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"Having then faith in Jesus Christ, ... the believer will perform works which are pleasing in God's sight. "

I have to disagree pretty strongly if you imply that a believer will not do things which are displeasing to God. Believers still sin, this we know, and sin is displeasing to God. Moreover, James seems to be addressing those who believe, but do not show mercy. Mere belief is not enough, if we understand it to be an intellectual assent, it is insufficient.

We're getting a bit close to the holiday weekend, and having a few deadlines before heading out of town, I'll cut the chase. What do you mean by faith? Would you mind defining this in your own words? Whether we are arguing past each other or not depends upon how we define faith. Your post seems to imply that good works follow automatically from Faith. Can you elaborate on that? I see your quote from Philippians 1:6, and understand this to be describing God's faithful work. God keeps his end of the bargain, we know that well, it is man who often falls off the wagon. Scripture is quite clear that those who believe can indeed turn from God.

The author of the article suggests that we can be reconcilled with an understanding faith as being a faith that works in Love. Would you be comfortable with that as a definition of what you mean by faith in the formulation, "we are saved by faith alone?"

"Having then faith in Jesus Christ, ... the believer will perform works which are pleasing in God's sight. "

I have to disagree pretty strongly if you imply that a believer will not do things which are displeasing to God. Believers still sin, this we know, and sin is displeasing to God. Moreover, James seems to be addressing those who believe, but do not show mercy. Mere belief is not enough, if we understand it to be an intellectual assent, it is insufficient.

I did not say that the believer will not sin ... what I said was that the believer will perform works which are pleasing to God.

For example, ... it is quite evident from the scriptures that Peter sinned, even after becoming a disciple of Jesus.

But ... Peter also performed works which were pleasing to God ... all while living an imperfect life.

BTW ... was Peter always merciful ?

Certainly not ... for he sliced off the ear of the priest's servant.

Is it your belief that one must live a perfect life ... in order to perform works pleasing to God ?

Do you not trust in Jesus that His sacrifice ... will atone for your very own imperfection ?

What do you mean by faith? Would you mind defining this in your own words?

To believe/to have faith in Jesus Christ is to place one's hope for the salvation of one's soul ... in His hands.

The author of the article suggests that we can be reconcilled with an understanding faith as being a faith that works in Love. Would you be comfortable with that as a definition of what you mean by faith in the formulation, "we are saved by faith alone?"

Obeying God's command to believe (have faith) in His Son (the One which He has sent) ... is the only response which God requires from man ... so as to bestow His gift of salvation.

All else that is required ... God performs Himself ...
God has ...
... loved the believer.

... rebirthed the believer's spiritual life.

... sealed the believer unto redemption with His Holy Spirit.

... provided the scriptures as a source of faith for the believer.

... provided the Holy Spirit as a teacher for the believer.

... set those within the Church who will teach the believer.

... committed Himself to finish the work of salvation which He has begun in the believer.
And ... of course ... He provides to man what He requires from man ... saving faith.

God, Himself, has done all of this for the believer.