A Coin Flip?

Faith and works. There is no controversy surrounding these when their connection is properly understood. The Apostle Paul focused on the root of salvation, when someone comes to faith in Jesus Christ, and he said they are justified before God. Then James comes along, and he exhorts people to live the Christian life, and he talks about the fruit of salvation – our works. James says that if the root is there, if you have really received Christ, then there will be fruit in your life.

Another way to say it is Paul looks at the fire in the fireplace, and James looks at the smoke coming out of the chimney. It’s not either/or, it’s both/and. If you have received Christ, there will be works, and fruit, in your life. And there will be meaning and significance as you demonstrate your faith through serving God and others.