For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James (2,26)
Neither of those two verses says that works are required to obtain salvation. All they say is that works demonstrate that salvation has already occurred. That saving faith, as opposed to intellectual assent, has been exercised.
Grace by Faith, first, yes. Then comes conversion and works must follow --not for one's own sense of self-worth, but for love of the Holy Trinity.
Actually, Grace by Faith, first, yes. Then comes conversion and works WILL follow --not for one's own sense of self-worth, but for love of the Holy Trinity.
Works are the natural result of true saving faith. If someone does not have works, there is legitimate reason to question whether saving faith was exercised in the first place.
Not because works contribute to saving faith, but because they are the fruit of it and by a man's fruits he is known.
Very well said, metmom. You summed up the Scriptural position of salvation very nicely. Thank you.