Following his treatise on partiality, James once again assumes the role of a lawyer to make his next argument. The basic idea here, and it’s one we’ve already seen in chapter one, is that true faith has some physical manifestations that run alongside of it. Our natural tendencies, unfortunately, are pronouncedly deceptive in nature. We often lie to and deceive both others and ourselves into thinking proper theology put into words is enough to defend where our hearts really rest.

Beginning in verse 14, James introduces his case, simply asking if a faith that produces nothing is good enough to save anyone. Does it even make a difference? James is saying that we can argue about this all day, call it faith if we want to, but it’s not. He takes the next couple of verses and unfolds a basic example of acknowledging a need in word but not taking initiative to solve it. Matt aptly called out the modern day version of this which often looks like simply stating, “I’ll be praying about that.” Obviously prayer is a good thing and should be a part of our response to just about anything, but all too often what we really need to do is just serve people.

Restating his thesis in verse 17, James drums up what could appear to be a teaching that directly opposes some of Paul’s strongest arguments in Romans 3-5, Ephesians 2, and the book of Galatians that salvation is through grace alone, not works. These ideas are complimentary and similar, thus they will run side by side and take some thought to parse the distinctions and overlaps. Paul says a person can’t use kindness, benevolence, or generosity to gain status with God or become holy. James, in contrast, says that if you don’t have these then you aren’t a believer. Matt put it this way, “These things aren’t a means to redemption; they’re the product of redemption.”

Christianity calls us to a certain humility that may cause us to think in a faulty way about our actions. Faith looks like something, though not proud and self-centered, that grabs attention and moves towards action. James reiterates this in verse 18. We frequently want to hang our hat on the hook of having sound doctrine. Again, while having a good hold on the finer points of theology is important, according to verse 19-20 even the demons know some of the truth, but at least they have a firm response to it. In our culture, we tend towards reverting to an “I prayed a prayer at camp”-type moment that can unjustly free us to then live however we want to.

James ends his debate with another example, this time comparing two Old Testament examples of faith in action. One the one hand, we have Abraham who was the ultimate insider, the father of the Jewish faith. Abraham’s faith and actions most famously collided when God asked him to kill his son. In faith he took action, and God provided a way of escape. On the other hand, we have Rahab – the complete opposite of Abraham in almost every way. She was a female prostitute from a pagan nation, but she too left no one wondering where her faith was when it was put to the test.

Faith and action together bring life. A separation of these negates both and leads to death. What we should consider after studying this passage is what our faith has produced. Where have we given of ourselves without an expectation of return? And this is not a church program idea; it’s a personal thing. We can give physically with money, food, and clothing. We can serve those who need it through our time and skills. We can serve emotionally, for example, by taking the time to dive into a relationship with someone who has an addiction. We can open our homes and provide shelter and rest for those who need it. Lastly, we can give spiritually by just being willing to share our story and convictions, always willing to speak the truth to those in our sphere of influence.

Above all, these actions must flow not out of a sense of spiritual duty and regulation, but from a grateful perspective of the grace Jesus has given to us. For Jesus, love looked like more than words. Jesus’ faith in God’s promises led Him to an obedient spirit that involved a complete emptying of Himself, all with the knowledge that this couldn’t be repaid. And what’s more, Jesus continues to fight for us. His example is not one of a single action but of a constant state of giving to those who don’t deserve it. His life is our model, motivation, and salvation. This is true faith.

-Nate Emery