Matrix Morpheus

I would tell you that you are mistaken (cf Jas 2:14-26).

James is written to the "12 Tribes scattered abroad"... It is written to and for Jews that believe Jesus was their Messiah. We in todays Body of Christ are not under the law... read 2 Timothy 2:15... We are part of Christs body and under Grace... Read Romans 4:5... and check out truthtimeradio.com... Get a good KJV and listen to what is taught... Truth Time Radio is also on youtube. It's very interesting...it's a start. You might be amazed when you check out the scriptures and understand the significance of "rightly dividing the word of truth". Listen for yourself, check out the scriptures and make up your own mind. Take care.

I'm afraid your original premise that works have nothing to do with salvation is, simply put, nonsense.
Your objection to James's relevance here is poorly founded.Even if we take it literally that his letter was addressed only to Jewish converts, there's no reason to not consider it binding on all. Do 1 and 2 Timothy not belong in the Bible? They're addressed to a single man who died nineteen centuries ago. No, I believe as Paul told Timothy that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine."
But let's explore your premise more substantially. Is it true as you say that "works [have] nothing to do with salvation?" Certainly works are not sufficient; that's Pelagianism. But are they necessary?
Jesus seemed to think so. He taught that there would be a division between the saved and the damned based on who carried out the corporal works of mercy (Mt 25:31-46). Jesus also warns us to "abide in [Him]" lest we be cast off. (cf Jn 15:4-6) How do we abide in Him? We keep His commandments (Jn 15:10). Thus, it is clear that action with results external to ourselves (aka, "works") is necessary for salvation.
Paul teaches that salvation is through faith. But what is faith? What is Paul's purpose in Romans? To bring about the "obedience of faith." (cf 1:5, 16:26) So clearly, as James clarifies, there is a necessary active component to this thing that saves.
Paul certainly doesn't teach that faith alone is sufficient. See 1 Cor 13:2: " [T]hough I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing."
Even your original citation is misleading, for it leaves off the next verse: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Do you think we can disregard what we were made for and still be saved?
Let me be crystal clear. I am NOT saying:
-that we are saved by works alone,
-that works without faith are profitable,
-that salvation is earned through works,
-that we deserve salvation for any reason.
I am only saying that since obedience is an integral part of the sort of faith that is good for salvation, the products of that obedience, which we can generally call "works," are also necessary.

I hope you will check out the links and scriptures I sent you. Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles... and in this time period known as the "Dispensation of the Grace of God" Ephesians 3:1-7... we follow the Gospel given to him by revelation. It is not the same Gospel that Jesus preached to the Jews in the days of His flesh...

Salvation is a gift and Jesus Christ did everything necessary to save our souls on Calvary's cross. He died for our sins, was buried and rose again from the dead on the third day.

The bible would contradict itself if we were saved by both Grace and Works when Paul writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit clearly says other wise.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Romans 4:4-5 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

I highly recommend listening to the videos on youtube on the Truth Time Radio Channel. If you would give it a chance you will find out what 2 Timothy 2: 15 is all about.

We are save by Grace through Faith... Our works cannot be part of the equation... No one living today during this dispensation of Grace can do any works to be saved. In time past and in the ages to come works and faith will be required. Paul's gospel is not the gospel of the Kingdom(Jewish)... it is the Gospel of the Grace of God that saves today.

I would urge you to listen carefully to the youtube videos with an open Bible and decide for yourself.

Take care, Robert

I love seeing Christian memes!

I enjoy Christian memes as well. Have a great weekend!

Amen to that!