Supplementary Lesson 5: Justification in James 2

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The Problem

When we speak about justification by faith alone, we need to deal with a problem in the Epistle of James, chapter 2. At first sight, James seems to contradict Paul. Compare for example Romans 3:28 with James 2:24:

For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (Romans 3:28, ESV)

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:24, ESV)

Look also at the following verses:

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:2-3, ESV)

Was not our ancestor Abraham justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? (James 2:21, ESV) 

Is this a contradiction? Is James saying that a person is justified by a combination of faith and works?

QUESTION:

What is the theological problem in James 2:21 and 24?