[fortheDeclaration]

Nothing in James contradicts Paul regarding the fact that no works are involved in salvation.

James 2 is speaking of SHOWING your faith by works, it doesn't say a word about anyone being saved by works.

So what part of 'not of works' don't you understand in Eph.2:9?

[hopespringseternal]

James 2:24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

Maybe you should read it again.

By the way, faith is a work. Belief is a work.

You are making the assumption that as soon as you admit even one "work" as necessary to salvation you are preaching that our works are the power that saves us. You are running from a straw man of your own construction.

The supernatural work of salvation that is the power that saves us was done on the cross by Jesus. When Paul says that salvation is not work works, this is what he is talking about. He was battling Judaizing teachers who were trying to put Christians on the same treadmill that did not even work under the old law. (The Pharisee who felt justified in his "righteousness" verses the tax collector was was justified because of his repentent heart.)

Maybe you should read Ephesians 2:10 -- God intended for us to do good works in His kingdom from the begining.