Faith is also a central theme in the book of James.
- Trials refine and strengthen faith (James 1:2-4).
- Prayer should be a matter of genuine faith (James 1:5-8; 5:14-18).
- The new birth is through the Word (James 1:18).
- The key to continuing life is to “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). Accepting the word, however, means more than just hearing it or making mere claims, thus….
- True faith does what the Word says (James 1:22-25). This principle applies to controlling the tongue (James 1:26; 3:2) and caring for the poor (James 1:27; 2:15-16 cf. Galatians 2:9-10).
- The entire second chapter of James is devoted to the subject of genuine faith (James 2:1, 14). Some see James 2 as a chapter on works. In reality, James is clarifying the meaning of faith.
Surprisingly, the main leader of the 16th century Reformation called the book of James “a letter of straw.” He relegated it to a list of inferior books at the back of his edition of the Bible. He saw it as lacking evangelical quality as compared with Romans. But part of his reaction was driven by faith-versus-works conflicts raging at the time. A calmer perspective finds “grace” and “faith” in both Paul and James.