Why do Paul and James appear to present contradictory views on faith and works?
Again, the notion of contradiction between two doctrines of justification by faith (as presented in Romans and Hebrews[23]) and justification by works (as presented in James) arises because the nature of how faith and works relate to each other is either misunderstood or misrepresented. It is a cause and effect relationship. Faith is not merely acknowledgment of a creed, but a motive for action[24]. Hence what one does is indicative of what he truly believes[25]. This is the James argument. A careful and objective reading of scripture reveals that James does not denigrate faith, but sees it as producing works. Neither does Paul discount works. We are saved by God’s grace and access to that grace is obtained thru faith in Jesus Christ. Yet by that very same process of salvation, we become doers of good works. Paul wrote the following: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workma
