The Grace Message

Does James throw us a theological curveball by pitting faith against works? Before you start questioning his place in the New Testament, when James says, “Faith without works is dead,” it’s not because he doesn’t get grace. Instead, he’s highlighting the response of saving faith.

Consider Abraham and Rahab. Their “works” weren’t about ticking off a legalistic checklist. Abraham offered Isaac once, and Rahab opened the door once – simple acts of faith responding to God’s message. These weren’t works of the Law but expressions of living faith.

So, have you opened the door to God? If so, you’ve already met the requirement of James 2. Click through to watch the full message and see how James and Paul are actually on the same team. This isn’t about earning salvation; it’s about recognizing the assurance you already have!

Discussion Questions for James 2:

1. What have you heard that “faith without works is dead” means?

2. How many times did Abraham offer Isaac? Why is this significant in understanding the meaning of “works” here?

3. How many times did Rahab open the door? Why is this significant in understanding the meaning of “works” here?

4. Are the works that Abraham and Rahab did works of the Law? Or are they simply responses of faith to the message of God? Why is this important to understand?

5. Read verse 23. Do you think that James understood salvation by faith? Why or why not?

6. If James understood salvation by faith, then what is he trying to say about living faith that saves versus the dead faith of demons?

7. Have you offered yourself to God? Have you opened the door to Him? In this way, have you met the requirement of James 2? If so, what does this mean for your assurance of salvation?

8. Why is it a slippery slope to say that James did not understand grace yet wrote an epistle in the New Testament? What position does that put us in as readers and “judges” of the New Testament letters?