Albert Barnes Commentary James 2:14

"What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? can that faith save him?" — James 2:14 (ASV)

What does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith? The apostle here returns to the subject referred to in James 1:22-27: the importance of practical attention to the duties of religion, and the assurance that men cannot be saved by a mere speculative opinion or by merely holding correct sentiments.

He undoubtedly had in mind those who abused the doctrine of justification by faith, by holding that good works are unnecessary to salvation, provided they maintain an orthodox belief. This abuse probably existed in the time of the apostles. Furthermore, as the Holy Spirit saw that there would be danger that in later times the great and glorious doctrine of justification by faith would be thus abused, it was important that the error should be rebuked. It was also important that the doctrine that good works are necessary to salvation should be distinctly laid down.

The apostle, therefore, in the question before us, implicitly asserts that faith would not "profit" at all unless accompanied by a holy life, and this doctrine he proceeds to illustrate in the following verses. For further reference, see the notes on James 2:1 for the analysis of this chapter, and the notes on James 5:1 for the Introduction to chapter 5, section 2.

For a proper interpretation of this passage, it should be observed that the apostle's stand-point is not before a man is converted—when he might be inquiring how he may be justified before God, or on what ground his sins may be forgiven. Instead, the apostle's perspective is after a man is converted. From this viewpoint, he shows that faith can have no value if it is not followed by good works. That is, such faith is not real faith, and good works are necessary if a man is to have evidence that he is justified.

Thus understood, all that James says is in entire accordance with what is taught elsewhere in the New Testament. Can faith save him? It is implied in this question that faith cannot save him, for asking a question is very often the most emphatic way of making an affirmation. The meaning here is that faith which does not produce good works, or which would not produce holy living if consistently acted out, will save no man, for it is not genuine faith.