What is the meaning of these Biblical verses?

Question

Romans 3:28 (Paul)
KJV: a man is JUSTIFIED by FAITH apart from WORKS of the law.
RSV: a man is JUSTIFIED by FAITH without the DEEDS of the law.
NIV: a man is JUSTIFIED by FAITH apart from OBSERVING THE LAW.

James 2:24 (James)
KJV: by WORKS a man is JUSTIFIED, and not by FAITH only.
RSV: a man is JUSTIFIED by WORKS and not by FAITH alone.
NIV: a person is JUSTIFIED by what he DOES and not by FAITH alone.

Clearly, James seems to be saying exactly the opposite of what Paul says. Christians call this God Inspired, Wow?

Answer 1

I read it and clearly used my "EYES" on that one. This is what I came to. Assuming we put the above statements into a formula:

J = Justification.
F = Faith (whatever it is; however you define it)
W = Works

Paul's formula: J = F - W
James' formula: J = F + W

"J" cannot equal both "F - W" and "F + W" which means its a CLEAR CONTRADICTION. But as usual the intelligent 'people' will keep refuting and arguing. Let them be.

Answer 2

The Bible says: “A man is declared righteous by faith apart from works of law.” It also says: “A man is to be declared righteous by works, and not by faith alone.” Which is right? Are we declared righteous by faith or by works?—Romans 3:28; James 2:24.

The harmonious answer from the Bible is that both are correct.

For centuries the Law that God gave through Moses had required Jewish worshipers to make specific sacrifices and offerings, to observe festival days, and to conform to dietary and other requirements. Such “works of law,” or simply “works,” were no longer necessary after Jesus provided the ultimate sacrifice.—Romans 10:4.

But the fact that these works performed under the Mosaic Law were replaced by Jesus’ superlative sacrifice did not mean that we can ignore the Bible’s instructions. It says: “How much more will the blood of the Christ . . . cleanse our consciences from [the older] dead works that we may render sacred service to the living God?”—Hebrews 9:14.

How do we “render sacred service to the living God”? Among other things, the Bible tells us to combat the works of the flesh, to resist the world’s immorality, and to avoid its snares. It says: “Fight the fine fight of the faith,” put off “the sin that easily entangles us,” and “run with endurance the race that is set before us, as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus.” And the Bible urges us not to ‘get tired and give out in our souls.’—1 Timothy 6:12; Hebrews 12:1-3; Galatians 5:19-21.

We do not earn salvation by doing these things, for no human could ever do enough to merit such an astounding blessing. We are not worthy of this magnificent gift, though, if we fail to demonstrate our love and obedience by doing the things that the Bible says God and Christ want us to do. Without works to demonstrate our faith, our claim to follow Jesus would fall far short, for the Bible clearly states: “Faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself.”—James 2:17.

Answer 3

Jesus came to do away with the old "law" in the Old testament. Not to do away with the OT completely, mind you.

Paul is saying that we are justified by faith because of Jesus Christ. We are not justified by the old "law" anymore as written in the OT. We are Christians (faith).

James is saying, basically, that we are to be "doers of the word" which means to walk your talk.

If you are a Christian, a person of faith, you should love others (works) if you see someone in need, help them (works). Works is human kindness. Works are the things that Jesus told us to do.

"Faith without works is dead" again, walk your talk.

Faith is being a Christian. Works is demonstrating the teachings of Christ. Do unto others, love your neighbor, help widows and orphans, etc. Those are works.

Answer 4

Steve,
The New Testament is not inspired by God. They are simply letters. You are right in that they conflict. In fact, the book of Acts details the conflict between Paul and James. Incidentally, James wrote that Book before the issue in Acts 15 was settled. Faith was the winner in the debate.
Bo

Answer 5

* You are justified by faith not just works
* The Law does not justified you! faith does.
* You are justified by faith and not just observing the law.
* You need faith and works in order to be justified
* Faith and works go hand and hand! To know that you have
real faith you must also have real in faith.
* Your works must be done in faith

The real message here is you must have have saving faith
in Jesus Christ as lord and savior! in order to have your works
justified

How Great is our God? Great.

God Bless

Answer 6

I have no problem with the verses at all.
Firstly, you quote them out of context.
Paul is making the argument that it is faith alone that justifies a person before God and that works, that is dead works, which are produced out of a fallen nature can add nothing to that faith.
James on the other hand is addressing those who claim to have faith yet have absolutely no evidence in their lives to demonstrate that is so.
He argues that if faith is genuine, it will always produce corresponding works. These are works that issue out of a condition of being spiritually alive and joined to the Lord through faith.
It is really quite simple for those who have eyes to see.

Answer 7

Faith and works are together that is what James is saying. After one comes to Christ works springs forth from faith. Ones works do not save the individual, it is recognizing Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Paul and James are on the same page. It is you understanding that needs a boost !!!
http://www.heavenisopen.com/god.html

Answer 8

Man is not justified by the law of Moses—He is justified through righteousness which is by faith in Christ, made possible through his atoning sacrifice.

Salvation gained by keeping the whole law—Faith without works is dead.

Answer 9

NOT either/or, but both/and.

For faith is the primary necessity, but faith without works is dead. Therefore works are secondarily necessary.

Obviously James is NOT at issue with Paul. Paul is referring to the Laws of Moses. James is referring to the Cardinal Works of Mercy.

Get the difference?

Answer 10

well you got to look at it this way paul say no by faith alone that means you cant go to heaven with just faith but also good deeds.
and james is saying you cant go to heaven by deeds alone you aslo have to have faith.
wehn you read the bible you cant only read one verse you have to read the whole thing because there could be other verses like in your example that contradic each other. the bible will balance its self out.
its really hard to explane but they can mean two different things but when you put them together it will become balanced..
in these verses they mean the same thing but just backwords

Answer 11

My friend it's the context that's all. For instance He is saying by true faith in Jesus Christ we are justified in the sight of God however as we all have experienced on this site PEOPLE will only justify you by your works. Christians are supposed to draw people to Christ by their conduct. If our conduct is in serious question our witness for Christ suffers.