Relationship Of Good Works To Justification

One the precious foundational truths is that we are justified before God by the work of Jesus Christ alone, with nothing in ourselves participating with that act of justification. We are justified by faith alone as the basis of our being declared righteous before a holy God. Having said this, where do good works come into play, and why does James 2 say that we are justified by works and not by faith alone? Is there a contradiction between Paul and James? Of course not. All Scripture is inspired and inerrant. Paul deals with the basis or cause of our justification whereas James deals with the genuineness of the faith that links us to Christ. Justifying faith must produce good works; otherwise, we are not justified. But, this is not saying that faith is a good work; it cannot be defined as equivalent to it. Good works are the fruit of a justified life, and are absolutely essential. We must learn to steer clear of the rocks of Phariseeism and the rocks of easy believism.