What James Says About Faith and Love Theology

Theology: What James Says About Faith and Love

What James Says about Faith and Love: Theology

The Working of Faith and Love according to James

The Gospels teach that one is granted the gift of eternal life as long as they believe in Jesus Christ (John 3: 16; 6: 47; 5: 24). In other words, belief in Christ (faith) is the only requirement for a Christian to inherit God's heavenly kingdom. James 2, however, puts forth a different perspective -- that we are not justified by faith alone; rather, our faith has to be accompanied by deeds, and good deeds are driven by love (Wilkin, 2002).

In James 2: 14, James questions, "what does it profit brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?" The context of James is focused on judgment -- the author mentions in chapter 2 that people will be judged by the law of liberty, and this judgment will not show mercy to those who have not shown mercy (2: 12). This passage puts into perspective the fact that Christians will face judgment based on their works. When they stand before the judgment seat, although they will have the gift of eternal life owing to their faith in Christ, they will be judged based on what they did in this life with the talents and abilities that God had given them. James, therefore, posits that before God's seat of judgment, faith alone will not profit. Faith earns one a place in heaven; but it is one's deeds that earn them a reward in heaven. Thus, if all one has is faith in Christ, their faith will get them into heaven; but their faith alone will not save them the reward that would have been theirs in heaven. If one, therefore, expresses their belief in Christ but still continues to sin through their deeds, they lose their heavenly reward and will be disinherited at the seat of judgment (Wilkin, 2002).