James 2:20,21

“You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?”

James can be a little insulting and as he writes his blood pressure seems to be rising… He references Abraham and then writes this conclusive statement:

James 2:24

“You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.”   

Hmm. This is proof that taking verses from Scripture out of context can wreak havoc. 

I can’t forget v 22-23;

“You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.”

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Faith: His faith was ‘made complete’ or ‘perfected’ by what he did. Key word is ‘faith’. 

Believe: Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. Key word is ‘believed’. 

Verses 20-22 and 24 without 22- 23 may communicate something different.