“You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” (v. 20). — James 2:14–26 At the time of the Protestant Reformation, Roman Catholic theologians leaned heavily on the second chapter of James to maintain that justification is not by faith alone but by faith and works. The Reformers were taking every opportunity to…

“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead” (Jas. 2:26). — James 2:14-26 Whenever we approach the Word of God, remembering the distinction between concept and doctrine can be very helpful. Concept refers simply to the use of a specific term in a specific context. Doctrine refers…

“Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18b). — James 2:18–21 Yesterday we examined James’ instruction that effectual faith always demonstrates itself in works (2:14). Saving faith is always a living faith, producing good works. If a person claims to have faith and his “faith”…