Faith Without Works?

James’ letter to the church is an exhortation, or multiple exhortations. One of the messages of Chapter 2 in his letter is an exhortation to grow in and act on faith.  

In essence, he says faith without works is dumb and useless: “What use is it…if someone says he has faith but he has no works?” Upping the ante, he then says:   

“Can faith without works save you? Well,” says James. “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” What does he mean by this challenge?  

He explains a few verses later. “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?” You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected, or made complete…   

“Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” James 2:21-22    

We have works to do and we’re going to need faith to do them!