribulation Jews).

 

[Beckworth]

Faith is that form of believing that is authored by Jesus, increased by illuminated scripture, and is always accompanied by works appropiate to repentance in those who have it.

Yes, that is true. It’s just that some people disagree with James when he argues that “works” are “necessary” and actually part of the salvation process (saved by works, James 2:21, 24,25) Thus, making “faith only” , like the demon’s faith, not able to save anyone.

 

[GWH]

Yes, that is true. It’s just that some people disagree with James when he argues that “works” are “necessary” and actually part of the salvation process (saved by works, James 2:21, 24,25) Thus, making “faith only” , like the demon’s faith, not able to save anyone.

Yes, and that false faith is because they do not have faith in Jesus as LORD (2CR 4:5, CL 2:6, etc.), which means Commander, who commands love.

 

[Cameron143]

Different audiences....the body of Christ vs the 12 tribes scattered abroad (tribulation Jews).

When do you believe that tribulation to be?

 

[John146]

When do you believe that tribulation to be?

Soon, hopefully...when the fullness of the Gentiles be come in and taken from the earth, the gathering together of all things in Christ. It is the time of Jacob's trouble on earth.

 

[John146]

Yes, that is true. It’s just that some people disagree with James when he argues that “works” are “necessary” and actually part of the salvation process (saved by works, James 2:21, 24,25) Thus, making “faith only” , like the demon’s faith, not able to save anyone.

What do the demons believe? They believe there is one God. James is answering the question, does faith save? James is not answering the question, will works follow faith?