Romans 4:2- 5
For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Apostle Paul mentioned in Romans 4, that our justification is only by faith and any works (self effort) that we do to earn righteousness or justification is counted as debt. He also mentioned Abraham’s justification by faith as an illustration to explain this truth. James interpreted the same incident of Abraham’s justification on the basis of works. How come James says that Abraham was justified by works (James 2:17-24) and Paul says that Abraham was justified by faith? Does the Bible contradict each other? No, absolutely not. Since Bible never contradicts each other, how can we rightly divide this truth?
To rightly divide this truth, let us see what kind of works Paul is talking about, and what kind of works James is talking about. If we can find out the difference between these two kinds of works, we can rightly divide this truth.
Paul is talking about the dead works that are performed by a believer to earn the justification or righteousness. James is talking about the good works that a believer does because of his faith in Christ. These two works are diametrically opposite to each other in their motives, though they look identical in the physical realm.
Good works are works that a believer does as a byproduct of his /her faith in Christ, and is not a means of justification. Anytime if we use our works, merits or performance as the basis of justification, we are fallen from Grace and those works are considered as dead works.
The only means for our justification from Genesis to Revelation is by Faith, and as a result of justification by faith, good works will follow us. Paul and James are in total agreement to each other, and the truths go hand in hand, where Paul is focusing on the root (faith) and James is focusing our attention to the fruit (Good works).
The true faith is always followed by good works, and is an outcome of the revelation knowledge of our justification in Christ Jesus.
James 2:17- 24
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.