James 2:24 — "Justified by Works"

The CRC reads James 2:24 as complementary to Paul's teaching on justification by faith alone. James addresses a hypothetical objector claiming faith without works; he argues that such 'faith' is not true faith but dead intellectual assent. Genuine faith necessarily produces works. The CRC distinguishes between the ground of justification (faith alone, trusting in Christ's righteousness) and the evidence of justification (works flowing from faith). The works do not cause justification but demonstrate its reality. This interpretation maintains Pauline soteriology while honoring James' emphasis on the practical fruits of faith.