James 2:20-21

Faith Without Works Is Dead

James wanted his objectors to acknowledge the obvious truth that faith without works is dead. Woods says "foolish man" literally means "an empty-headed fellow" (James 2:20). Those who really understood God's word should have known Abraham was not only the father of the Jewish nation. He was also the father of all the faithful (Romans 4:1-25; especially 16). James says Abraham was pronounced free from guilt by works. Abraham's works were those done to follow God's specific instruction, as Coffman notes (Hebrews 11:8-19). The Hebrew writer shows that it was because of his faith that Abraham took action. Words like "obeyed," "went out," "sojourned," "dwelling" and "offered up" show specific actions he took to please God. It is these works which demonstrate one's faith that James has in mind (James 2:21).

In contrast to James emphasis upon works of obedience which show we have faith, Paul is talking about works which earn an entrance into heaven in Romans 4:1-25. In verse 4., Paul says, "Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt." Would anyone accuse James of saying our works make God owe us heaven as a reward? Certainly not. Instead, he is saying our salvation is contingent upon faith. The only way to have a living faith is to have a working, obedient faith like Abraham. Paul likewise teaches us that we must work God's will to be saved (1 Peter 2:13-15; Galatians 5:1-6). To be baptized in accord with the Lord's will (Mark 16:16) is not to do a work thinking it will justify us. Instead, it is an act of obedience which shows our trust in Jesus' promise to save. Our works plainly show where our trust (faith) rests (Titus 1:16).

Abraham's faith was tested when God told him to take Isaac, the son of the promised blessing, and offer him up as a sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-19). When he obediently went forth to work God's bidding, Abraham showed his faith was real. Because he did God's will, the blessing promise was his (see verses 15-18.) In verse 16, the angel of the Lord says "because you have done this thing." God saw Abraham's faith in his works.