Holiness and the Mission of God in the Epistle of James

Abstract

James’s central critique in the Epistle is faith that is devoid of practical action or ethics. Genuine Christian faith should be reflected in practical ethical conduct. The theme of holiness and the mission of God is explored from the perspective of the practical nature of holiness that is aligned with God’s mission. Holiness involves practical action that reflects the genuineness of faith. True holiness is expressed in practical ways, both in fulfilling personal and communal ethical responsibilities through guarding oneself against the wickedness of the world (1:27; 4:4), loving one’s neighbor (2:8), caring for the needy (1:27; 2:14–17), and administering justice for the oppressed (2:6–7; 5:1–6). In James, Christian faith (orthodoxy) and ethics (orthopraxy) are inseparable, and the practical nature of holiness and the mission of God is founded on these two aspects of Christianity.