James has identified the signs or tests of true religion: controlling the tongue, caring for the vulnerable, and avoiding the corruptions of the world (1:26-27). Now as the letter proceeds, we learn more about what these tests involve. James 2 begins by exposing our tendency toward “partiality”—treating people according to appearances, rather than their faith and intrinsic worth. He asks us to consider how guests may be received at our own church. Do we speak differently to each one, depending on social rank or economic status? To show partiality is to imitate the world and deny the gospel, for all of us are sinners before a holy God, saved only through faith in Jesus. Favoring the rich is not only sinful, it’s absurd, since the rich and powerful are often the very ones who are oppressing the church and mocking the Savior (v 1-8). If someone would object that favoritism is a small sin, James appeals to the royal law, the law of King Jesus. Love for neighbor is central in His kingdom, and this requires that we show kindness and respect to all. The royal law is not just a text; it’s Christ speaking. So when we sin, we don’t merely break a command, we break a relationship; we offend a Person. The law reflects God’s own character. If we obey only the commands we deem important, we reject the King to enthrone ourselves. Instead of acting like lords, we would do well to remember that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Love of neighbor will not be the cause of our salvation, but the confirmation of it. Of course, our record will always be imperfect, but the King bore our sins on a cross. For those who trust in Him, “mercy triumphs over judgment” (v 8-13). We are only saved by grace through faith—according to God’s rich mercy, not because of our good works (cf Titus 2:4-7). Yet if good works do not follow our profession of faith, our “faith” is not genuine. False faith offers kind words to cover up a hard heart. A faith that does nothing to help a fellow believer is useless and dead. To know the truth about Christ is not enough, for then demons would qualify for heaven! At least demons tremble before God, which is more than can be said of many who profess to be Christians (v 14-19). When James says Abraham was “justified by works,” he’s not saying that Abraham earned his salvation, but that his faith was vindicated or validated by his works. Likewise Rahab, the Gentile prostitute, proved that her faith in the God of Israel was genuine when she risked her life to hide the Jewish spies. While dead faith is content with lofty words and noble ideas, true faith is alive and active, prompting good deeds that glorify God (v 20-26). For further meditation: