L
Ephesians 2:8-9 is talking about Justification (Initial Salvation) and it is not talking about Sanctification (Continued Salvation). We are also saved by grace thru FAITH. But what is your faith supposed to look like? James says faith without works is dead. Hebrews 11 says faith is both a belief and an action. So is Paul and James in conflict with each other? No.
For James and Paul go together. Like two sides of the same coin, they don't conflict with each other; they compliment each other. Both teach us something vital. Paul looks at what goes on internally; James talks about the external results. Paul says, "We're saved by faith." James says, "This is what saving faith looks like."
In other words, works (all by their lonesome) is not what is saving you but it is the proof that Christ is living in you who does the actual saving. For he that has the Son has life and He that does not have the Son does not have life (1 John 5:12).
For James and Paul go together. Like two sides of the same coin, they don't conflict with each other; they compliment each other. Both teach us something vital. Paul looks at what goes on internally; James talks about the external results. Paul says, "We're saved by faith." James says, "This is what saving faith looks like."
In other words, works (all by their lonesome) is not what is saving you but it is the proof that Christ is living in you who does the actual saving. For he that has the Son has life and He that does not have the Son does not have life (1 John 5:12).
I respectfully must disagree with your interpretations of these verses. It changes the meaning of grace, and for me, the truth of the gospel of grace was a major turning point and majorly important. But not something that can be argued about. I won't keep re-posting the same verses to you and you to me getting in a verse war So, will be seeing you on the forums!