I don’t think the argument quite holds up. There is a sequence: Faith (which is not a work) => Salvation => Works (through Christ)
If you say that faith without works does not save, then salvation IS by works. The thief on the cross who had faith had no opportunity for works yet was promised salvation.
Instead, I posit that the purposes of works are to manifest a salvation that already exists, to one’s self as well as to others to bring them to Christ. Works are a confirmation of faith for certainty that one is saved when Christ is not available in the flesh to tell you so. Without works, only God knows for sure.
James sees it a little differently, USOTOS. Works do not save, but they are the evidence of salvation. In other words, he says someone can claim to have faith all day long, but if they have no works, they don’t really have faith, either.
James 2:14-20
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?