According to James 2:14-17, how does James understand the relationship between faith and works?

 

What is the difference between intellectual assent to correct theology and real, genuine, living faith?

 

How are we to reconcile these 2 assertions in Scripture?

  • James says that man is justified by works, and not by faith alone (James 2:24).
  • Paul says that man is justified by faith, and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16, Romans 3:28).

 

How do Abraham (in Genesis 22) and Rahab (in Joshua 2) demonstrate real, genuine faith? A faith that is evidenced by works, as opposed to a fraudulent faith that is not evidenced by works?

 

How can we, as Christians, trust in the person and work of Jesus, and not our own righteousness, while at the same time being diligent to live a life of godliness? How can we avoid the dangers of:

  • Having a fraudulent faith that is void of works?
  • Doing legalistic works that are void of faith?