James #17: James Calls Abraham to the Witness Stand

James argues that "faith" without works is no better than the orthodox faith of the demons. Yes, orthodox. There are no Mormon demons. Their faith is accurate. Demons affirm the deity of Christ, his authority and the coming judgment. And they are full of works -- evil works. But unless our faith produces good works, we are just like the demons.

To drive home his point, James introduces an imaginary foe with whom he argue, as if in a court of law. Aiming to show his opponent that true faith can be discerened by one's works he calls as his first witness Abraham.

In the story of Abraham offering his son Isaac upon the altar we see Abraham demonstrating his faith by his trust and obedience. In the end of the story, moments before the knife plunges home, the Lord stops him and declares that now he knows Abraham believes. Abraham has been justified in that he has demonstrated that he truly posses his profession of faith.