Henry Krabbendam - James - World Evangelical Alliance

However, there seems to be even more “hidden” in James 2:22a. At this
point we reach and unveil the very heart of the second half of James 2. The
author does not just teach that faith and deeds are inseparable, however true that
is. No, the faith James is talking about proves to have an awesome momentum.
It is a driving force, a dynamics, that will enable a believer to pass the severest
tests, such as bringing the costliest sacrifice without “feeling sacrificial,” against
every natural instinct, with unwavering resolve, in total readiness, without succumbing
to all too human rationalizations and in immediate obedience.
Look at Abraham getting up early, without talking to anyone in order not
to be diverted from his purpose, taking to the road fully prepared in order not
to be delayed in his duty, and choosing the shortest route to his destination in
order not to miss his moment of self-denying truth (Compare Manton, 252-
253). Faith is, indeed, awesome. It counts all types of poverty, past, present,
or future, joy, takes decisive action in the fear of God, and perseveres in
practical godliness en route to perfection (Jam. 1:2-3). In a word, in all this it
moves mountains (Mt. 21:21)! James 2:14-19 argues that faith does, and
must, mean “something!” James 2:20-26 continues to argue that this “something”
proves to be “awesome!”
We come here face to face with the depth, the height, the breadth and the
length of the “mystery of faith.” Faith is powerful stuff, James appears to say.
It walks on water! You can expect literally everything, including a man
cheerfully plunging his knife toward the heart of his only son, in the rocklike
certainty that this boy, who was raised from the dead once, will be raised
from the dead a second time. Did he not spring from a barren rock (Abraham),
and a waterless well (Sarah) (Is. 51:1)? Well, for Abraham history simply
will repeat itself (Heb. 11:17-19). In this way James’ teaching comes to a
crescendo of sorts, “the faith that justifies, true, living, and active faith, is a
veritable powerhouse.” It is assured of “overcoming the world” (1 John 5:4).
And in the victorious act of overcoming faith comes into its robust, full-orbed
own, and in this process legitimizes itself.
The sum and substance of James’ message in the total context of Scripture,
inclusive of Paul, are very well captured in a poem by Helen H. Shaw,
perceptively quoted by a commentator (Phillips, 91). After proclaiming in
three stanzas, “I’m justified by grace,” “I’m justified by blood,” and “I’m
justified by power,” the poet concludes with three additional stanzas:
“The Holy Spirit guided me
To what the Scripture says.
I grasped the truth; Christ died for me!
I’m justified by faith.
555