James 2:17

17 sic et fides si non habeat opera mortua est in semet ipsam

James 2:17 Meaning and Commentary

James 2:17

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
] It is like a lifeless carcass, a body without a soul, ( James 2:26 ) for as works, without faith, are dead works, so faith, without works, is a dead faith, and not like the lively hope and faith of regenerated persons: and indeed, such who have no other faith than this are dead in trespasses and sins; not that works are the life of faith, or that the life of faith lies in, and flows from works; but, as Dr. Ames observes ^F2, good works are second acts, necessarily flowing from the life of faith; to which may be added, and by these faith appears to be living, lively and active, or such who perform them appear to be true and living believers.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 Medulla Theolog. l. 2. c. 7. sect. 35.

James 2:17 In-Context

15 si autem frater aut soror nudi sunt et indigent victu cotidiano

16 dicat autem aliquis de vobis illis ite in pace calefacimini et saturamini non dederitis autem eis quae necessaria sunt corporis quid proderit

17 sic et fides si non habeat opera mortua est in semet ipsam

18 sed dicet quis tu fidem habes et ego opera habeo ostende mihi fidem tuam sine operibus et ego ostendam tibi ex operibus fidem meam

19 tu credis quoniam unus est Deus bene facis et daemones credunt et contremescunt