Root & Fruit: Harmonizing Paul and James on Justification

by Joel R. Beeke, Steven J. Lawson

Harmonizing Paul Nd James on Justification

Genres: Theology, Audiobook

47 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2020

About the author

Joel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is the chancellor and professor of homiletics and systematic theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has served as a pastor since 1978 and currently ministers at the Heritage Reformed Congregation of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the editor of the Puritan Reformed Journal and The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth magazine, the board chairman of Reformation Heritage Books, the president of Inheritance Publishers, and the vice president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society.

Beeke has written and coauthored 120 books, edited 120 books, and contributed 2,500 articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. He frequently lectures at seminaries and speaks at Reformed conferences around the world. The Lord has blessed him and his wife Mary with three children and eleven grandchildren.

Reviews

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent work on the relationship between Romans 3:21-28 and James 2:14-26, which has always generated spirited discussion. Paul writes that man is justified by faith alone, apart from works, and James writes that man is justified by faith and works. The authors do a great job in emphasizing this cornerstone of the Reformation that God justifies by grace alone (sola gratia), by faith alone (sola fide) in Christ alone (sola Christus) without the works of the law as the instrument of salvation, the very essence of the gospel. They clearly explain the contrast between works and faith, explaining how they are mutually exclusive as they relate to the means of justification. They also explain exactly what the difference is between saving faith and non-saving faith, and how saving faith is experienced.

This leads to an examination of James, and the authors resolve the question: Are we justified by faith or by works? The answer, of course, is that we are justified by faith alone, but our works justify our faith in that, good works validate that our faith is a living faith and a true saving faith. James exposes the hypocrite who claims to have faith, but his actions or lack of fruit expose his lack of faith. Saving faith is a faith that works, or bears fruit.

[Luke Schmeltzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a collection of messages by Beeke and Lawson on the topic of justification. They address the apparent contradiction between James and Paul, interpreting Scripture in light of the whole and tracing out the interplay between justification and sanctification.

[Ryan Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beeke and Lawson deliver a brief, but excellent discussion of works and faith in relation to justification and sanctification. This is excellent for new and seasoned Christians.

[Timothy Denning · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors prove from scripture that the teaching in Romans on justification and works in James do not contradict each other. In fact, in 70 pages, wonderful clarity is given. Justification by faith alone was the tipping point for the reformation. Also, leaning on the reformers too to prove their point. Excellent sound reading.

[Josh Cosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great small book. Challenging and great refresher for the mature Christian and also a wonderful book for the younger ones as well. Also, highly recommended for those young readers who are growing in their comprehension.

[Ronnie Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many find a contradiction in the teachings of the Apostles Paul and James. The erroneously perceived error claims that Paul teaches salvation by faith and James teaches salvation by works. Pastor Joel Beeke and Steven J. Lawson have given us this book (booklet, pamphlet, tract) to reconcile the biblical teachings of works and faith. Using the analogy of faith, the teaching that all of God's Word is inspired by the Holy Spirit and therefore inerrant, they aptly and clearly give the reader a better understanding of salvation by faith alone and the works that justify such a faith. "Faith alone saves, but a saving faith is never alone without works to evidence the substance."

I would highly recommend this to anyone struggling with this issue, and would firmly suggest you give a copy to your legalist and antinomian friends. It will only take you an hour or two to read, but is filled with biblical citations and gives the read plenty to ponder and meditate on. A bit pricy for the volume (70 pages), but to support Free Grace Press, I would buy it again to share with others.

[Marc Plazola · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this 70-page book, Joel Beeke and Steven Lawson compactly but masterfully tackle a daunting subject. While the hungry reader may want to dig further in the biblical texts, Beeke and Lawson commendably accomplish their job in harmonizing the doctrine of justification from the contextually-angled perspectives of Paul and James. The only detail, I think, is worth making note of is that the word "justify" (δικαιόω) actually has two meanings: (1) to legally declare righteous and (2) to vindicate, show, or prove one's righteousness. Clearly, the former is Paul's use of the word while the latter is James's use of the word, in accordance with the context (cf. James 2:18).

