Those failing to be fair in their treatment of rich and poor alike had a faith that would not save them. Not faithless, just without a faith that saves. James does not speak of works of merit, but works that are the fruit of a faith that save (Luke 3:7-14; Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Peter 1:1-10; 1 John 1:6-7; 2:9-11). We can recognize a true man of faith by the things he does (James 2:14).
Faith without works is useless. James uses the illustration of a brother, or sister, without adequate food or clothes. What would come from telling them to be warmed and filled. They would not have a full stomach or be warm. Instead, it would take food and clothes coupled with the words to achieve the desired end. Just so, faith without works is "dead in itself." It is powerless because it has no works (James 2:15-17).
An objector might answer by saying one has faith and another works. They might say it is just as well since they are both good and useful in the Lord’s service. The problem is that faith cannot be seen except through the works it causes one to do (Hebrews 11:4, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22,23, 24-25, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31). Those claiming faith was a good thing by itself might say they believe there is one God. It is necessary, but not enough. Even Satan’s workers tremble at the thought of the God who will one day punish them (James 2:18-19).
The “foolish man,” or empty-headed fellow (Woods), needed to acknowledge faith without works is dead. Abraham was not only the father of the Jewish nation, but of all the faithful (Romans 4:1-25; especially 16). James says Abraham was pronounced free from guilt by works. Abraham’s works were those done to follow God’s specific instruction (Hebrews 11:8-19). Abraham’s faith moved him to action, as seen in words like "obeyed," "went out," "sojourned," "dwelling" and "offered up" which show specific actions he took to please God (James 2:20-21).
James emphasized works of obedience, while Paul spoke of works one thought would earn an entrance into heaven (Romans 4:4). Would anyone accuse James of saying our works make God owe us heaven as a reward? No, he is saying our salvation is contingent upon a living faith like that of Abraham. Paul teaches one must work God’s will to be saved (Philippians 2:13-15; Galatians 5:1-6). To be baptized in accord with the Lord’s will (Mark 16:16) is an act of obedience showing one’s trust in Jesus’ promise to save (Titus 1:16).
Abraham’s faith was tested when God told him to take Isaac, the son of the promised blessing, and offer him up as a sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-19). Doing God’s will resulted in the promised blessing being his. “Working together” describes faith and works cooperating with one another to produce the result, Abraham’s justification. Abraham’s faith was brought to its full maturity by works. Faith without works would then be imperfect (dead, verse 17) and unable to save (James 2:22).
James 2:23 is a quote from Genesis 16:6. Abraham was 75 when he first received the blessings promise (Genesis 12:1-4). He had no children, yet he had faith that God could work what he promised. God counted that faith for righteousness. His faithfulness caused God to call him his friend. The inescapable conclusion is that faith only will not save. Only a working faith saves (James 2:24).
Rahab showed her trust in God by receiving and hiding the spies (Joshua 2:1-24). Despite the fact that she had lived a wicked life, she and her household were saved because of her working faith (James 2:25; Hebrews 11:31). Our body is a temporary dwelling which will one day be put off (2 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Peter 1:13-14; Ecclesiastes 12:7). Roberts says the spirit is "the animating principle of life." So a body apart from the spirit is dead and will only decay. James concludes faith apart from works is also dead (James 2:26).
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