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By what are we saved? Is it faith or works? For centuries, this debate has echoed through the halls of the church, with many followers of Jesus Christ landing all across the spectrum. Is the reality of this question too deep for simple believers to understand? Can something that has split denominations, torn apart congregations, and separated believers for thousands of years not be resolved? Could Scripture not provide a clear and concise answer to this question for the millions of believers who seek to worship God every day?

The answer is assuredly, YES! The Scriptures are incredibly clear on this issue, and the context surrounding this apparent contradiction shows the answer to be readily available. The fact is, both Paul and James, whose writings unwittingly put these two saints at the center of this controversy, based their theology on the same account of faith. Both understood that faith and good works play an integral part in the salvation and sanctification of the believer on this side of heaven, and both left clear evidence in their writings that they were in full agreement. The result is a beautiful and robust view of the salvation and sanctification process that God brings His children through.

With faith as the active movement of the heart and works as the evidence of the seal of the Holy Spirit, it is clearly seen from the Scriptures that no contradiction existed between these two men. Follow along with us as we dive into the context surrounding this supposed disagreement to gain a more complete understanding of the intense complexity of God’s salvation and sanctification plan for His children.

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Is it possible to believe in God, even acknowledge Jesus Christ, and not be saved? If faith in God is what is required for salvation, then shouldn’t everyone who professes belief in God and Jesus be saved?

This position is the prevalent belief of much of the modern church; however, the Scriptures do not agree with this simplified version of what much of the modern church dubs as “saving faith.” Jesus even said these words during his ministry: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21-23)

So, it should be no surprise that James offers a similar take on faith, pointing out that there are two kinds of faith: godly faith, which leads to eternal life, and demonic faith, which leads to eternal death. The implications of such teachings, which are found throughout the Scriptures, are stark and demand attention from all. Their teaching is clear: intellectual knowledge, admission of existence, and cerebral assent do not comprise saving faith. Only heart-centered belief from a broken and contrite spirit, mixed with repentance of sin, resulting in a life-altering commitment to the service and obedience of God, can bring salvation to the lost soul.

Introspection and self-evaluation in light of these difficult passages of Scripture are essential for every person who claims to be a Christ-follower. Where is the locus of your faith? In the heart, or in the mind? “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” (James 2:19)

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The law of God has been the subject of much debate since the very beginning of the church. In fact, the discussion, disagreement, and even battles fought by Christ-followers over the place of the Old Testament law within Christianity caused multiple New Testament writers to address the issue.

James does not shy away from the debate in the least! Rather, he offers one of the most beautiful explanations of how God’s Old Testament law fits into Christianity. His writing, far from contradicting his contemporary, the Apostle Paul, speaks in harmony with the rest of the Scriptures in affirming the existence of two laws: the law of God and the law of Jesus Christ.

Together, the writers of the New Testament confirm the truth that Jesus came to fulfill God’s law, freeing humanity from the condemnation and death it brought. However, this did not void the law; rather, it fulfilled it. In its place, James teaches his readers that Jesus gave a new law, one James called “the law of liberty.” This law binds Christ-followers to obedience through the work of Jesus Christ on their behalf, teaching them that they have been made alive and free to live lives that bring glory and honor to God and Jesus Christ through genuine obedience to God, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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