Our works is as filthy rags.There is none that does good,no,not one.We are all sinners and come short of the glory of God.Those in the flesh cannot please God.
There is nothing we can do to inherit salvation by our works,so the only thing we can do is have faith.
When we first come to Christ,and confess Christ,we are in the flesh,so the only thing we can do is have faith.
When we have the Spirit,then we have to have works of the Spirit,and if not then faith without works is dead,and a person is justified by works,and not faith alone.
The Bible says,quench not the Spirit,but do the works of the Spirit.
Paul,faith alone,not saved by works,when we initially confess Christ.
James,a person is justified by works,and not faith alone,after we receive the Spirit.
Not a contradiction,but we are still in the flesh having not received the Spirit yet,when we confess Christ,so faith alone,but when we receive the Spirit we are then spiritual,a person is justified by works,and not faith alone.
Paul and James both say the same thing.
Paul-if a person does not help the poor and needy,they have erred from the faith,which the love of money is the root of all
evil,because it neglects the poor and needy.
James-if a person sees a brother in need of food,and clothing,and says,depart in peace,be ye warmed,and filledmbut does not help them with their needs,then they do not have faith,for faith without works is dead.
People have to understand when Paul is speaking from the viewpoint of a person being fleshy,or spiritual.
Quench not the Spirit,for if you do,then faith without works is dead.