JAMES wrote, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." James 2: 24.
Paul wrote to the Romans, "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." Rom. 3: 28.
James was speaking of the work of faith, for he said that faith without works is dead. Abraham believed God; and when he revealed his faith by proceeding to offer his son, his faith was counted for righteousness. His works made his faith acceptable.
Paul was considering another phase of the subject. The law to which he refers is the law that points out sin. This law, having once revealed sin in the individual, can not justify his transgression of it, even though he may attempt to keep the law.
These are two different kinds of works. One must be performed before the individual can be justified; the other can not be performed by a person who has not received justification through faith in Christ.
ALLEN MOON.
SECRETARY OF STATE BRYAN SIGNING PEACE TREATIES BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES, FRANCE, GREAT BRITAIN, SPAIN, AND CHINA
