CHAPTER 2
Verses 1-13. It is quite useless to pretend to acquaintance with the Messiah (our Lord Jesus Christ in glory), when the conduct does not answer to the profession. Here, as in the course of the whole Epistle, James inveighs against the spirit of the world. Human grandeur, the attractions of the rich, respect of persons and despisal of the poor, all such things agree not with faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, for “God hath chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom.” Yet James does not level all ranks; what he requires is that there should be no preference given to the rich. On account of his position, the latter may have more needs; but it is needful to distinguish when such are genuine, or when arising from the tendency to pretend to riches, to appear grand, etc.
Verse 12. Judged by the law of liberty, that is to say, I according to this nature imparted to us. That nature is holy: we ought therefore, according to this nature, to speak and act holily and so judge ourselves. Woe to him who to excuse evil would say, “I do that which I would not,” for although flesh is in us, we are not debtors to it.
Verse 13. “Mercy rejoiceth against judgment” — the same expression as in Exodus 8: 9, “Glory over me.”
Verses 14-26. Faith is shewn by its fruits. James demands proof of professed faith and the answer if there is faith should be, “Behold the fruits.” That word “shew me” is the key to the subject. You say, I am a Christian: very well, but I cannot see the faith which is in your heart; shew it me by your works. The works required by James as evidence of faith are not such as are generally termed “good works.” He calls for works of faith, works similar to those of Abraham and Rahab. Such actions as putting one’s son to death, leaving one’s country, are not generally called good works, but they are works of faith. When Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his only-begotten son, he still believed he should have the numerous seed promised him by God. Rahab believed the Canaanites were cursed and that God had given their land to Israel, and she cast in her lot with the destiny of the people of God. These works, which manifest faith, are acts in which flesh can have no part.