This work is especially recommended for those in the church that are troubled by the apparent discrepancies between the two biblical authors.

[Dagan Mayfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short, readable book by Lawson and Beeke handles the relationship between faith and works very well. It gives a surprisingly nuanced, helpful treatment of justification by faith as the fundamental doctrine of the Reformation, especially for being only 70 pages (and small pages at that) long. More could be, and indeed has been, said about clearing up the apparent contradictions between Romans 3 and James 2. Sure, more could always be said. However, both practically and theologically, more doesn't need to be said to bring clarity to both these sections of Scripture. It is pastoral and wise. I would recommend it.

My only criticism is the exclusive use of King James and New King James translations of the Bible. For a modern reader, especially a new or confused Christian, these particular translations are difficult and often clunky.

[Sojourning Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

This small book packs a lot of straightforward information. It maybe dismissed as novelty gift to later read on the commode, but I assure you it is not.

I enjoyed the chapters beginning with the controversial texts in Romans (Paul’s letter) and James epistle. It breaks down each verse into an easy to follow paragraphs analyzing parts of speech. This is helpful for anyone disciplining and new believer.

I valued the distinction James uses for Abraham’s justification in faith. We think James writes about Abraham’s faith justified by his willingness to sacrifice his son in Genesis 22, BUT what it refers to Abe’s faith from Genesis 15 that is acted out in Gen 22 thirty years later. Incredible insight.

Pick up this book and then pass it along. Worth the minutes to read.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good little read. But honestly, I'm not sure this book is really needed. The whole of the book (70 pages) can be summarized in this:

"Sinners are justified by faith alone, but true faith will never be alone. It will always have good works following it. Let's put it this way: Good works will never lead anyone into the kingdom of God. But once one is in the kingdom, good works will always follow him every step of the way. Works will never justify someone. But once one is justified by faith, that faith will be accompanied by good works." pg. 60.

And, in this paragraph alone, the same truth is restated four times.

[Dan Absalonson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good and chalked full of great truths, but in the end I didn’t get any deep insights on the topic of justification. Maybe that’s a good thing, people make it more complicated than it is in Scripture, and it does seem upon first reading James that he contradicts Paul that you need faith and works. In the end this book clearly articulates that you are saved by faith alone, but faith is never alone and always accompanied by good works that are the fruit of your conversation. A great little book, but I didn’t really learn anything new or take away some great insights.

[Caleb Comstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. This has been the battle of the ages. The Catholic Church requires works to be justified and they haven’t changed on that since they reaffirmed it at the Counsel of Trent in the mid 1500’s. This book brings incredible clarity. If you struggle with this, then read this book. You won’t anymore.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome awesome awesome! I would expect nothing less from these two big time authors! This book clearly lays out the connection and synthesis of faith that both Romans and James clearly layout. And honestly after reading this I am shocked it is still a controversy! I WILL be using this next week as I preach James 2! Highest recommendation

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Christians believe that Paul and James conflict with one another on justification by Grace, rather than understanding they are defending the gospel from different sides. Excellent teaching for all believers!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I listened to this on audiobook.)

[Megan- Pennies and Salt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short scriptural study of Justification.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best explanation of the correlation between Romans and James that I’ve ever read.
A must read. Also very succinct!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful little book!

[Taylor Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful in understanding the justification (especially if you are dialoging with a Roman Catholic)

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Four stars for the apparent support/justification given to Luther’s addition of ‘alone’ to his German gospel translation.

[Colin Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty easy theological book. Super short and book is set up well.

[Khrystyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

straight forward analysis between contradicting views on justification (ie justification through faith alone vs justification through faith and works)

[Timothy Klob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, concise exposition on Paul and James in terms of faith versus works from a Reformed perspective.

[Adria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, but good listen about how scripture can say salvation is by faith alone and we are justified by our works.

[Tim Lawhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short summary of an issue that has many Christians confused.