And then another way to put it is this, faith and belief are often used virtually interchangeably in the Bible. And what do we contrast belief with? Unbelief! So are works done in unbelief pleasing to God?
Consider these verses, too, from Titus 3:
“4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.”
Then also these verses from Romans 10:
“8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Faith and belief (or unbelief) are in people’s hearts, and when a person does have faith in and believe in the Lord, that will lead to acting righteously.
We should also consider, too, that James seemed to be writing on faith and works correctivley, to chastise Christians whose hearts weren’t right with God because the faith they professed didn’t show in their lives.
Overall, the question is, when Catholics say, “faith plus works,” are they saying works done OUTSIDE of faith?
If I remember correctly, Rome teaches that after baptism, works earn extra grace.
This is the exact opposite of the definition of grace as seen in Romans 11.
In Scripture (Ephesians 2, among others) we are judged by our works, but our works are proof of faith and grace. In the same way that we know that water is boiling because the molecules are excited from heat, so are good works done by believers because they have God’s grace through faith.
Your comment: “Overall, the question is, when Catholics say, “faith plus works,” are they saying works done OUTSIDE of faith?”
I disagree with your interpretation of what Catholics say.
Works is showing our love of God and neighbor and keeping His commandments. Works is living our faith.