Genesis 22 · a question people ask
James says Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac. Paul says by faith. Which is it?
James: "Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected" (James 2:21-22). Paul: "if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God. For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness'" (Romans 4:2-3). Both quote Genesis 15:6. Protestants agree that both are Scripture and read them together, with different emphases.
How Christians read it
Where Christians differ, Favor sets out the main views side by side and doesn't pick one.
Works show the faith is real
Those who stress this read James as speaking of faith being shown: "faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected" (James 2:22), and James asks for faith that can be seen, "Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works" (James 2:18).
James 2:18 · James 2:22
James and Paul answer different questions
Those who stress this note that Paul is asking how anyone is counted righteous before God, "not toward God" (Romans 4:2), while James is answering people who claim a faith that has no works: "faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself" (James 2:17).
Romans 4:2-5 · James 2:14-17
The verses
“Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith worked with his works, and by works faith was perfected. So the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.”
“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.””
“He believed in the LORD, who credited it to him for righteousness.”