Read James 2 The proof of faith

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. (James 2:24 NKJV)

A man who managed to push a wheelbarrow across the tide rope. The man asked if they do believe if he could take someone on the wheelbarrow and push him across. They were confidence he was able. But when he invites if anyone would wish to take the challenge there was no response. One can believe yet will not act on it.

James challenges the Jewish believers that as they claimed they have faith; they have to show it in their work. Then are they justified.

Here James writes that work justifies and not faith alone. Paul teaches faith alone justifies without work. It appears that work is needed than just faith for justification for James. Is there any contradiction with what James and Paul teaches?

There is no contradiction. Paul writes salvation by faith alone, that is the root of justification. Faith in Christ alone justifies one stand righteous before God. Christs merit is the only ground for salvation. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9). James writes on the evidence of salvation, that is the fruit of faith. When one does not act out his faith is dead faith. It is not the hearer of the word but doer that is justified and blessed for what he has done. (James 1:22-23)

Paul was writing for defending Gentile from Jewish legalism. to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:26-28). James is here defending Jews from Gentiles license to sin. They were dealing with different needs in different perspectives.

Prayer: Lord I am living out of been justified by faith. It is evidenced of my salvation; it brings You glory and bear witness to others of what You have done and spoken.

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