How do you interpret James 2: 24?

Question

If we are saved/justified by faith alone, why does James 2:24 say
"For we hold that a man is justified by works and NOT by faith ALONE." (Emphasis mine.)

Michael M: It doesn't. My question is directed to those who believe that we are saved by faith alone.

Bro John: you are directly contradicting scripture. You say we are not saved by works, James says we are. I think I'll believe St. James.

Answer 1

Who says we are saved by faith alone!

Revelations, the final word in the Bible, says there is a Book of Life and some will NOT be in that book. There is NO warranty Jews (the Chosen) or Christians will automatically be in that book.

Hence GOD does decide by your works in life.

Answer 2

James says that Abraham was "declared right with God" for what he did because he believed God (Romans 4:1-5). James and Paul are not contradicting but complementing each other. Let's not conclude that the truth is a blending of these two statements. We are not justified by what we do in any way. True faith always results in good deeds, but the deeds do not justify us. Faith brings us salvation: active obedience demonstrates that our faith is genuine.

Answer 3

The "Faith Alone" theologians want to distance people from trying to "work their way into Heaven". It is not form helping old chickens to cross the road or curing people by miracles that one is saved.
We were created with a physical (body) and Spiritual side. If faith alone (spiritual) is enough, then we could do that after we no longer have a body (dead).
Spirit is more important than physical, so first, faith, then actions

Answer 4

Because works are part of faith -- not separate from them.

Jame 2, in whole, makes that clear. Good works by the Christian are manifested by his/her faith.

"Faith without works is dead," James says -- just as a car without an engine is "dead." Works are a vital part of faith, just as an engine or a transmission are vital parts of a car.

They cannot be separated. But a lot of Protestants must think that the car and the engine can be seen as entirely separate entities -- because that's how they see faith and works.

.

Answer 5

study on "justifed" compared to saved.
You will see the difference.

Please note the KJV
James 2:24
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.


justified by works, saved by faith
by your faith you will see the works.

Answer 6

Justified and saved are different words. It means, just as the bible says, we shall stand before the throne of Christ and receive rewards for the works we have done in this life. Only faith in Christ saves us...not our works, as Ephesians says. Justification is not salvation.

Answer 7

If we have faith in Him naturally we will want to show works.Its Christ working inside of us and faith is where it starts. But initially its not works that saves us its His grace.

Ephesians 2:8 By grace are ye saved, through faith and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

Answer 8

What James is saying is that faith (if it is real) will be accompanied by works. If you say you have faith, but it is not manifested in your works then it is not real. James is "NOT" saying that works save or justify. But, that faith expresses itself in works.

Answer 9

Where does it say you are saved by faith alone in the Bible?

Answer 10

Because some Christians want it easy and anything they do to be ok. But if your greedy and selfish and do not abond in good works such as helping others and careing about others.
Some people like Republicans say don't help people but we are the religious right. that doesn't make any sense.
They rob from the poor to give to the rich. That is greed