Scripture Reference: James 2:14-26

The Theological Argument. Such a strong example as James has given the readers, calls for a defense. James then proceeds to give it. He brings in an imaginary person to argue with him. This opponent treats faith and deeds as if they were separate gifts of God. “You have [the gift of] faith; I have [the gift of] deeds.” James replies that faith which is not seen outwardly through a person’s deeds is no different than having no faith at all. It can’t be seen or experienced. It is purely imaginary. Instead, says James, he will demonstrate his commitment to Christ, that is, his faith, through his deeds.

The opponent is then imagined to protest, “I believe that there is only one God!” This is the basic creed of Judaism from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, recited twice daily by every pious Jew. It is the faith that Abraham is said to have discovered. It is also the basis of Christianity as well (Mark 12:28-34; Romans 3:30; and also implied in Paul’s speech in Acts 17:22-31). Surely such orthodox belief/faith is enough. However, James replies in essence, that, “No it is not, for the demons themselves believe as much.” Satan’s own troops are fully orthodox, fully believing the truth; in fact, in the gospels they give a far fuller confession of Christ than the apostles (for example see Mark 1:24; 5:7). Also, unlike the person who claims to believe without showing any outward deeds, they act consistently upon their belief, they shudder and tremble. They shudder because they are in rebellion against God and know that their destination will most definitely lead them to a hell that has been promised for their rebellion. Perhaps, James implies, those who claim to have faith without deeds should be shuddering and trembling as well.

The Scriptural Argument. James now offers to give scriptural proof of what he has been arguing. He uses strong language like that of Jesus (Matthew 23:17) or Paul (Galatians 3:1), which was typical of the debates of his day. The evidence that he brings forward is that of Abraham and the story in Genesis 22:1-19. Abraham was “considered righteous” or declared to be righteous in Genesis 22:12, when God says, “Now I know that you fear God.” This was on account of his deed in preparing to offer Isaac. In other words, Abraham’s decision to follow God and put his trust in Him was so firm that when faced with the greatest of tests he followed through and resolutely obeyed, whatever the cost.

There is, however, more than this in the text. The phrase “what he did” in the NIV should read “from or by his works [or deeds],” as other translations state it. Notice that it is “works” (plural) and not just “work” (one work). James is not thinking of only the one deed of Abraham. In Jewish eyes the offering of Isaac was the end of a long string of obedience beginning in Genesis 12:1. Their question was, “Why did God command the offering of Isaac and then not make Abraham actually do it?” Their answer to that was that since Abraham had been obedient so many times before, including, according to their stories, being great in his care for the poor, God righteously rewarded his works in Genesis 22 by sparing Isaac. The release of Isaac comes, not after a single deed, but after a lifetime of obedience.

To Be Continued

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