James 2:14-26

James 2:14-26

This passage is often used as a theological battleground to discuss the doctrines of faith, salvation, and works. Rather than look at this as a theological treatise, it needs to, like the rest of James, be viewed in practical terms. The strongly Jewish character of the book reflects a Jewish audience that, of late, had lived in a system of works. Every aspect of life was defined by a rule. It appears that they took salvation by faith to mean their conduct was unimportant. Apparently they were denying help to brothers and sisters with an appeal to faith. They offered a sort of primitive name-it-and-claim-it prayer: “Go in peace, be warm and filled.” Given enough time, this disconnect between faith and conduct could metastasize into many forms of immorality. This disconnect between their will and their faith would allow them to think they are believers while being immoral.

Right theology is by no means proof of right standing. Demons, better than any human, understand correctly the doctrines of God, and they believe completely and wholly. Their problem did not stem from bad faith but a will expressed in wrong works. James changes the readers with a similar situation. In verse 20 he charges them as “foolish.” This is a serious and powerful charge. Foolish doesn't mean lack of knowledge or a dumb decision. It means empty, devoid of content, and carries the implications of profound immorality. Verse 20 is the core of this passage. The problem is not our theology of faith, works, and how they are related. The problem is that a sinful, empty, and immoral person will try to hide their evil behind claims of faith. But their behavior always gives them away.

“Lord, give me a heart and faith that I will always live in righteous behavior. AMEN”