I see generally that everyone agrees that it is Faith that saves not our works.
"Our works can't save" is what most agree on (i haven't read all that has been said) but some are saying works mean nothing and others are saying works reveil or show what faith you have.
Can you take one verse and build a doctrine on that verse alone?
The bible as a whole tells me that you can't seperate faith and works.
Faith alone saves and faith comes first but it is this faith that enables God to work in us.
Jam 2.20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Rom 6.15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
1 John 5.3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
As a whole the bible teaches me that i can't do it myself, but by faith in Jesus i can (by His Spirit) do good works.
Plainly put my faith results in works.
By their fruits(actions, words, deeds, works) you will know them.
Matt 7.16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Jam 2.18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Depending who is being written to makes all the difference. Paul or James or Jesus they need to be read in context.
Real faith connects us to the source of good works. No works = no real faith.