James 2:18-26

2:18-26

Read 2:14-26

In the section before James used the example of someone who claims to have faith but does not show any sort of generosity to those in need, or even contempt, to show that a true and repentant faith will show itself by its fruits. Here James uses a some other examples to expound on the differences between knowledge, and even belief in their knowledge, and saving faith. This is also a section that some would use as an example that James is attempting to preach a works based righteousness, but this is simply not the case.

18

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James starts out verse 18 with a hypothetical statement, “You have faith and I have works” Lets take a pause and consider this hypothetical statement, the statement is said by someone who has done works, we may even assume good works, to someone who says that they have faith. Which side of this statement do you think is the “correct” one, the one who claims to have works or the one who claims to have faith?

The more generally agreed upon interpretation that James is being modest when he says “someone will say” and it is actually James’ humble way of referring to himself as the person that shows the proof of his faith through his works.

But another position is provided by Desidarius Erasmus (1466-1536), Erasmus lived during the reformation and did call for a change regarding Roman Catholic abuses but rejected the concept of faith alone, also Calvin says that Erasmus’ interpretation of this hypothetical statement may be too forced, but Erasmus says that this may be one person who boasts of faith without works, and the other of works without faith, it is interesting to thing that James is refuting both of these positions at once. As he goes on to say, “Show me your faith apart from your works” sort of rhetorically as this is exactly what he is saying cannot be done, then also refutes anyone who may think that their works will produce righteousness, by saying that he will show or “prove” his faith by and through his works.

19

Comment:

In verse 19 James uses another example to illustrate the difference between knowledge and saving faith. Fallen angels know for a fact that there is a God, and that He is one God in three persons, but no one thinking even remotely correctly would say that the demons have a saving faith, they shudder at their knowledge because they hate God, as do all of the unrepentant humans. Knowing something is a fact does not equal faith in that fact.

Question:

Have we ever given any thought to the knowledge that the demons have of God? This example really hits home the fact that signs and wonders, and even correct knowledge of God or absolute proof of God will not bring about a saving faith.

20

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James uses this exasperated question to lead into the next set of examples to illustrate his point that a true and saving faith will be followed by and shown through the fruits of salvation in good works. He also calls the hypothetical person who claims to have faith but no works, a foolish person someone who is empty or defective, and then this time saying that faith apart from works is useless. Useless carrying the idea of fruitlessness or lack of production reminding us of what Jesus said in Matthew 7:19 “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

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21

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The example James uses of Abraham is one of the points some people use to say that James is preaching a works based salvation. James for this example uses the patriarch of patriarchs Abraham, and in this example James uses the word justified, dikaioo in Greek, which Paul also uses when saying in multiple places justified by faith. This word does have the meaning of to be acquitted, or declared righteous, and this is how Paul generally uses it. But dikaioo also has the meaning in Greek of the vindication or proof of righteousness. Paul also has used this definition of it in Romans 3:4 “By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”” and also in 1 Timothy 3:16 “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” dikaioo even being translated in this passage as “vindicated”.

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22

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23

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24

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25

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26

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