I’m very fond of Paul, but even the belief of what Paul says about Christ is based upon the presumption that Paul’s sinfulness did not get in the way of communicating the truth about Christ. Furthermore there is a presumption that EVEN IF Paul got some things wrong (for example, understating the importance of works as a sign that one possesses saving-faith), that God inspired other New Testament writers (such as James) who provided further perspective on the importance of the “fruits of faith” (namely works), and that this perspective was also included in the New Testament. In the end ALL orthodox Christians must assume that at least some faith-leaders down through the ages preserved the true teachings of Christ (either through their own free will OR because God himself intervened to insure that the true faith was not corrupted).
I meant to say “understating the importance of works”. I really wish FR had an edit function.
Looking at the state of humanity in Paul’s day, it is safe to say that much of what is said about ‘works which show one is born again’ can be seen as the behavioral changes of those to whom God has imputed the righteousness of Christ. Those who take the meaning to be ‘social justice’ type deeds (feeding the poor, clothing and sheltering the needy, etc.) miss the lengths to which Paul, and John, and Peter went to focus upon change of personal behavior.