James 2:24
You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
And Paul replies:
Galatians 2:16
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 3:11
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Romans 3:28
Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Romans 4:1-5
1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Romans 9:31-33
31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
There are those who dismiss Paul, and those who dismiss James. Those people do not hang out here.
For those who accept that these Scriptures do not contradict each other, there are usually two options available:
- They were using "faith" differently. James used "faith" in a narrower sense, while Paul used it in a broader sense. Either way, true faith comes with good works.
- They were using "works" differently. Paul referred to "works" which one did in order to be saved, while James referred to "works" which one did because he was saved.
Of course, there are nuances and variations in the beliefs of individuals, but those are the major categories. Either "faith" was different or "works" was different.
However, I prefer a 3rd option: They were using "justified" (
dikaio) differently. James used it in the sense of "to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous," while Paul used it in the sense of "to declare, pronounce, one to be just" or even "to render righteous."
James used Abraham as an example of faith that exhibited good works. He was "justified" by his works because his works showed that he was righteous.
In contrast, Paul used Abraham as an example of one who was justified without works. He was "counted" righteous not because he worked, but because he believed.
Furthermore, the Jews did not attain righteousness because they sought it by works. Had they believed in Jesus, instead of being a stumblingblock to them, He would have rendered, or made, them righteous. But God only does that for those who trust in Him, not in themselves.
So, is faith ever alone? As the means for justification - to be declared just or to be made just - it MUST be alone. But as the evidence of justification - to show that one is just - it cannot be alone, since man looks at the outward appearance.