The fact that we are justified by faith alone has been a hallmark of the reformation. Errors crept into the church so that people believed they had to earn their salvation. Such teaching puts a terrible burden on people, for they never know if they have done enough to be saved. The glorious truths that the reformers discovered by returning to the Scriptures was that we are saved entirely by grace. When Jesus died on the cross he cried out “it is finished” which means that the penalty for sin is paid for. A believer in Christ is made right with God when they trust in Jesus, as the penitent thief on the cross discovered. What a glorious truth.
But such a truth can also be abused, some may teach that if we’re saved by grace alone, it doesn’t matter how we live. The book of James is very helpful here. James shows us that our faith in Jesus should show itself by the way that we live. It’s not that James believes we can save ourselves, for the letter begins and ends by talking about salvation. It is by receiving the word of God, which tells us our need of salvation and shows us our saviour, that we are saved (1:21).
James is dealing with the problem of double-mindedness in the church. A church that behaves just like the world rather than in a Christ like manner. The medicine he prescribes is grace (4:6), and he expects to see that grace making a difference in the believers lives.
He gives two examples, the great hero of the faith – Abraham, who was justified by faith alone, but he showed his faith by his actions. He obeyed God, even when it was costly. The second example is Rahab, who showed she had become one of the people of God, her faith was shown by her actions.
As we read James 2 we should be challenged to be those who live out our faith, and to repent of our double-mindedness.
Light and Momentary Troubles 
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