For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

Romans 3:28

 

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

James 2:24

 

The Claim: Romans says you’re justified by faith alone and not works while James says a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.

 

The Explanation: This contradiction claim is similar to this one, also dealing with James chapter 2. So keep in mind that James 2 is talking about doing works BECAUSE we are saved. In a similar manner, Romans 3 is talking about how we GET salvation, not by works, but by faith. However, there is something different about the contradiction claim that needs to be addressed, and that would be the use of the word justified.

 

James 2:24 starts with the words “You see…” which is referring to us. We see works, or outward evidence of another’s faith in order to see that their faith is genuine. On the other hand, since Romans is referring to someone attaining salvation, it is talking about how God sees our faith. Of course, we will need more surrounding verses (more context) to show this.

 

What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.

Romans 4:1-3

 

So who is counting Abraham’s faith as righteousness? That is answered in verse 6.

 

just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

Romans 4:6

 

It is God that counted Abraham’s faith as righteousness, since God can distinguish genuine faith apart from works, whereas we would have to see the works that follow from one’s faith. Romans 4:9-12 goes on to say that Abraham’s righteousness was counted to him before he had received the sign of circumcision. The circumcision followed his faith. James also uses this same example about Abraham.

 

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” – and he was called a friend of God.

James 2:21-23

 

Once again, we see the words “You see…” at the start of verse 22, showing that this is referring to us seeing that Abraham’s faith was genuine by the works that followed (his faith was completed by his works). In a similar manner, Jesus told us we will recognize genuine followers of the Lord by their fruits (the works or evidence that completes their faith) in Matthew 7:16. God knew Abraham’s faith was genuine before Abraham’s following works.

 

So in conclusion, Romans is looking at this from God’s perspective, while James is looking at this from our humanly perspective. There is no contradiction here.