What does James chapter 2 verse 14-18 mean?

Answer 1

A:Here, the author is disputing Paul's preaching that salvation is by faith alone. Giving an example, he says that it is impossible to believe that Christians can be saved without both faith and good works. In verse 2:14, he asks what does it profit a man to have faith without works, and rhetorically asks whether that can save him. In verse 2:18, he goes as far as to say that faith is nothing without works, but works show faith.

Another Answer:

James was explaining that those who have faith will naturally produce works. You cannot get rid of works just because they do not save you - cannot sever the effect from the cause. When we are begotten by God's Holy Spirit, we are expected to do His good works:

Luke 6:43-44

New International Version (NIV)

A Tree and Its Fruit

43 "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.

Paul had an opposite problem in Romans. His letter targeted those who placed their faith in the Law of Moses - having their trust in their own good works and not in God. So Paul wrote in defense of faith as NO Law can save, while James wrote in defense of works, the natural product of faith.

Faith and works are not enemies - true faith and righteous works go hand in hand as God works in us. Faith brings a person to salvation, and works bring that person to faithfulness. Faith is the cause; works are the effect. Both James and Paul believed this.

Answer 2

This passage emphasizes that faith without deeds is dead. It stresses that true faith should be accompanied by actions to demonstrate its authenticity. In other words, faith should manifest in tangible acts of love and service to others.