One of the most controversial passages of the New Testament appears in the 4th chapter of the Epistle of James. The phrase “faith without works is dead” has been used by Protestants to dispute the validity of the epistle as official canon.
Martin Luther, the 16th Century reformer, labeled the work an “epistle of straw” because it appeared to contradict Paul’s message that salvation is through grace – not works.
Background of the Epistle of James
James begins his letter by identifying himself merely as a “servant of God” or a “bondservant.” (N.A.S.) Charles Williams translates the term as “slave.” The epistle was written to the “twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.” Scholars believe this refers to the early Jewish-Christian Church and may indicate that the epistle was written after Titus ravaged Jerusalem in AD 70.
The message of James throughout the epistle is one of righteous living and good conduct. Like the Sermon on the Mount, it is a tacit reminder that social justice is a visible attribute of Christians. In this, James links faith to good works.
Faith and Good Works are Intricately Related
For Paul, works were equated with legalism. In several of Paul’s passages, however, he reminds his audience that the unbelieving world would know Christians by their love and the good works that flow from that love. James, in his comments on faith and works, does not contract this.
James asks his audience: How can someone who has faith have no works? He then proceeds to demonstrate that good works flow out of the Christian experience, which can only be known through faith. James never disputes the Pauline injunction of sola fide – only by faith.
Verse 15 of chapter 2 qualifies what James is attempting to convey, and it parallels what Jesus himself said in Matthew 25:31ff. How can someone claim faith but fail to feed the hungry or clothe the naked? Christians of faith are made righteous through Christ and the Holy Spirit. The ensuing righteousness in the faith journey, an on-going process of sanctification, is evidenced by how Christians treat others.
Can Faith Exist without Works?
The conundrum is easily unraveled in verse 18. “I will show you my faith by my works.” James is not advancing a theological argument. His epistle is the least theological of all New Testament writings. As a treatise of righteous living, James begins with faith and concludes that a spirit-filled Christian will practice social justice, not out of legalism, but because the love of Christ compels compassion and love.
People attend church services or other religious functions every day. They give money and even time for many reasons: it is expected, it pays for others to evangelize and tend to the poor, and it is tax deductible. It is precisely this attitude that James addresses.
No further proof of James’ intentions can be found than at the end of the chapter. Abraham was counted as righteous because his faith in God was so unshakable that he was willing to offer up his son Isaac when commanded by God. More than just “good works,” faith is a state of righteousness when Christians fully focus on God. Little wonder the term “charity,” once used for “love,” has come to mean giving.
Faith without Works Cannot Stand Alone
Faith produces peace-makers. It produces the meek, the merciful, and the pure of heart. It feeds the hungry, cares for the widows and orphans. It is the living example of righteousness.
Sources:
- Doremus A. Hayes, “The Epistle of James,” The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Volume III (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eeerdmans Publishing Co. 1939).
- The New American Bible for Catholics (Iowa Falls: World Bible Publishers, 1970).
- New American Standard Bible [N.A.S.] (Lockman Foundation, 1963).
- The New Testament in the Language of the People, Charles B. Williams (Chicago: Moody Press, 1963).
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