James 2:1-26

Contents: The tests of brotherly love and good words. Justification before men by our works.

Characters: Christ, James, Abraham, Isaac, Rahab.

Conclusion: Those who are possessors of Christ's salvation, which the poorest Christian may partake of equally with the rich, and to which all earthly glory is but vanity, should not make men's outward advantages the measure of their respect, but should love all, rich or poor, as themselves.

The certain evidence of faith is good works. While it is faith that justifies, the faith that justifies can never be alone.

Key Word: Brotherly love, James 2:8. Works, James 2:14.

Strong Verses: James 2:5; James 2:8; James 2:10; James 2:14; James 2:20.

Striking Facts: There is perfect harmony between James and Paul on justification. Paul is considering man in relation to God, in which he is «justified by faith apart from works.» James is considering man in relation to his fellowman, in which case works are the visible evidence of faith. We have a right to believe that a profession of faith which bears no fruit, is an empty profession.