“What James does NOT say is that works are ESSENTIAL for Salvation.”
Oh? James first asks, “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and hav enot works? can faith save him?
He then gives a lengthy discourse, answering in the negative. James says that Abraham was “justified by works,” and that faith is “made perfect” by works, and that “by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” It also says that faith is “dead” without works.
Seems pretty plain to me.
What you are missing is intent.
Can SAYING you've got 'faith' save you?
Works are PROOF of faith.
"These things will accomply those who believe."
James 2:17
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Hebrews 6:9
Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case--things that accompany salvation.