James is not using the term "justified" in
James 2:24 to mean "accounted as righteous" but is
shown to be righteous. James is discussing the
evidence of faith (
says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works -
James 2:14-18) and
not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God. (
Romans 4:2-3) Not to be confused with faith that trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. (
Romans 4:5-6;
Ephesians 2:8,
9) Romans 5:1 - Therefore, having been
justified by faith, (apart from additions or modifications, hence, faith alone) we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon:
dikaioō
1) to render righteous or such he ought to be
2)
to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered -
fits the context.
3) to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be
The Bible clearly states in many passages of scripture that we are saved through belief/faith
"apart from additions or modifications." (
Luke 7:50;
8:12;
John 1:12;
3:15,
16,
18,
36;
6:40,
47;
11:25,
26;
Acts 10:43;
11:17;
13:39;
15:9;
16:31;
26:18;
Romans 1:16;
3:24-28;
4:5;
5:1;
10:4;
1 Corinthians 1:21;
Galatians 2:16;
3:6-9,
26;
Ephesians 2:8;
Philippians 3:9;
2 Timothy 3:15;
Hebrews 10:39;
1 John 5:13 etc..).
Now you don't need to add the word "alone" next to "belief/faith" in each of these passages of scripture in order to figure out that the words, "belief/faith"
stand alone in connection with receiving eternal life/salvation. Hence, FAITH ALONE. Do these many passages of scripture say belief/faith "plus something else?" Plus, baptism? Plus, works? NO. So, then it's
faith (rightly understood) in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
*Not to be confused with an
empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" -
barren of works (
James 2:14-24) which is not genuine faith but a
bare profession of faith.