On the surface, James’ submission in the text would seem a contradiction to what Paul wrote to the Ephesians concerning salvation. Take a look at Paul’s submission: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV). How then can we explain the text? Was James trying to canvass salvation by works as against salvation by grace espoused by Paul? This confusion will clear when we appreciate the fact that both are referring to different types of work. Paul’s claim that we are not saved by works deals with the works of the law. “What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.” (Romans 9:30-32 NKJV).
“The summary of all this is that whereas we did not work our way to salvation, we should showcase our salvation with noble deeds of love.”
Israel sought to be saved through observance of the works of the law, a herculean task indeed. The laws were set up in such a way that if you failed in one it was as good as having violated all. So no one could ever measure up to God’s righteousness. The reference to works by James, on the other hand, has to do with Christian duties stemming out of love once someone has been saved. This becomes clearer judging from what follows our text. He argues that it is not faith if someone comes hungry and naked and all we say to him or she is, “Be filled and warmed”, without practically providing for what is needed. The summary of all this is that whereas we did not work our way to salvation, we should showcase our salvation with noble deeds of love.