James 2:24 — "Justified by Works"

The Church of God General Conference reads James 2:24 as affirming that genuine faith must be accompanied by faithful works and obedience to God. The COGC's kingdom-oriented theology emphasizes that entry into God's kingdom requires both faith and a commitment to righteous living. Works are integral to the Christian life, not as the means of justification (which is by faith in Christ's atonement) but as the evidence and fruit of genuine faith.

James 2:24 is understood as correcting a possible misreading of Paul's 'faith alone' doctrine that might be construed as antinomian (without law). Rather, James affirms that the faith that saves is a faith that obeys. The COGC's understanding harmonizes the teaching: we are justified by faith, but the faith that justifies is active, obedient, and productive of good works.