James: Preaching Verse-by-Verse

Two Kinds Of Justification In The New Testament. One kind of justification is from the pen of the Apostle Paul (justification before God). The other kind is from the pen of the Book of James (justification before other people). Through the years, there has been much confusion and misunderstanding because of these differences.

Justification Before God By Genuine Faith In The Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s letters are very clear that for people be justified in the sight of God, they must trust the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour by genuine heart-felt faith. By this action alone can they be declared righteous before God. They are not justified before God by any of their good works.

Justification Before Other People By Showing Them Good Works, The Fruits Of Salvation. James speaks of this justification before other people so that, by the good works of genuine Christians, those who are not Christians can see that there is something wholesom about the lives of these true Christians which is a visible testimony to other people. Many times readers have misinterpreted the Book of James, believing wrongly that it teaches people can be saved merely by doing good works. This is a very false interpretation of the Book of James.

James Illustrates The Importance of Matthew 5:16. The Lord Jesus Christ told His disciples: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The purpose of Christians’ good works, after they have become genuine Christians, is for people to see these good works and glorify–not themselves, but--their “Father which is in Heaven.”