James 2:24 — "Justified by Works"

Churches of Christ read James 2:24 as affirming that faith must be accompanied by obedience and works of righteousness. This is not works-based salvation in a mechanical sense, but rather the conviction that genuine faith manifests itself in corresponding action. The verse states directly: 'a person is justified by works and not by faith alone' (James 2:24).

For Churches of Christ, this verse sets the tone for understanding salvation. While faith in Christ is essential (John 3:16), the commitment to walk in obedience is also constitutive of salvation. Alexander Campbell and the Restoration Movement refused to drive a wedge between faith and works, treating them as inseparable. James 2:26 is cited ('faith without works is dead') to reinforce that genuine faith produces fruit. This emphasis on works-of-faith distinguishes Churches of Christ from evangelical Protestantism, which typically emphasizes faith alone (sola fides).