The “Whole” in Our Holiness: New Covenant Wholeness in James 1

This article argues that the new covenant promises in Jer 31:31–34 and Isa 52:11–54:17 stand as key theological antecedents to Jas 1. This background informs the author’s meaning of the concept of wholeness. This “new covenant wholeness” connects the central themes in the chapter: Steadfastness through travails produce wholeness (1:4). God’s wholeness is put on display as he gives “generously” to all (1:5), and his gifts are “whole” (1:17). New covenant members have received the “implanted word” (1:21) and show no division between faith and action through their meditation on the “perfect law of liberty” (1:25).