Justified by Works- Works as Proof not Source of Righteousness

Paul declares through the example of father Abraham that we are justified by faith, as was he:

"For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

"For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (Romans 4: 2-3)

James seems to contradict the assurance of Paul:

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" (James 2:21)

In James' Epistle, the writer points out that Abraham's works sprang from his faith -- they did not make him righteous, but effected (or culminated) the faith which was accounted to him for righteousness:

"Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2: 22-24)

The key phrase here is "faith made perfect", which in original reads "completed", or "perfected." There is no righteous work without faith, but no one can claim to walk in righteousness without their the essential inner work that the Finished Work of Christ has done in a believer:

"Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous." (1 John 3:7)

Jesus spoke to the manifestations of obedience as proof of faith:

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

"Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

"A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

"Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7: 15-20)

Jesus places incredible importance on transforming the person, and then the actions following:

"33Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit." (Matthew 12:33)

There was even hope for the Pharisee:

"Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also." (Matthew 23:26)

Right believing leads to right living. Let us not try to act righteous in order to presume upon ourselves right standing before God, for:

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus paid the price, made us righteousness, and forever justifies us before the Father by sitting and making intercession for us at His right hand. Let Him do the work, take the credit, and extend to us evermore the gift of righteousness which causes us to reign in life!