Question: Do Paul and James contradict each other?

 Paul: Justified by faith alone.

James: Justified by works .

Answer: In order to answer this question we have to look at what each author is saying in context.  This seemingly problematic contradiction comes from the use of ‘Abraham’s Justification’ by both Paul and James in their text. 

• Paul: Romans 4:2-3  “For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.  For what does the Scripture say?  “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
•  James: James 2:21 “ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar?”

Reading these two verses side by side gives the impression that James was at odds with Paul.   Paul explicitly states that Abraham was justified by faith and James just as emphatically says Abraham was justified by works.   In the book of James, The author is talking about ‘works of faith’ in other words ‘works that show faith’.   James is not talking about works that will save you, but proving your faith to the world.  God knows you have faith but the only way (humanly speaking) that we can tell is by works of faith or as John would say, ‘fruit of the spirit’. 

On the other hand Paul is talking about works that save.  No matter how hard you try or do wondrous works, it will not save you.   What Paul is saying, is that, following the law in every aspect was not the key to salvation;  faith was. 

What seems to cause confusion is the use by both authors of the story of Abraham.  This is not a problem if you carefully read which portions of Abraham’s life both Paul and James are talking about.  Paul points out, through his example of Abraham, that faith came first and was given credit, for after all, Abraham was counted as righteous before Moses saw the light of day little alone receive the law!   Thus it can NOT be following the bare moral code that leads to salvation.   In contrast, James says not a word about circumcision or following the written code.   He speaks of application as a result of a living faith, after conversion.   Nor does he use Abraham’s following of the “law” as proof of his righteousness:   He points to his validating actions that proved his faith in God.   

Paul and James both use Abraham,  they are answering different questions – and their answers are in harmony with scripture.

• Paul’s perspective:   He was viewing the guilty sinner who needed to be right with God  (The sinner is in view).
•  James’ perspective:    He was viewing the believer (or professing believer) who needed to demonstrate that his faith was real (The believer is in view).