James 2:21-22 “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?”

The harmony of the scriptures has never been disturbed by the so-called conflict between James and Paul with regard to Abraham’s justification. Why? Because there is no conflict between James and Paul regarding Abraham! Both of these writers are expounding on faith, its essence, and its work, using Abraham as an example for us to follow after. There are several things to consider regarding the understanding of these inspired writers’ use of Abraham as an example of both faith and works. I consider the following the keys of understanding.

    For James…

    1. James’ statement “...faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect…”

    2. James' statement “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God…”

    3. Context!

James spends time in his epistle to discuss the good works that we are called to do by our faith. Specifically, James says in 2:8 “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well.” James was concerned with how we treat one another in our daily lives. The works he speaks of must be that of loving our neighbor as yourself! This work springs forth from faith. If we have faith (that which is given to us in the new birth), but don’t move in our lives in response to that faith, then our faith is dead (i.e., faith shows no signs of life.) So James uses Abraham as the example of this.

Notice that James references the sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-18) with regard to Abraham being justified by works. He further testifies that Genesis 15:6 was fulfilled (to come to its fullness) in Abraham’s faithful work in verse 23. This is in direct agreement with Paul’s stance on Abraham, specifically in Hebrews (but we’ll get to that in a minute.) Abraham believed, by faith, and his actions were dictated by that faith.

Remember the context of James 2? It’s to not be a respecter of persons. James was preaching against the sin of partiality. He then says we are to love our neighbor as yourself. This is faith and works working together in fulfilling God’s Royal Law!

    For Paul…

    1. Paul’s statement “...by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight…” (Romans 3:20)

    2. Paul’s statement “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Galatians 2:16)

    3.  Context!

Paul also testifies to Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac in Hebrews 11:17-19, just like James does:

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from whence also he received him in a figure.”

Paul also references Genesis 15:6, just like James does:  “Abraham believed the LORD; and he counted to him for righteousness.”

Therefore, we have complete agreement between the two writers! Both Paul and James believed Genesis 15:6 and Genesis 22 were a testimony to the faithfulness of Abraham. However, many will state that Romans 4:2 stands in direct opposition to James:

“For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.”

To understand Romans chapter 4, you have to find the context of Paul’s teachings, which derives its context from the 3rd chapter. Paul clearly states that works (“deeds” in Romans is translated from the same word as “work” in James) under the law brings no justification. In Galatians 2:16 he expounds on this truth by separating the works from the faith of Christ! You see, Paul was concerned with the knowledge that Christ had fulfilled the law and that justification came from His work and not from the law!

Romans chapter 4 deals mainly with Abraham being the father of the faithful. Paul casts the faith of Abraham in direct contrast to the law. James does the same thing! He isn’t talking about faith working with the law! He’s talking about faith working by love! So, the bow on top of the complete agreement between the two writers is…

“For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6)

Don’t you love it when you are blessed to see how the Bible clearly interprets and defines itself!!