The law was meant to be a tutor. Men have always been saved by faith, through grace. The new covenant was always the end of the law.
The problem with the Jews (unlike me) is that they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.
30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. 31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; (Romans 9:30-32)
But like James, I believe that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone:
18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:18-24)
Faith without works is dead, "you foolish fellow."
The Book of James is a “show me” epsitle.
“show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”James 2:18.
The Book fo James is not about salvation but about effectiveness. James is talking about how others are affected by your faith. The Book of James does NOT contradict the Gospel of the Grace of Christ laid out in Romans through Hebrews, as you would have it do. It is simply saying that TO OTHERS (not God), your faith is useless if they’re not affected by something tangible in your life.
That is fine, but people do not determine your salvation, God in Christ does. You may fail before man, but God has stated in his New Covenant that he will NEVER remember your sins because Christ has fully borne God’s judgement for all sins everywhere.