James: Justification by works
Key Text:
Context of James:
Paul: Justification without works
Key Texts:
Context of Paul:
Key Text:
- James 2:24 – "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
Context of James:- Audience: “The twelve tribes scattered abroad” (James 1:1) — believing Jews.
- Concern: Not showing faith and justification by works—saying you believe but showing no works for justification before God.
- Teaching:
- James is speaking truth to those under the Kingdom Gospel (James 2:17).
- His use of "works" refers to justifiable evidence of genuine faith
- Emphasis: Faith and works—faith that is proven genuine by outward actions.
Paul: Justification without works
Key Texts:
- Romans 3:28 – "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (works)
- Galatians 2:16 – "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ..."
Context of Paul:- Audience: Gentiles and Jews alike, in the context of the gospel of grace.
- Concern: Boasting in ones works and legalism—people trying to earn salvation and justification through the Mosaic Law and good works.
- Teaching:
- Justification is by grace through faith, not by works (Eph. 2:8–9).
- The "works" Paul refers to are not only works of effort but also works of the Law—not by rituals, commandments, circumcision, sacraments, observances, teachings and traditions of men, etc.
- Emphasis: Faith alone in Christ alone without works of any sort (Romans 4:5).
