For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Which brings up a real issue - so many belief systems within Christianity get the cart before the horse. They push James 2:18 as backing the teaching of justification by our works. Yet that is so contrary to the clear language - Works should be the natural outflowing of the love of Christ we are suppose to be filled with. Compassion for others, and even more importantly - a burden for those who do not know the Lord... all come because we are filled with agape or the sacrificial love that God so perfectly demonstrated (and still does!)
For if we could in ANY way justify ourselves - then who would get the credit? Not THE ONE who is the only one who is worthy of such praise and honor -
Great article! Thanks for posting.