Paul's point is we're unable to. In the OT they had sacrifices in the Temple to cleanse the sin. We have the blood of Christ.
Hence faith in Christ is required.
I'm currently doing a Greek exegesis study on James for my seminary class.
It's been interesting to line up Paul and James to clarify what they're saying. There's so much more background to the story!
Seminary class? Good onya!
Which seminary?