Notes on James 2:10-26

Whole law . . . one point - James 2:10-11

Using the Ten Commandments, James explains how breaking one part of the law makes one guilty of breaking the whole law. The law has one source, and reflects the character and wisdom of the one, true God (cf. Deut 4:5-8; Matt. 5:19; Gal. 3:10; Eph 3:10). Law-keeping, then, has a missionary purpose to display the character of God.

Going to be judged...mercy triumphs - James 2:12-13

James reminds his readers to speak and act as people who will be judged under the law of freedom. Anyone who thinks they will not be judged for their actions and professes faith in Christ is deceiving themselves (Matt 16:15; 25:32; Acts 10:42; Rom 2:5; 14:10-12; 1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10). Those who are without mercy in judgment will not receive mercy themselves before God’s judgment (Matt. 5:7; 6:14-15). The mercy that triumphs over judgment tempers retributive justice with restorative justice. God’s law does not merely punish lawbreakers, but with mercy it provides paths of restitution and reconciliation so lawbreakers can be restored to communion with God and neighbor (cf. Hosea 6:6; Matt 9:13; 12:7).

Your Works Demonstrate Your Faith - James 2:14-26

Your Works Demonstrate Your Faith. In the last of three sections on wisdom and obedience, James examines the relationship between faith and works in the life of Abraham. A profession of faith in a righteous God that is unaccompanied by righteous practices is foolish and useless.

Can such faith save him? - James 2:14

James questions his readers about the profit of a faith that has no accompanying works. More poignantly, he asks whether such a “faith” can save anyone. Good works must accompany saving faith, because trusting the one, true God changes human motivations and practices, conforming believers to His image and wisdom.

Suppose . . . without clothes and daily food - James 2:15-16

Similar to the apostle John (see notes on 1 John 3:17-18), James illustrates a kind of faith without works. He depicts a person who is approached by a brother or sister with insufficient clothing or food. James asks what good is accomplished by wishing them well without giving them what is necessary for the body. This kind of speech is useless, empty words.

Faith without works is dead - James 2:17

Faith without works is dead. A living faith in Christ will always respond to the needs of others with action, not mere lip service. Saving faith manifests itself in good works and righteous living. See WCF 13, 16; BC 24.

Show me your faith - James 2:18

With wise rhetorical form, James anticipates possible objections. One objection centers on the notion that since faith and works can be distinguished, they must be separated. James responds by asking his imaginary objector to show faith apart from works. But, even as Jesus argued, “a tree is only known by its fruit” (cf. Lk 6:43-45). Likewise, faith is only known by its deeds.

Response of covenant loyalty and practice - James 2:19

James’ anticipated respondent moves to win the debate by quoting the daily prayer and confession of Jewish Christians from Deut 6:4. While James agrees that believing God is one is necessary, he also points out that the demons believe and tremble. The confession of truth about God requires a response of covenant loyalty and practice: Love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself (see note above on 2:8). Demons grasp truth cognitively, but their actions demonstrate rebellion against the God they believe in. True faith expresses itself in loyal love, which is articulated in the second half of the Shema in Deut 6:5.

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