James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
This verse has been a challenge for people over the centuries. At first glance, it seems to contradict what Paul the Apostle wrote in Ephesians 2:8-9, that we are saved by faith and not by works. It does not take long for the honest interpreter to realize that Paul and James are saying different things because they are each dealing with different issues. One of the cardinal rules of interpretation is to consider the context. James has been concerned throughout the letter so far with superficial Christianity: professing a faith in Christ but not showing the evidence of this faith. There are people who say they are Christians. They may even go to church on Sundays. But their lives do not show it. Their faith may only be intellectual, ceremonial, or institutional. “Faith” in this type of situation is only a matter of attitude or thought process. It does not penetrate the heart and lead to behavioral change. Our lives must match what we profess. This verse supports a point I have made many times: faith must lead to obedience or it is not true faith. Likewise, obedience must be supported by faith or it turns into legalism. James will go on in this passage to show how faith must be shown in tangible ways, especially to those who lack food and clothing. Is there anything we do or do not do that invalidates our faith? Do our actions support what we believe?
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