We love to "sugar coat" things because we don't want to offend. However, I think it's pretty clear the answer is NO!
Gal. 1:6-7 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, (7)which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal. 5:4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law, you have fallen from grace.
Roms. 4:5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
I’ve found that those preoccupied with works in their association with salvation, haven’t begun to mature in Christ.
Each of us is made uniquely and God has a Plan for each of us. As we grow in the Lord, study Scripture, intake the Word and God the Holy Spirit continues to grow us spiritually and in our soul, we go through experience testing. As we continue to persevere, and mature in Him, we sometimes begin to see where He has placed us to be at the right place and right time to perform works He has prepared us to perform.
Those are the works I understand which also justify us, but that is after initial saving faith, way after we were babes in Christ.
That is my conclusion as well, though reluctantly. All I can do, besides praying and speaking the truth whenever I get the chance, is to leave it in God's hands. He is speaking to hearts in the way only he can and he will not force anyone to trust in him and be saved. I believe he is ALL good, holy, and righteous and that he desires everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth. I trust him to do what is right.
I think I would frame the query slightly differently. Would a person be saved only by believing he must perform works with faith to gain salvation?
No.
Galatians and James though are both True. We agree?