This is a verse likely not in our memory packs! Why…because it causes us to struggle. So is salvation by works?! Absolutely not. In fact, James is making it clear that faith and works are inseparable. Later he will say, "For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead."
I love the tension that exist in James! I love the conviction that exists in James! James, the half brother of Jesus, was already frustrated by so called "Christ followers" who were not following Christ at all. No different than Paul who wrote on many occasions about the same kind of people.
Faith has substance. It brings life. It is "perfected by works". It brings obedience into the lives of believers.
Hopefully, this brings tension into our world. Not doubt. But obedience.
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