Justified by Faith AND Justified by Works

James 2:20-24

In his letter to the Romans (3:28), Paul writes -- "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law." To prove his assertion, Paul cites Abraham's reckoned righteousness on the basis of faith alone (see Romans 4 and Genesis 15:6). 

Interestingly, James asserts in his letter (2:14, 24) -- "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? . . .  You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."  Even more interesting, and similar to Paul, James also cites Abraham's life to demonstrate the necessity of works!