Paul wrote, “A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law” (Rom. 3:28).
James wrote, “You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24).
It may appear that James is contradicting Paul. Not so! Paul speaks of the justification of our souls before God. James speaks of the justification of our faith before men. Paul warns the legalists and self-righteous who sought acceptance with God by works. James warns the worldly and libertines who sought acceptance with God by an empty profession of faith which had no regard for holiness and obedience to his word. Paul warns that good works can never be a cause of mercy. James says that good works are always the effect of mercy and show the genuineness and sincerity of our faith.
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