I’m satisfied that it cannot be shown that “faith alone” can be found in the Bible (except in James 2:24 where it says we are NOT saved by faith alone). Thanks for your replies everyone.
What's key here is the passive tense of this participle.
The meaning is the subject, that is the individual who is being justified, is being acted upon by an outside force, in this case God.
It is He Who justifies us....there is nothing we can do but have faith.
The passive tense is used a number of time by Paul in Romans to convey this message.
In Romans 3:24 the passive tense is used again in the phrase "being justified".
In Ephesians 2:8, the word saved is also in the passive tense. It is clear in this passage it is by His grace we are saved through faith.
Paul further clarifies this by noting it is not of yourselves nor works so none may boast.
IF there was some work we could do or had to do it would give us room to boast.
But as this is His grace that allows us to be saved through faith and not works, then it can only be by faith alone we are saved.
The Scriptures don't contradict themselves.
“(except in James 2:24 where it says we are NOT saved by faith alone)”
That is the only occurrence of the phrase “faith alone” I have come across in the Scriptures.
Except that snippet from James DOESN'T say "we are not saved by faith alone"! Instead, in context, it says we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. It's about how those around us see the faith we profess - our outward works demonstrate our inward/living faith. Do you think God cannot see into a person's heart and know if there is genuine faith in Jesus Christ?
Don't you think it strange that there is no other place in Scripture but that one from James 2:24 that says that? Will you toss out all the hundreds of verses that clearly teach we ARE saved by faith and not by our works just because you find one that seems to say the opposite? Will the Holy Spirit contradict Himself? Why don't you read the first two chapters of James so you can understand what God is teaching us. Look at the ancient people mentioned who are set up as examples of living their faith. Hebrews chapter 11 also talks about them and it is abundantly clear that they were saved because they had genuine faith - they were all commended for their faith but it was their faith ALONE that saved them. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:3)
I suspected as much.
It seems that you were not genuinely interested in learning is salvation was truly by faith but wanted to find justification for your belief that you have to somehow work to add to your salvation, s if there was anything anyone could do that could meet God;'s holy standard for righteousness.
Well, work away if you want.
Pt yourself on the back, and then you face God you can let Him know how beholden He is to you and how He has to let you into heaven cause you did so well in your works.