Do Paul & James Contradict One Another?

Do Paul and James contradict one another on justification?

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The Apostles Paul & James are two of the foundational figures within the history of the Church. However, with the passage of time and the rise of skepticism towards the Bible and the Christian faith, many have put forth the assertion that Paul & James did not believe or teach the same doctrines. In fact, that they were theological opponents, in contradiction to one another.

With this assertion pre-supposed, many have then found reason to reject the infallibility, inerrancy and inspiration of the New Testament. (By extension, many have also used this as a basis to reject the Christian faith entirely.)

Substance to this position is put forth in the citation of these two verses:

“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” (Rom. 3:28)

“You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24)

Taken in isolation, it is certainly difficult, if not impossible, to harmonize them within the same canon of scripture. However, the reality is that Romans 3:28 and James 2:24 do not exist in isolation, but within a larger body of work that illuminates their doctrinal context. It is my position, as well as of all those who previously and at present within the body of Christ, that Paul & James are not theological opponents in contradiction to one another. Rather, that their teaching are the same, constituting the fullness of Christian’s birth in faith and the living out thereof.

Before we dive into these two verses proper, let’s establish a foundation by which we can rightly examine what each man has written.

First, James & Paul fellowshipped within the same body of believers and recognized the authenticity of each other’s faith. We see this demonstrated in various places throughout scripture, such as Galatians 1 & 2 and Acts 15. What can we learn about Paul & James from these passages? That they regarded one another as possessing the same faith and their mutual apostolic authority to preach & teach that faith to others.

If Paul & James were opponents, we would certainly expect to find James attempting to correct Paul on at least one, if not all, of these occasions. He does not, but instead welcomes him and confirms his doctrine. Likewise, if Paul believed James was in error, he would certainly have challenged him. No such challenge is recorded; rather Paul operates in submission to James’ authority for his own apostolic confirmation.

When we examine Romans 3:28 and James 2:24, we have to keep this larger context in mind. If Paul & James are attacking each other, it would be against the witness of the rest of scripture. Such accusations are without any substance, apart from the a priori assumptions of skeptical interpretations of the Bible. There is a reason why the Church has found harmony between the works of both men – because they are speaking in regard to different issues.

Paul is speaking with regards to the seed of faith. Faith is planted in the heart of the believer by the grace of God through the sacrifice of Christ – not by anything the person does. This is why Paul says, “faith apart from works of the Law.” God plants the seed, not the believer. In doing so, God declares the believer to be justified.

James’ burden in writing his letter is to call the Church to holy living. He is exhorting believers to demonstrate the quality of their faith by living a holy lifestyle that honors God. He puts forth the challenge for believers to prove or demonstrate the quality of their faith in chapter 1 – “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” James then reenforces his challenge in chapter 2: “I will show you my faith by my works.” The visible good works in the life of a believer are what vindicates, proves or demonstrates the authenticity of their profession of faith. They are the fruit that comes from authentic saving faith.

Jesus acknowledged that there would be true and false believers within the visible church (Matt 7:15-23). He tells us that we will be able to, “know them by their fruits.” James’ concern is with regards to lack of fruit among the believers he saw around him, for fear that they do not have a genuine faith. This is why he challenges them all to prove it (justify it) – if you really are a Christian, show us.

James’ purpose in writing his epistle is that if you really belong to God, there will be a growing amount of evidence to demonstrate (i.e. “justify”) it, because God keeps the promises He makes to Himself to change the hearts of all of His people.

Paul is talking about the invisible work of God in bringing an individual to saving faith (the seed); James is talking about the visible work of man in the demonstration of the newness of life that manifests from saving faith (the fruit). Both men’s teachings constitute the fullness of the Christian life.

[ryanparris]

Excellent breakdown. The only way to embrace and balance both scriptures is that James 2 is speaking of how true salvation is demonstrated, not achieved. We’ll done.

[gregorylatta]

Then what does it prove if an unbeliever has good works or fruit???

[dashriprock]

Can you please define what biblical faith is, or describe what it looks like?

[happyday]

Im sorry, but this is not true. I love your stuff and I've listened to a number of your videos and this is the first one where I believe I have to disagree with you. This is all out of love.

The book of James is written to believers and it's about practical Christian living. His intent in chapter 2 was not for people to look at their works as proof of eternal salvation. It was written for the purpose of encouraging believers to perfect (verse 22) their faith through good works, not for eternal salvation. That is not the topic here. Faith for eternal life and a perfecting of faith are two different things. Either that, or no one is ever getting eternally saved. It's just not possible. If it is about eternal salvation, whether we realize it or not, we do make Paul and James contradict each other, especially since we hear Paul explicitly say "blessed is the one who does NOT work, but believes."

We MUST come to the conclusion that Paul and James are talking about two very different things here or they are in fact contradicting each other. The distinction must be made.
God bless!