Wondering, where is it officially taught that
“not by works of righteousness which have done, and like versus, only refers to the ceremonial law? Some RC apologists disagree, and that James was aimed at correcting the false interpretations of St. Paul’s doctrine, but teaching that only faith which is effecting works justifies.
In any case, the reality is that the Reformers, who are made out to be promoting moral laxity, taught that faith is what actually appropriates justification - and which Rome comes close to in baptism of desire (the desire being counted for the act) - but that it is a kind of faith which effects obedience toward its object, (http://peacebyjesus.witnesstoday.org/Reformation_faith_works.html) and evangelicals overall testify to more of such commitment than their counterparts in Rome. (http://www.peacebyjesus.com/RC-Stats_vs._Evang.html)
Which, while protesting that one must have works, effectually fosters such confidence in her powers and one’s own merit that even the most nominal of Ted Kennedy’s are treated and buried as members who will one day attain to eternal life, by God’s mercy thru Rome course.
But which “easy believism” has its counterpart in modern day liberal Protestantism, much in contrast to its Puritan forebearers.
There has to be a balance. Western Christianity has totally distorted this balance.
Romans 3:28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
Galatians 3:24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.