20 But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was our father Abraham not justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.

24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

James 2:20-26 (NASB) 中文 

Continuing faith and works

James concludes his case that faith without works is dead or useless. In the last post, James indirectly compared those that oppose him to demons. Why? Because at least they follow up their belief with action – shaking in God’s presence. Now he calls the opposition foolish. As I watch the US political scene, though James is not running for office, you might think so. But really? Or is he sincerely fighting, not for votes, but for their faith (and works)? On top of that, he is serving the Lord in this.

Two OT examples

He calls up two OT examples to support his case. Abraham was definitely a man of faith. He wasn’t perfect by any means, but he demonstrated great faith a number of times in his life. His faith was credited (an accounting term) to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Rahab is a bit less known and from only one story but her faith was demonstrated with works – hiding the spies of Israel when they were entering the Promised Land. 

Faith perfected by works

As he said in the previous passage, faith and works go together. He repeats this in verse 22, but then adds a very profound idea. “You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;” (James 2:22) Faith is perfected as works are added into the mix. Now does this mean that our faith is imperfect, as in insufficient for salvation? By no means. Paul makes it clear in Eph 2:8-9 that we are saved by faith.

I concur with Hodges that what James means by perfection is, “Faith is thus nourished and strengthened by works.” (Hodges quoted in Constable commentary) For Abraham, his faith was strengthened by the trials he experienced.

We see a similar situation in Hebrews 5:8–9 which says of Jesus, “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him.” Being born as a man, Jesus had to learn as all mankind does – including obedience. As God, He knows everything. 

RЯeflection

• How about your faith? Are you experiencing the perfecting of your faith through trials as Abraham was. We surely have. And we can definitely say it’s all worth it! 
• Are you doing good works in your life? If not, that’s an issue. You should do a self-check of your faith. If you are doing good works, what’s your reason? If it’s to earn God’s favor, know definitively you cannot. Nor can you cannot earn His forgiveness. Let go of your pride and sin, confess and believe and click here.