James 2: Faith and Works, Not Faith Alone

At the heart of Protestant theology is the claim that we’re saved by faith alone. But there’s one Bible verse that directly challenges that idea — and it comes from James.

In James 2:24, we read:

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.”

That verse is a major problem for the “faith alone” crowd. It’s actually the only time the phrase “faith alone” appears in the Bible — and it’s used to reject the idea.

So what do some Protestant teachers do? They try to explain it away. Some say James is only talking about “said faith” (faith that’s just claimed but not real). Others argue that James means we are vindicated before men, not God. And some claim that James is only saying works demonstrate our faith, but don’t contribute to salvation.

Let’s take a closer look at these claims — and why they fall apart under honest reading.

James 2:24 Is Clear — No Fine Print Needed

Let’s begin with what James actually says:

“A person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24)

James doesn’t say:

“a person appears to be justified…”
“a person proves their faith to others…”
or “a person is justified before men…”

He says plainly: is justified by works — and not by faith alone.

This isn’t about putting on a show. It’s about what actually justifies someone.

1. Is James Just Talking About “Said Faith”?

Some Protestants claim James is only talking about someone who says they have faith — but doesn’t really.

But James never says it’s fake faith. He simply says that faith without works is dead.

“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)

It’s not imaginary faith. It’s real faith — just dead, inactive, useless.

Dead faith is still faith, not an illusion. It just isn’t enough on its own.

2. “Justified Before Men”? Doesn’t Fit

Others argue James means we’re justified in the eyes of people, not God.

But the text doesn’t say “before men.” That idea is read into the passage to avoid its natural meaning.

Let’s test this with James’s examples:

Abraham

When Abraham offered Isaac, who was watching? No crowd. Just Abraham, Isaac, and God. So if Abraham was “justified” in that moment, it wasn’t to impress others.

Rahab

Rahab hid two spies and lied to protect them. That wasn’t a public act. Yet James says her works justified her.

Neither example supports the idea of being “vindicated before men.”

3. “Works Just Show Our Faith”?

Some try to say James is just teaching that works demonstrate we have faith.

Sure, works do reflect faith. But James goes way beyond that. He writes:

“You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.” (James 2:22)

“Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?” (James 2:20)

This isn’t just about putting your faith on display. It’s about completing it.

Why This Matters: Faith Needs Love and Obedience

We’re not saved by works alone, and we’re not saved by faith alone either.

St. Paul agrees with James when he writes:

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6)

Without love, even the greatest deeds mean nothing (1 Corinthians 13).
Even faith that can move mountains is worthless without love.

This tells us that obedient love, shown through our works, is what makes faith alive.

Real Faith Is Made Complete by Works

James says:

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24)

Protestant interpretations try to water that down. But if we let the text speak for itself, the message is loud and clear:

Faith without works is dead.
Works alone can’t save us.
But faith with works — faith completed by obedience and love — is the kind that saves.

A Word to Our Protestant Friends

If you’re Protestant, this might challenge what you’ve always been taught. But don’t just take our word for it — read James 2 for yourself, slowly and honestly.

And ask: Why are we trying to make the Bible say something it doesn’t?

The Catholic Church has always taught that we are saved by grace, through faith, working through love — and that our good works, done in God’s grace, actually matter.

We’re not saved because of our works. But we’re also not saved without them.

Faith is the root. Works are the fruit. Both are needed for a living, saving relationship with Jesus.

So let’s not try to cut off the branches. Let’s grow in both faith and good works, and follow the full truth of Scripture—just as James taught.

What James 2 Really Says About Faith And Works — “Not Faith Alone”