Q: In James 2:24, it says, "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." Does this mean Protestants are wrong?
Certainly not! The Book of James can be confusing because it seems to contradict much of what the Apostle Paul wrote (e.g. Ephesians 2:8-9). But there is no disagreement between these two New Testament authors. Both Paul and James would agree that the basis of salvation is grace alone through faith - meaning that the works & deeds of a person are not the basis of faith, but rather a necessary RESULT of faith.
If you read James 2:22, it says that faith "was completed by works." The word "completed" means "bring to maturity." So this verse does not mean we are saved by works but rather that genuine faith is seen in the good works it produces! For James, "faith alone" (2:24) means a fake kind of faith (e.g. the kind of faith that is purely intellectual without a personal trust in Jesus that bears good fruit in one's life). Summarily, no - the Protestants are not wrong in this regard.
Hope that this makes sense. Keep good theological questions like this coming, friend.
[Answered by Pastor HM]
