Faith is inseparable from works according to the Bible. Though they are not the same (each having different function) they form one unit in their divine purpose, like a vine to a branch (e.g., Jn 15:1-11). This is the reason why James maintained a wholesale rejection of any advocacy for a division between faith and works. Further, he does not simply offer an opinion, but heaven’s truth.
James method of instructions on this issue is plain and easy to follow. First, he offers an illustration to challenge the foolishness of someone claiming to have faith in God but have no conviction to help those in need they cross paths with (v14-16). But he does not stop there. If he were to use our modern vernacular today, he would say to his opponents, “You still do not believe me? Let me give you a real life example of what I speak of.” He uses the scriptures to show “literally” how faith and works are two sides of the same coin. Abraham is his first historical example.
James says, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? (22) You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works” (v21-22). To be clear, James is not implying that works justified (saved) Abraham before God. Rather, his belief in God was counted as righteousness towards him (cf., Rom 4:1-9). What then is James saying? Remember, God promised Abraham that he would make him a great nation through his seed (Gen 12:3). That lineage would start with his son Isaac, which God waited to open the womb of his wife Sarah until after they were too old to physically have children. Later, this same promised son (Isaac), God commanded Abraham to sacrifice unto him on Mount Moriah (Gen 22:1-3). James, describes how Abraham works revealed the justification he already possessed before he was ever given the commandment by God. He did not just profess to trust God, but his faith compelled him to obey. His actions (works) originated from his faith, like the produce of a fruit plant from its root.
Abraham faith was firm in the promise of Gen 12:2. Even as he held the knife in his hand ready to swing down to slay his promised son, he reasoned within himself the hope of resurrection, for Hebrews says, “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, (18) of whom it was said, ‘Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.’ (19) He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back” (Heb 11:17-19).
My friends, here is the lesson of Abraham’s faith that James labors to convey: God justifies the sinner. The evidence that a person actually possesses the gift of faith becomes visible in a lifestyle of obedience. Such person trust in God’s Word as the foundation and root of their life. James reference to Abraham is excellent example of faith and works functioning together in the life of true believer of God. The two cannot be separated. Where there exist a divorce between them, such faith is worthless. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com