Ministry of Grace Church

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Truth to Learn

Your works of obedience confirm that your faith is real and alive.

Behind the Words

The opening word of this verse in the Greek text is a form of horaō, which literally means “to stare.” By implication, however, it means “to see,” “to discern,” or “to understand.” The tense and mood of this particular word can be interpreted as either present, indicative (meaning “you are currently discerning”) or present, imperative (meaning “discern,” as a command). So, either James is stating a fact in conclusion or he is demanding that the reader accept what he is saying.

The word translated “justified” is a form of dikaioō, which is a derivative of dikaios, meaning “just” or “righteous.” The oō ending to a Greek verb generally indicates a quality or characteristic. Hence, dikaioō, refers to a person having the characteristic of being righteous or just. This verb is expressed here in the passive voice, indicating that it is a characteristic that is given to a person, not one which a person gives himself. James is saying that a man becomes justified, or a man is declared righteous, by works and not by faith only.

The last word in this verse is the Greek word monon which means “only” or “alone.” Without this word this verse is in violent disagreement with all the verses around it.

Meaning Explained

This verse is often taken out of context and misquoted to try to prove that salvation is works based. If you use this verse in isolation of the others and drop the last word you get,

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith …

But, James is not declaring that we are saved by works. Works cannot save us. There were people in James’ day, just as there are today, who claimed to be saved by faith and believed that they can “live like the devil” without reprisal because they are saved by faith. But the apostle has clearly articulated that a faith which is not accompanied by works of obedience is an empty, dead faith. He says, “You can’t have just faith alone!”

James is in the process of backing-up his argument with a couple of examples, the first of which is Abraham. As a result of his having believed God, Abraham was declared to be righteous. He was saved by faith. James declares, however, that it was Abraham’s obedience to God, his works, which proved his faith was real. As we have discussed for several verses now, it is the good works, the godly living, and submission to God’s will, that prove our faith to be genuine saving faith.

So, James’ conclusion regarding Abraham is that he is justified by works, not by faith alone. Without the proof given by his works, his faith is empty, void, dead, and not a saving faith.

Application

Only you and God really know if your faith is genuine, if you have truly submitted yourself to God, and have accepted the blood of His Son as payment for your sins. If you are truly saved, your works will demonstrate it to others.