Faith and Works: A Study of Martin Luther's and John Calvin's Understanding of James 2:14-26

Abstract

It is fundamental for Christians to know that salvation is by grace through faith and not through works, even as good works certainly have a part to play in the Christian life and should be expected in everyone who has faith.This thesis explores two men who were most influential in the origins of Protestantism: Martin Luther and John Calvin. In particular, it will explore their respective understandings of the relationship between faith and works as understood in Calvin’s commentaries on Galatians 2:11-21 and James 2:1-14-26 and in Luther’s later Galatians commentary on Galatians 2:11-21 and in his various comments on James 2:14-26. Furthermore, this thesis attempts to develop a better understanding of the relationship between faith and works as understood by both of these men in the above passages and then ultimately answer the question of why Luther and Calvin differ over their view of the book of James. To put it briefly, I am studying Martin Luther’s and John Calvin’s understanding of the relationship between faith and works in Galatians 2:11-21 and James 2:14-26. This is because I want to discover the reasons that led them to their respective views in order to understand why these two Reformation theologians differ on their interpretation of James 2:14-26. The complete answer to this question may lie outside an exegetical understanding of Luther and Calvin, however, this thesis will focus on the exegesis of these two Reformers.