Galatians 2:15-16 Justification by Faith (Part 2): Paul and James (November 9, 2025 AM, Dr. Michael Grasso)

"Does the Bible contradict itself on justification? Paul says in Galatians 2:16 that we are justified by faith and not by works. But James 2:24 says that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. How are we to understand this apparent tension?

In this sermon, we walk carefully through both passages to show that Scripture speaks with one clear voice. Paul is teaching how a sinner is declared righteous before God—through the righteousness of Christ received by faith alone. James is addressing the nature of true, saving faith—faith that always produces good works.

Together, these truths show us:

Why Paul rebuked Peter for walking contrary to justification by faith alone

How James distinguishes between dead faith and living faith

Why true faith always leads to sanctification and good works

How works function as the evidence of justification, not the ground of it

Why both Paul and James ultimately proclaim the same gospel

The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox objections often claim that the Bible is unclear on justification and requires church tradition to interpret. But Paul insists his words are clear and binding—and to distort them is to lose the gospel itself.

Brothers and sisters, justification by faith alone is not just a Reformation slogan. It is the good news of the Bible: Christ alone is our righteousness, received by faith alone, a faith that is never alone.

#JustificationByFaith #FaithAlone #Galatians #James2 #ReformedTheology #ChristAlone #GraceAlone #SolaFide #GospelTruth #BiblicalPreaching"