Faith That Saves and Faith That Shows

Romans 3:28 & James 2:24 Explained
By Chris N. Braza – Soul Care Ministry

BRAZAARph

Many believers get confused when reading these two verses:

Romans 3:28 – “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
James 2:24 – “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.”

At first glance, it seems like Paul and James are contradicting each other.
But they are not. They are addressing two different problems, using the same word—justified—from two different angles.

Let’s make this simple and clear.

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1. What Paul Is Correcting (Romans 3:28)

Paul is speaking to people who believe they can earn salvation by obeying the Law.

Paul’s point is clear:

• You are saved by faith, not by religious performance

• No amount of good works can cancel sin

• Salvation is a gift, not a reward

In short:

Faith is the basis of salvation.
We are declared right with God by trusting Christ alone.

Paul answers the question:

“How is a sinner made right with God?”

Answer: By faith.

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2. What James Is Correcting (James 2:24)

James is addressing a different problem:
People who claim to have faith but show no change in their lives.

James is not fighting faith—he is fighting empty faith.

James’ point:

• True faith produces visible fruit

• Faith that never acts is dead

• Works do not save—but they prove faith is real

In short:

Works are the evidence of salvation, not the cause of it.

James answers the question:

“How do we know faith is genuine?”

Answer: By works.

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3. Same Truth, Two Perspectives

Paul (Romans 3:28)	James (James 2:24)
Faith alone saves	Faith never remains alone
Focus: Root	Focus: Fruit
Salvation’s source	Salvation’s proof
Before God	Before people

Paul talks about how we are saved
James talks about how salvation is seen

They are not enemies—they are partners.

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4. A Simple Illustration

Think of faith like a living tree.

• Faith is the root

• Works are the fruit

A tree is alive because of the root, not the fruit.
But if there is no fruit, we rightly question if the tree is alive at all.

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5. Soul Care Application

For the weary soul:

• You don’t work to be loved by God

• You don’t perform to earn grace

• You are saved by trusting Christ

For the growing believer:

• Grace changes how you live

• Faith moves your hands, not just your lips

• Love, obedience, and service naturally follow

Faith saves.
Works serve.
Both glorify God.

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Conclusion

Romans 3:28 and James 2:24 do not contradict—they complete each other.

We are saved by faith alone,
but the faith that saves is never alone.

That is biblical balance.
That is soul care.