Faith Without Works Is Dead
Genuine saving faith inevitably produces corresponding action and good works.
James confronts the separation of faith from action: 'Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.' He illustrates with Abraham, whose faith was 'made complete by what he did.' This teaching doesn't contradict Paul but clarifies: saving faith is living faith that produces obedience. Demons believe intellectually but don't obey. True faith works through love. The tension between James and Paul dissolves when we see Paul opposing works-for-salvation while James opposes faith-without-transformation. Genuine faith inevitably bears fruit.
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Luther initially struggled with James but came to appreciate that James and Paul 'agree perfectly' when understood correctly—faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.
Epistle of James