SeaBass I wonder what your intention is? I don't know if you're really that fallacious or if you really are that blind. I don't say that to insult you, but to state it as a matter of fact. It is not an ad hominem, it is just plainly seen. Your logic is fallacious on many accounts, and you have ignored my refutation of your question being a dichotomy. You must re-word it, otherwise it is not answerable, let alone biblically.
Genuine faith may result in works. That statement does not go in contrast with faith only. Some people may not have the chance to do such works or some people may not listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit (out of ignorance). We are not saved by faith plus something (works), we are saved by grace through faith. You wish to put emphasis on works, as to say if you do not work then you are condemned. Such a thing is said in contrast to the grace of God. It is said in direct contrast to the Gospel.
We have faith that has the possibility of leading to works, but there are factors to consider why such works don't come to fruition. Also, when in James it speaks of faith without works being dead, that is equivalent to saying a body without a soul is dead. Notice, there is still a body but it is useless. It is the same with faith. It is useless without works, but what is it useless for? Salvation? No, guess again. It is useless for the rewards we will get for our works. Do you see? We are not getting a reward for our faith, but the reward is based upon our works; therefore faith without works is dead in so far as rewards are concerned.
Works are important, but they are not important for your salvation. As if they earn favor upon God's decision on Judgement Day (sarcasm). God's decision to save you is based upon His grace and what Jesus Christ has accomplished for you through his death and resurrection. Nothing else. NOTHING. NO THING. Continue to emphasize works, but do it for the right reasons. Not for salvation, because there is no other way to the Father except through the Son. Do it for rewards, even so just out of the goodness of your heart and who you now are in Christ.
Genuine faith may result in works. That statement does not go in contrast with faith only. Some people may not have the chance to do such works or some people may not listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit (out of ignorance). We are not saved by faith plus something (works), we are saved by grace through faith. You wish to put emphasis on works, as to say if you do not work then you are condemned. Such a thing is said in contrast to the grace of God. It is said in direct contrast to the Gospel.
We have faith that has the possibility of leading to works, but there are factors to consider why such works don't come to fruition. Also, when in James it speaks of faith without works being dead, that is equivalent to saying a body without a soul is dead. Notice, there is still a body but it is useless. It is the same with faith. It is useless without works, but what is it useless for? Salvation? No, guess again. It is useless for the rewards we will get for our works. Do you see? We are not getting a reward for our faith, but the reward is based upon our works; therefore faith without works is dead in so far as rewards are concerned.
Works are important, but they are not important for your salvation. As if they earn favor upon God's decision on Judgement Day (sarcasm). God's decision to save you is based upon His grace and what Jesus Christ has accomplished for you through his death and resurrection. Nothing else. NOTHING. NO THING. Continue to emphasize works, but do it for the right reasons. Not for salvation, because there is no other way to the Father except through the Son. Do it for rewards, even so just out of the goodness of your heart and who you now are in Christ.