"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." --- Romans 3:28.
"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." --- James 2:24.
Both these apostles wrote by inspiration. St. Paul answers this question both affirmatively and negatively; "that a man is justified before God by faith without the deeds of the law;" and in the 20th verse positively affirms, that "by the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified." St. James asserts that "by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." St Paul speaks of a justification before God; St. James of a justification before men. St. Paul speaks of a justification of penitent sinners before God; James, of the justification of saints before men. St Paul, speaks of the the justification of sinners believing in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ for pardon and life; James, of the works of righteousness after justification by faith in Christ. Paul speaks of faith touching its office in the article of justification before God: James, of faith in its fruits and effects.
Paul's faith is supposed to be fruitful in obedience, in consequence of an interest in the merits of Christ; James' faith is declared so to be by obedience performed. Whenever there is true faith, it must fix on Jesus Christ alone for salvation; that is its principal act. This same faith unites to Christ; and where there is union, there must be love; and where there is love, there must be obedience; and where there is obedience, there will be a reward of grace; and where the reward is acknowledged to be of grace, and not of merit, God will have all the glory in time and eternity.